Ningaloo humpback swims: Swimming with whales from Exmouth, WA
It is possible to swim with whales on the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia during humpback whale season. Several operators run humpback whale snorkelling tours from Exmouth.
The Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia doesn’t get a fraction of the coverage that the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland manages. But if you want to swim with enormous sea creatures, then there’s probably no better place on earth.
Swimming with whale sharks is the Ningaloo’s long-standing calling card, with the whale shark season running from March to August. These snorkelling tours are unquestionably one of Australia’s best wildlife experiences. But now there is the opportunity to swim with another giant of the deep – humpback whales.
8 amazing Exmouth experiences to book in advance.
- Swim with whale sharks – using a spotter plane for maximum shark snorkelling time. This is an experience you’ll genuinely remember forever.
- Ningaloo wildlife adventure – see much more than just the whale sharks.
- Full day kayaking tour – stopping to snorkel at parts of the reef the boats can’t reach.
- Sunset cruise – with dolphin-spotting, snacks and drinks.
- Cape Range trekking adventure.
- Dive on the Ningaloo Reef.
- Swim with humpback whales – they come after whale shark season is over.
- Kayak and snorkel with turtles.
Swim with whales on the Ningaloo Reef
The humpbacks have always been there, arriving between July and October, generally after the whale sharks have gone. But after observing swimming with whales sessions overseas in Mexico and Tonga, the Western Australian government gave the green light for experimental whale swim tours.
The existing whale shark tour operators snapped up the licences for the whale swims, and they took place for the first time in 2016. Guidelines are strict, staff underwent extra training, and visitors are only be allowed to get in the water with solo whales. Mothers with calves must be left well alone.
Ningaloo humpback swim conditions
To swim with whales on the Ningaloo Reef, you need to be a relatively strong swimmer. The humpbacks tend to move faster than the whale sharks, meaning you spend less time along side them.
Operators such as Ningaloo Whale Sharks require swimmers to be able to snorkel unaided in open water without making much noise or splashing. This is all about not putting the whales off.
Humpback whale sightings on the Ningaloo Reef
If you go to Exmouth to swim with whales on the Ningaloo Reef, sightings are not guaranteed. However, there’s a good chance of spotting turtles, dugongs, dolphins and rays while looking for the humpback whales. And some operators off discounts on future tours if whales are not spotted. Ocean Eco Adventures, for example, offers 50% off a future humpback whale tour if the whales are not sighted. These day trips from Exmouth cost $419 at time of writing.
The whale swimming tours have been a success, however, extending the tourism season on the Ningaloo Reef. This is good news because it allows more tourism offerings to be viable to those making the two hour flight or long drive up to Exmouth. Examples of other things to do in Exmouth include scenic flights in a microlight and Ningaloo Reef kayaking tours.
Best Exmouth accommodation choices
- For infinity pool resort luxury: Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort.
- For central location: Ningaloo Lodge.
- For apartments with pool and landscaped gardens: Exmouth Escape Resort.
- For families: RACV Exmouth Cape Holiday Park.
More whales in Australia
What are the best things to do in Victor Harbor, South Australia?
Why should I visit the Cheynes Beach Whaling Station near Albany, Western Australia?
What can I see at the Head of Bight lookout in South Australia?
Can I swim with humpback whales in Mooloolaba, Queensland?
What is the best thing to do in Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria?