by Located on Australia’s Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef is a marine paradise famous for whale sharks and the ultimate marine encounters with the ocean’s biggest and best. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for anyone who wants to go underwater and explore the wilderness of Cape Range National Park.
One of the main reasons to visit Ningaloo Reef is to swim with the biggest fish in the sea: the whale shark. These gentle giants are referred to as majestic creatures and visit Ningaloo between March and July. It is a lifetime experience that attracts visitors from around the world. Known for wildlife encounters, scenery and real life-changing experiences, Ningaloo Reef should be on every marine lover’s bucket list.
Why Ningaloo Reef is the best spot for whale shark viewing
Whale Shark Season and Migration
Every year, the Ningaloo Reef becomes a hot spot for whale shark season as these majestic creatures migrate to feed on the rich waters of the Coral Coast. The shallow waters and proximity to the fringe reef make Ningaloo special because you can see these gentle giants up close whether you’re snorkelling, diving or just watching from the boat. Unlike many other whale shark viewing spots around the world that require hours of boating offshore, Ningaloo is only minutes from the Coral Bay or Exmouth coastline.
The whale shark aggregation coincides with the coral spawning season, which pumps the waters with plankton and krill, the favourite food of these amazing creatures. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a confident swimmer snorkelling for the first time, swimming with whale sharks is both humbling and awesome. Tours depart from Exmouth, near Learmonth Airport, so it’s easy for both domestic and international visitors.
Coral Coast’s natural wonders
Ningaloo is part of the wider Coral Coast, a region that stretches over 1,100km along the Western Australian coastline. The Coral Coast is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and marine environments, the Cape Range Peninsula and Cape Range National Park. When not getting underwater, visitors can explore the canyons, limestone ranges and secluded beaches of Cape Range National Park and enjoy the views of the Indian Ocean that are as stunning as the underwater world.
The Coral Coast has more to offer than just marine life, it has rich biodiversity, manta rays, turtle species, dolphins and reef sharks. Whale shark tours with Ningaloo Whale Shark n Dive or Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours often have the added bonus of seeing pods of humpback whales during their migration and other marine life like tropical fish, manta rays and reef sharks.
Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Marine Park
Ningaloo Reef is bounded by Cape Range National Park, a massive wilderness area that covers the Cape Range Peninsula. It’s a world away from the underwater world, with gorges, limestone caves and ancient cliffs. If you want to combine your whale shark adventure with some land based exploration then a visit to Cape Range is a must. The park is home to rock wallabies, emus and many bird species so it’s perfect for nature walks and camping.
You can also visit Turquoise Bay in Cape Range National Park, which is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. The bay’s shallow waters and coral gardens are perfect for snorkelling and seeing a wide range of marine life. Lighthouse Bay also has some great diving spots, and with the deck space on the boat, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the best of the Coral Coast.
Whale Shark Tour
A day on a Ningaloo Whale shark tour is a day you will never forget. The day starts with a safety briefing and a morning sail through the turquoise waters of Ningaloo. Most tours depart from Exmouth or Coral Bay, and with an experienced crew on board, you can be assured of a fun and safe day. If you are staying at RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park or Exmouth Escape Resort, a shuttle can often be arranged to take you to the tour boat.
These tours are guided by dive masters and knowledgeable staff who are local experts in the marine environment and whale shark behaviour. Whether on a 17m or 20m vessel, passengers are treated to luxury amenities including shaded decks, morning tea and lunch while keeping an eye out for these gentle giants as they swim by. Some boats also have glass bottom boats so you can see the underwater world without getting wet.
Throughout the day, you may have multiple opportunities to get in the water for a whale shark swim or snorkel the fringe reef and see manta rays, tropical fish, and loggerhead turtles. For the more adventurous, a dive into the deeper waters of Ningaloo will give you encounters with reef sharks and other ocean predators.
Best Time to Visit
If you want to guarantee a whale shark encounter the best time to visit is between March and July. The weather is perfect during this time, the waters are warmest and clearest making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. The peak of whale shark season is during the coral spawning in March and April when the waters are nutrient rich and the whale sharks are attracted to the area.
If you are interested in other marine life, Ningaloo also has the annual humpback whale migration from July to November, and you can go on Ningaloo reef tours along with Ningaloo Whale shark tours.
More to do
While swimming with whale sharks is the main event, the Coral Coast has plenty of other activities to keep you busy. The Ningaloo Marine Park is a snorkeler, kayaker and divers paradise. At Coral Bay, you can join Coral Bay Ecotours, which offers manta ray swims and whale-watching cruises. The coral reefs around Ningaloo are home to over 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral.
After a day of adventure there are plenty of places to stay along the coast, beach camping at Lighthouse Bay and more luxurious options like Exmouth Escape Resort. Many visitors choose to extend their trip with a multi day itinerary like the 7 day Exmouth Explorer Tour which includes whale shark swims, camping and sightseeing throughout the region.
For those who want to really get back to nature, Ningaloo Reef and its surroundings offer the ultimate adventure, from swimming with the biggest fish in the world to hiking through the rugged beauty of Cape Range National Park. Whether you are an experienced diver or just looking for a day of amazing encounters, Ningaloo has something for everyone.
FAQ
When is the best time for whale sharks to visit Ningaloo Reef?
March to July, when the coral spawning event brings the whale sharks to the area.
Is Ningaloo Reef suitable for beginner swimmers?
Yes, the water is shallow and tours cater for all levels. Even if you can’t swim we have experienced crew to ensure your safety.
How do I get to Ningaloo Reef?
Learmonth Airport is the closest airport to Ningaloo Reef, just outside Exmouth.
What other marine life will I see?
Manta rays, dolphins, turtles, reef sharks and pods of humpback whales during their migration.
Can I do land-based activities with my whale shark tour?
Yes! Cape Range National Park is nearby for hiking, wildlife viewing and camping if you want to do land and sea.
