Location
Exmouth vs Coral Bay
Season length, operators, prices and town size compared for the two Ningaloo whale shark bases.
Choosing A Whale Shark Swim
Each of the three whale shark swims runs six to nine hours. Beyond that, weigh the from-price, the departure town and the operator rating.
Choosing Your Departure Point
Planning
Where To Stay
Marina resorts, Murat Road motels and holiday parks: where to sleep in Exmouth when the whale sharks arrive.
Location
Coral Bay Guide
Town facts, tours, stays and the drive to Exmouth for a Coral Bay whale shark trip.
Location
Other Things To Do
Reef tours, sunset cruises and Cape Range sights to fill the days between swims.
location
Turquoise Bay Snorkel
Drift snorkel over Ningaloo coral from the beach, plus Oyster Stacks and the park fee explained.
Prices, Safety And What To Expect
Planning
The Swim Day
Hour by hour through a Ningaloo whale shark swim, from 7 am pickup to the 60 minute in-water cap.
Logistics
Best Whale Shark Tour
Compare the three real Ningaloo whale shark swim listings on price, group size, pickup and cancellation.
Logistics
Tour Guarantees
What Ningaloo whale shark listings actually promise, from refunds to repeat trips.
Logistics
Swim Vs Dive
Whale shark diving is banned at Ningaloo, swimming is snorkel only. What divers can do instead.
Logistics
Swim Rules
The legislated DBCA rules for whale shark swims at Ningaloo, explained for swimmers.
Logistics
Whale Shark Safety
Filter feeders, tail rules and the honest risk picture for swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo.
Planning
Whale Shark Photos
Camera rules, included photo packages and how to actually get the shot at Ningaloo.
Season, Whales And Planning Your Trip
Planning
Whale Shark Season
March to July officially, tours to August, sightings into October: the full Exmouth whale shark season calendar.
Planning
Humpback Whale Swims
July to October humpback swim season at Ningaloo: operators, rules and costs.
Planning
Manta Ray Swims
Coral Bay's resident mantas versus Exmouth's transient sightings, with real tour prices from A$220.
Planning
Exmouth Weather
Month-by-month water temperature, wind and wildlife windows for planning a Ningaloo trip.
Planning
Getting To Exmouth
Flights from Perth to Learmonth, the 1,270 km drive north, and the fly-drive mix that suits a Ningaloo whale shark trip.
Planning
What Is Ningaloo Reef?
The reef, the World Heritage listing, the whale sharks and the rules, explained simply.