Whale Shark Swim, Hotel Pickup

Whale shark swim from Exmouth with Ningaloo Blue, with hotel pickup, lunch, wetsuit, snorkel gear and photos included. The listing runs the whale shark season April to August and humpbacks September to November, and the sale is final (non-refundable).

Overview

This Ningaloo Blue day trip puts you in the water with whale sharks off Ningaloo Reef, running roughly six to seven hours from Exmouth with hotel pickup and drop off included. The boat carries a maximum of 18 travellers, with whale shark guides on board throughout the day. Snorkel gear, wetsuits and flotation devices are supplied, and a prescription mask can be arranged if requested at booking.

The shape of the day is straightforward. After the bus collects you from your accommodation, the boat heads out onto the reef, where swimmers enter the water with the guides when a whale shark is found. Between swims there is reef snorkelling, and reviewers regularly report manta rays, turtles, dolphins and humpback whales alongside the main event. Lunch, tea and coffee are provided on board, and one reviewer also mentions water, breakfast items, warm finger food, sweets and fruit.

Photos from the day are included in the price, though one reviewer notes a video and photo package was offered as an optional extra. The tour expects a moderate level of physical fitness, and children must be accompanied by an adult. It is not wheelchair accessible and the operator advises against it for travellers with back problems or serious heart conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupA bus collects you from your Exmouth accommodation; the pickup location is confirmed with the operator at booking.
2. Transfer to the marinaReviewers mention commentary about the area, including the towers and the US base, on the drive out to the boat.
3. Ningaloo Blue DiveThe main day on the water lasts 6 to 7 hours, including safety briefings, whale shark swims and reef snorkelling. Lunch, tea and coffee are served on board.
4. Optional video and photosA video and photo package was offered on board for an additional charge of AUD 60 according to one reviewer, on top of the free photos included in the tour.
5. Return and drop offThe bus takes you back to your hotel at the end of the day.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the day right, from what to pack to how the swimming actually works.

• What to bring. The listing asks for a hat, sunscreen, towel and a change of clothes. You will be in and out of the water repeatedly, so a dry layer for the boat is sensible.
• Fitness and pace. Swimmers need a moderate level of physical fitness, and the listing advises against the tour for travellers with back problems or serious heart conditions. Getting in and out of the water several times is part of the day, with several reviewers reporting multiple swims.
• Group feel. The cap is 18 travellers per trip. Reviewers describe close supervision from the guides, with several praising the crew's briefings and encouragement in the water.
• Food and drink. Lunch, tea and coffee are included, and reviewers also mention water, breakfast items, warm finger food, sweets and fruit. One reviewer noted a drink served near the end of the day.
• Photos. Free photos are included. If you want video as well, one reviewer paid AUD 60 on board for a video and photo package, which they recommended if you do not carry your own camera.
• Weather. Dress for changeable conditions on the water. Poor weather can lead to rescheduling or a refund.

Common issues. The experience depends on weather and a minimum number of travellers; if either is not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund. The boat is not wheelchair accessible and children must be accompanied by an adult. One reviewer based overseas reported difficulty reaching the company by any channel other than phone before their trip, which is worth knowing if you need to contact the operator from abroad.

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