Ningaloo Reef, on the remote coast of Western Australia, is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world, stretching about 260 km and lying close to shore. The Ningaloo Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between about March and July, whale sharks gather here to feed, and Ningaloo is famous for having one of the world’s best-managed whale shark tourism industries.
At a glance
| Best time | March to July for whale sharks; July to October for humpback whales |
| Getting there | Fly from Perth to Learmonth (Exmouth), about 2 hours |
| Time needed | 3 to 5 days |
| Big draws | Whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, turtles, coral |
| Good for | Snorkellers, families, adventurous travellers |
Swimming with whale sharks
- Licensed tour boats use spotter planes to find whale sharks, then place small groups of snorkellers in the water ahead of the shark. See our whale shark profile.
- Rules limit group sizes and time with each shark, and require keeping at least 3 metres from the shark’s head and body and 4 metres from its tail.
- Sightings are very likely in the peak season, and many operators offer another trip if you miss out.
Humpback whale swims
From about July to October, humpback whales migrate along the coast. Ningaloo is one of the few places in Australia where licensed operators can offer in-water humpback whale interactions under strict rules. See our humpback whale profile.
Other wildlife
- Manta rays: reef mantas are seen year-round, especially near Coral Bay. See our giant manta ray profile.
- Turtles: green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches from about November to March.
- Coral spawning: in March and April.
- Dugongs, dolphins and reef sharks.
- Snorkelling from the beach: at Turquoise Bay and Oyster Stacks, the reef is just a few metres from the sand.
When to go
- March to July: whale shark season (peak April to June).
- July to October: humpback whales.
- November to March: turtle nesting and hatching; hot.
Getting there
Fly from Perth to Learmonth, about 35 km from Exmouth. Coral Bay is about 1.5 hours south of Exmouth. You can also drive from Perth (about 12 to 13 hours).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo? April to June.
Exmouth or Coral Bay? Both offer whale shark tours. Exmouth has more operators; Coral Bay is smaller and good for manta rays.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer? You should be a confident snorkeller; whale sharks can swim faster than you. Wetsuits and flotation help.
Can I swim with humpback whales at Ningaloo? Yes, with licensed operators from about August to October.
Related guides
- Great Barrier Reef: a responsible reef trip
- Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines
- Australia wildlife itinerary: 3 weeks
- Animal profiles: Whale shark, Humpback whale, Dugong
Cover photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons