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NINGALOO WHALE SHARK SWIM
ON A SAILING CATAMARAN

Get ready to board our super stable, fast and comfortable 60ft sailing catamaran WINDCHEETAH, hit play for more.

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You are invited to swim with the biggest fish in the sea – The Whale Shark! 

Join us for this once in a lifetime experience on the beautiful World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef, just off Exmouth.

On Ningaloo Discovery’s Whale Shark Swim Tour you can snorkel with whale sharks, interact with manta rays, encounter dugongs, turtles, humpback whales, dolphins, amazing colorful tropical fish and coral on the Ningaloo Reef just off Exmouth. Swimming with a whale shark is an unforgettable experience and doing so off a luxuriously appointed, stable sailing catamaran is the most comfortable, eco-friendly and memorable way of taking the plunge!

Our air-conditioned bus will collect you straight from your doorstep where you’ll be greeted by our fantastic crew members and welcomed on your journey of a lifetime! Listen in or chill out during the drive down the coast as we’ll be telling you all about what your about to experience and sharing some fabulous facts about the local area.

Get ready to board our super stable, fast and comfortable 60ft sailing catamaran. Being a large catamaran she is extremely stable and so a very good choice for those slightly prone to motion sickness, with several different areas for viewing wildlife, entering the water and generally just hanging out, WINDCHEETAH is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your day ( not to take away from the star of the show….The Whale Shark!) Meet the rest of your crew for the day and set off in comfort. We’ll take exceptional care of you, fit you for your fins, masks and wetsuits and ensure everybody is 100% at ease, feeling confident and excited!

Warm up by dropping into one of the most beautiful reefs in the world at our first snorkel site and discover an abundance of coral, tropical fish, turtles and potentially even manta rays or dugongs. Our guides will be right there with you in the water to steer you in the right direction, and to pay special attention to any modest swimmers. Feel free to grab one of our floating noodles should you feel like the extra bit of flotation.

While you’re busy exploring the reef, the spotter plane has already departed and is searching for our first Whale Shark cruising nearby.

Seen something that your curious about? Ask our guides! All of our crew-members have a passion for the ocean (it’s their life!) and are your knowledge bank for all things aquatic – many even have marine science backgrounds.

When a Whale Shark has been spotted, it’s all systems go! The skipper heads the boat towards the Whale Shark’s location. There’s a buzz in the air, the excitement and anticipation mount amongst crew and passengers alike. You will then be split into two groups and prepare for your jump into the crystal clear waters of the Ningaloo…

You and your guide drop in and get up close and personal to the worlds biggest fish, this is your chance to experience wonder and marvel at the sheer size, grace and elegance of the biggest fish in the world. Most of these sharks are between 4 and 12 metres long but have been know to grow as large as 18 metres!

Our professional on board photographer is all the while capturing every moment in the water, and above the water from the very best angle for you to take home at no extra cost.

It’s likely that this won’t be your only shark, the pilot has been busy searching for another gentle giant to swim with, and on his call get ready to do it all again… And again!

It’s hungry work, don’t we know it! We’ve already got lunch on the way as we sail back in to look for Manta Rays, Dugongs and even Humpback Whales (when in season). If you don’t have the energy for more activities recline in our famous cargo net for a refreshing tow through the crystal clear waters of the lagoon as we sail back in towards Tantabiddi.

To celebrate a truely magnificent day, kick back and enjoy with a glass of sparkling and a seasonal fruit platter while we set the sails and listen to the sounds of the water aginst the hull as we make our way back to the mainland. Wrap things up with a comfortable cruise right back to the front of your accommodation. You’ll walk away wondering how you didn’t do it all sooner!

Still want to join our tour but don’t want to swim with a Whale Shark? Join us as an observer! You can take part in all of the activities – including swimming with Manta Rays should we spot them – The only difference is you will be observing the Whale Sharks from the vessel and not physically in the water with them ( perfect for those that want a bit of adventure but are not quite ready to take the plunge with the biggest fish in the sea just yet!)

TRIP INCLUDES

  • Whale Shark Swim on our luxurious sailing catamaran
  • Full day tour, 7:45am – 3 to 4pm approximately
  • Complimentary bus transfers from your accommodation in Exmouth to the boat ramp and return. 
  • Experienced, professional award winning crew on board and supporting you in the water as much as you need. Interesting informative spiels about the area and the marine life will keep you entertained too.
  • Spotter aircraft to ensure best possible opportunity of sighting and swimming with Whale Sharks
  • Maximum of 10 swimmers in each group, and never more than 20 swimmers on board on any given day
  • In water experiences with a Whale Shark
  • Snorkelling on the Ningaloo Reef
  • Quality snorkel equipment including mask, snorkel, fins of all sizes
  • Wetsuits of all sizes
  • Flotation aids and life jackets available on board if required
  • Marine specialists onboard to answer all your questions and guide you
  • Opportunity to assist with hoisting the sails or relaxing on the bow nets, daybeds or bean bags
  • Yummy Morning Tea, Buffet Lunch and Afternoon Tea provided, we can cater to dietary needs
  • Sunscreen, water, dry area for your belongings and shade on board
  • Boom net for towing along behind the vessel through the shallows of the lagoon (weather and time permitting)
  • Celebratory glass of sparkling wine
  • Complimentary gift pack per group booking
  • Whale Shark Swimmer Certificate which also allows you discounts on further tours!
  • All government fees and charges included in the price!
  • Complimentary Professional Photography Package of the day. Thats right, ALL THE PHOTOS FOR FREE!
  • Please note: 2% transaction fee applies to credit card payments
  • Comprehensive No sighting policy **

The Coral Coast of Western Australia is home to an abundance of unique wildlife full of national parks and reefs ready to be explored. Ningaloo Discovery operates boat cruises and sailing cruises around the Ningaloo Reef as well as specialising in whale shark snorkel and interaction tours. All equipment is provided on board for the whale shark tour including snorkeling equipment, floatation aids and tour guides who are very knowledgeable and passionate about whale sharks and the marine environment. The clear waters and visibility of the North West make for perfect conditions to swim with a whale shark as the whale sharks cruise just below the surface, allowing snorkelers to swim alongside these magnificent creatures.

Whale sharks are found in the waters of the Ningaloo Reef from March until the end of July. This makes Exmouth a popular tourist destination and a definite box to tick when planning your holiday, and considering things to do. Western Australia attracts international tourists every year drawn to the sandy white beaches and rolling coastlines backing onto a colorful diverse coral reef home to an abundance of marine life and of course, the whale sharks which are found in large numbers on the Ningaloo Reef so it’s no wonder it’s the only place in Australia where people can participate in a whale shark tour and have the chance to swim and snorkel with a whale shark. Ningaloo Discovery is the perfect platform for your next whale shark adventure!

Did you know?
License charges included in your whale shark tour go towards funding the Department of Parks and Wildlife’s various research programs of whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef and world wide, in an effort to protect, conserve, and constantly discover more about this beautiful animal. Every ticket you book to swim with a Whale Shark contributes towards research into this mysterious species.

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