Featured Wildlife Journeys

Whale Shark
Manta Ray
Humpback Whale
Green Sea Turtle

Humpback Whale Swim and Watching

Available from: July 01 2023 - October 31 2023

From: $330 USD

Duration: Full Day - Ningaloo & Exmouth

Type: Groups, Shared.

Departs: Daily

Interests: Marine Mammals.

A staggering 30,000 west coast Humpback Whales migrate through to the Ningaloo region and start to rest after their long migration from the Antarctic and this is your chance to snorkel with these majestic creatures!

Mothers will typically move their calves into the Gulf area at Exmouth over these months, to fatten them up for their lengthy return journey south.
Visitors will venture out in small groups of seven with a guide & videographer to record one of the most special intimate encounters of the ocean. Following this, guests will enjoy a snorkel on the reef to enjoy the amazing tropical fish, rays, turtles and corals.

About Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo:

As the region’s original eco-tourism operation, Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo is synonymous with experiencing the aquatic treasures of the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. Debbie & Mark Ferguson have been involved taking ecotours around Western Australia for over 20 years, managing the operations of a number of boats in various locations. The team is proud to specialise in small group tours for Whale Shark swims, Humpback Whale swims & watching, scuba diving and snorkelling and is active in numerous conservation projects including Whale Sharks, turtles and Manta Rays.

_{Price per adult. Black-out dates may apply. Pricing is subject to availability and all prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change without notice. Currency fluctuations may affect prices as quotes based on AUD. Prices are current at time of posting (1/4/2022) and may differ when you book your travel. Please contact us for our current pricing and itinerary details*}

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Itinerary

Tour day-by-day

Humpback Whale Swim and Watching

The Humpback Whale watching & swim cruise offers guests the incredible opportunity to swim with these wonderful creatures. The ‘swim with’ offering requires pre-booking with a quota of three groups of five passengers.

If the circumstances are favourable, additional whale watchers on board may have the option to upgrade to the 'swim program’ as well. Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo has special permission to approach Humpback Whales to a distance of 50 metres with the boats, being half the distance of any other whale watching cruise in Australia.

This provides a very special close-up view for non-swimmers to enjoy the whales as they display their playful antics as they relax in the warm tropical waters of Exmouth. Under the careful watch of the guides, swimmers will slide into the water and approach the Humpback Whale. There are strict distance guidelines and safety is paramount in these very special encounters.

"What I love about Humpback Whales is their focus on connection. They are rarely alone, and when we swim with them, I believe that you can also feel this connection. The first time I swam with a Humpback Whale took my breath away and it felt like there was nothing else in the world except this giant of the ocean and me. I hear similar statements from guests after they experience their first swim, too. The adrenalin is high, but the minute you see a Humpback your body and mind just freeze in the moment.”

Corrine Matthews - Spotter & Snorkelling Guide

To be with such a gentle giant in a unique close encounter is an extraordinary lifetime experience, with a free video to savour these memories. Guests will also enjoy a snorkel on the reef to enjoy the amazing tropical fish, rays, turtles and corals.
Tour details

Shared Tour Pricing: from $450.00 per person (adult), $435.00 (children aged 13-16 years), $195 Adult observer
Group Size: Minimum of 7 guests, maximum of 14 swimmers + 10 observers
Pick-up and Drop Off Point: Exmouth accommodations
Pick-up and Drop-off Time: 7:00am returning at approximately 3:30pm.
Private Boat Charter: Available on Request at additional cost. Please enquire with your group size & interests.

Languages: German, French, Spanish and Italian private touring is available on request.

Please note: Price includes video of your Humpback Swim by Professional Videographer (USB at additional cost).

How you'll be making a positive impact

We have aligned our sustainability vision with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Using Desalination where the Outback meets the Reef
All of the vessels operated by Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo utilise desalination systems that convert seawater into freshwater. This is required for numerous functions, from drinking water and food preparation, to deck and exterior washdowns. It is estimated that around 300 litres of fresh water is saved per day utilising this technology, adding up to 60,000 litres per year.

Developing Partnerships To Meet Sustainability Goals
Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo have developed a number of partnerships with key environmental organisations within the Exmouth region, Western Australia and Australia, including Mission Deep Blue, Longitude 181 Nature, Project Manta, Wildbook for Whale Sharks, Centre for Whale Research Western Australia, Australian Parks & Wildlife Marine Research, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions.

Project Manta, Wildbook for Whale Sharks and the Centre for Whale Research Western Australia are all supported financially via experiences provided by Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo.