Christmas, Cocos & Ningaloo Diving Adventure

Perth & Ningaloo Reef

Day 1: Perth.  Fly to Perth today with a day at leisure to explore the city.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room)

Day 2: Ningaloo. Fly to Learmonth and check into your Exmouth accommodation.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: B

Day 3: Ningaloo Reef Double Dive. The Ningaloo Marine Park is an amazing underwater sanctuary, with this tour providing the opportunity for guests to spend the day exploring different dive sights accessible by boat only. On the journey out across the beautiful waters, guests should be on the lookout for Bottlenose, Australian Humpback and Common Dolphins, Dugongs, Humpback Whales (from June to November) and Whale Sharks (boat viewing only from March to August). 

The marine life found at Ningaloo is incredibly diverse, with 300 coral species, 600 different molluscs, and around 500 species of fish in the region. Popular fish sightings range from Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Damselfish, Scissor Tails, Flutemouths, and Wrasse, to larger fish such as Groper, Barracuda, Coral Trout, Cod and Trevally. A huge variety of nudibranchs are a delight for enthusiasts due to their spectacular colours.

More than 50 per cent of Indian Ocean coral species are found across the Ningaloo Marine Park area, with over 300 species, including Finger, Staghorn, Porites Cabbage, Brain, Lavender, Plate, Mushroom, Bubble and Branching Corals. Whilst not a coral, Anemone's are common, providing habitat for some of the reef's most endearing residents; the Clarkes, Pink and Tomato Anemonefish.

Whitetip and Blacktip Reef Sharks, Great and Scalloped Hammerheads, Bronze Whalers, Cat Sharks, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Bull Rays and the well-camouflaged Wobbegong are highlights for divers whilst Manta Rays can be seen performing their incredible courtship dances around April, with the species growing up to 7 metres wide (disc width) and around 1,350 kg.

Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo offers adventures for divers of all experience levels, across a wide variety of sites. A full day of scuba exploring the amazing underwater world at Ningaloo will cover two different dive sites, selected according to conditions, to enable guests to experience the biodiversity of the region. Turtles, Sea Snakes, Manta Rays, Wobbegongs, sea fans, soft corals, Moray Eels, Batfish, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Nudibranchs and abundant colourful reef fish provide an endless feast for the senses.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: BL

Deluxe Whaleshark Swim

Day 4: Whale Shark Swim. On this unforgettable day in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, you'll encounter the world's largest fish, the whale shark. Early in the day, you'll board a well-equipped vessel that will use light aircraft to locate these magnificent fish for optimal viewing opportunities.

The crew, including marine biologists, will provide educational talks about the area's rich biodiversity and the whale sharks' behaviours, feeding patterns, and identification tips. They'll also instruct you on how to safely and effectively swim with these gentle giants. A guide will accompany you in the water at all times to ensure a safe experience. The return journey often features sightings of other megafauna, such as Humpback Whales, Manta Rays, and various dolphins. Meals and refreshments are provided throughout the day, ending with a celebratory glass of champagne or light beer.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: BL

Day 5: Perth. Depart Exmouth on a flight back to Perth with the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room) | Meals: B

Dive Christmas Island (7 nights)

Day 6-12: Christmas Island. Depart Perth for the flight to Chrismas Island, which exists at the tip of a long-extinct volcano, with 80km of coastline supporting a fringing reef, most of which is around 20-25 metres depth. This provides views to some amazing drop-offs, hosting Gorgonian Fan corals and sea caves to explore, suitable for divers of varying experience and skills. With rarely any current, the visibility is usually between 25-50 metres.

During the dry season from April - October, the North Western coastline is typically used for diving due to the protected waters and spectacular coral gardens. This coastline also boasts caves, Gorgonian Fan corals, and steep drop-offs. During the wet season from November to March, diving is conducted on the North West coastline (weather permitting), with operators occasionally using the ramp at Ethel Beach. Whale Sharks can be seen on an opportunistic basis between November and March, and are most likely viewed on the northwest side of the island.

Flying Fish Cove is also spectacular for shore diving with amazing coral gardens, drop-offs and the occasional friendly Dragon Moray Eel, turtle and Bump-head Parrotfish. 

You will depart on your dive trips from Flying Fish Cove, with sites easy to access in a short time. Your dive trip will generally return in the early afternoon around 1 pm, providing plenty of time to explore the island's incredible wildlife, geology, landscapes and culture. Afternoon tours with Indian Ocean Experiences start at 2 pm, so you can still get back from diving in time to head out with an experienced guide.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Dive Cocos Keeling Island (7 nights)

Day 13-19: Cocos Keeling Islands. Take the flight from Christmas Island to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, known for their spectacular clear azure waters, with a significant population of turtles in the lagoon (15,000 Green Turtles and 15,000 Hawksbill Turtles), reef sharks, dolphins, Manta Rays, diverse coral gardens, delicate Gorgonian Fans and over 500 species of fish.

You will board the dive vessel from West Island and a short trip across the lagoon will provide access to outstanding locations such as Cabbage Patch, The Cannons and a Manta Ray cleaning station. Venturing to the outside of the lagoon rewards divers with some amazing drop-offs, visits by friendly sharks and if you are lucky – a chance to see Cocos's long-term resident – Kat the Dugong.

The surface interval with lunch is usually taken on Direction Island, also providing an opportunity to laze on the idyllic beaches. Dive vessels generally return later in the afternoon, giving you time to relax and enjoy the incredible sunsets.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 20: Perth. Return to Perth for your ongoing departure.