Whale Shark Tours in Exmouth: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
Swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world — and Western Australia is one of the only places where you can do it ethically and consistently.
Every year, gentle whale sharks migrate along Ningaloo Reef, giving visitors the rare chance to snorkel alongside the world’s largest fish in clear, protected waters.
This guide covers the best whale shark tours in Exmouth, when to go, what’s included, how much it costs, and how to choose the right tour so you don’t overpay or book the wrong experience.
👉 Planning your trip? Start with my Exmouth Travel Guide
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🧭 Whale Shark Tours Exmouth: Quick Answer
- Season: Late March to late July
- Location: Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth
- Duration: Full day (8–9 hours)
- Swimming required: Basic snorkelling ability
- Worth it? Yes — one of WA’s top bucket-list experiences
👉 Check Availability for the Best Whale Shark Swim Tours in Exmouth
🐋 What Is a Whale Shark Tour in Exmouth?
A whale shark tour is a full-day guided experience where you:
- Travel by boat from Exmouth
- Use spotter planes to locate whale sharks
- Enter the water in small groups
- Snorkel alongside whale sharks in the wild
All tours operate under strict WA government regulations, limiting numbers and protecting the animals.
This ensures:
- Ethical encounters
- High success rates
- Minimal impact on whale sharks
⭐ Best Whale Shark Tours in Exmouth (Top Picks)
These operators are consistently rated among the best whale shark tours in Exmouth.
🥇 Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours 5*
⭐ Tour basics
- Full-day tour (around 8 hours)
- Runs during whale shark season
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Exmouth
- Purpose-built, comfortable vessel
- Smaller groups in the water at a time
- Good balance of whale shark swims and reef snorkelling
- Ideal for families and mixed swimming abilities
🎒 What’s included
- Transfers to and from the boat ramp
- Spotter plane to help find whale sharks
- Swim with whale sharks (conditions permitting)
- Guided reef snorkelling stops
- All snorkel gear, wetsuits and flotation aids
- Support from experienced guides and crew
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon snacks
- Drinking water, tea and coffee
- Professional photos of your day
- Whale shark sighting guarantee (conditions usually apply)
🚫 What’s not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Seasickness tablets
- Travel insurance
- Optional tips for the crew
- Accommodation
👉 Check Availability for Kings Ningaloo Direct Here
🥈 Three Islands Whale Shark Tour 4.9*
⭐ Tour basics
- Full-day tour (around 8 hours)
- Operates during whale shark season only
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Exmouth
- Smaller groups in the water at a time
- Mixture of whale shark swims and reef snorkelling
- Good for beginners and confident swimmers
🎒 What’s included
- Spotter plane to help find whale sharks
- All snorkel gear, wetsuits and flotation aids
- Guides in the water to support you
- Reef snorkel stops (weather and conditions allowing)
- Lunch, morning tea and snacks
- Drinking water, tea and coffee
- Professional photos of the day
- Possibility of seeing turtles, manta rays, dolphins and more
🚫 What’s not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Seasickness tablets
- Travel insurance
- Optional tips for the crew
- Accommodation
👉 View Three Islands Whale Shark Tour Prices here
🥉 Ningaloo Discovery 4.9*
⭐ Tour basics
- Full-day tour (usually 7.45am to mid-afternoon)
- Often run on a big sailing catamaran (very comfy)
- Small groups in the water at a time
- Relaxed pace with time to enjoy the boat
- Good for families, couples, and first-timers
- Focus on the whole reef experience, not just the shark
🎒 What’s included
- Transfers from your Exmouth accommodation
- Spotter aircraft to locate whale sharks
- Swim with whale sharks (conditions allowing)
- Snorkel stops on the reef
- All snorkel gear, wetsuits and flotation aids
- Marine guides on board
- Morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon snacks
- Drinking water, tea and coffee
- Professional photos of your day
- Shade, comfy seating and space to relax
🚫 What’s not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Seasickness tablets
- Travel insurance
- Optional tips for crew
- Accommodation
📊 Whale Shark Tour Comparison
| Feature | Three Islands Whale Shark Dive | Ningaloo Discovery – Swim & Sail | Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour style | Full-day, classic tour | Full-day, relaxed sail-style | Full-day, family-friendly |
| Boat | Powerboat | Large sailing catamaran (or powerboat some days) | Purpose-built tour vessel |
| Pick-up included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swim group size (in water) | Small groups at a time | Small groups at a time | Small groups at a time |
| Best for | People who want structure and support | Comfort, space, slower pace | Families and mixed swimming abilities |
| Reef snorkelling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spotter plane | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Photos included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Food | Lunch + snacks | Morning tea, lunch, snacks | Morning tea, lunch, snacks |
| Extras / feel | Efficient and organised | Comfortable, easy-going | Supportive, approachable crew |
| Sighting guarantee | Usually offered | Usually offered | Usually offered |
| Good for beginners | Yes | Yes | Yes |
👉Book Kings Ningaloo Here
👉 Book 3 Islands Here
🗓️ Best Time to Do a Whale Shark Tour in Exmouth
Whale shark season: Late March to late July
Peak months:
- April–June (best visibility & highest sightings)
Outside this window:
- Tours do not operate
- Whale sharks migrate away from the reef
Whale Shark Season in Exmouth (By Month)
| Month | Whale Shark Sightings | Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | Starting | Warm | ✔ Good |
| April | High | Excellent | ⭐ Best |
| May | Very High | Excellent | ⭐ Best |
| June | Very High | Excellent | ⭐ Best |
| July | Declining | Good | ✔ Good |
| August | Rare | Cooler | ❌ Not ideal |
🧑🤝🧑 Who Can Do a Whale Shark Tour?
You do not need to be an advanced swimmer, but you should:
- Be comfortable snorkelling
- Be able to climb a ladder
- Follow instructions quickly
Not suitable for:
- Non-swimmers
- Very young children (age limits apply)
Always check operator requirements before booking.
🧠 What’s Included in a Whale Shark Tour?
Most Exmouth whale shark tours include:
- Snorkelling gear
- Wetsuits
- Lunch & refreshments
- Spotter plane support
- Professional marine guides
💰 How Much Do Whale Shark Tours in Exmouth Cost?
Prices typically range around A$600+ per person.
While expensive, this is because:
- Tours are heavily regulated
- Planes + boats + crew are involved
- Group sizes are capped
💡 Good news:
Most operators offer a “no swim, no fee” or repeat tour policy if whale sharks aren’t sighted.
Why Whale Shark Tours Cost More (And What You’re Paying For)
| Cost Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Spotter planes | Locates whale sharks quickly |
| Limited permits | Fewer boats = better experience |
| Small swim groups | More water time |
| Full-day duration | 8–9 hours on the water |
| Marine guides | Safety + ethics |
🤿 What If You Don’t See a Whale Shark?
Sightings are very reliable, but nothing is guaranteed.
Most operators offer:
- A free repeat tour
- Partial refunds
- Alternative snorkelling experiences
This reduces booking risk significantly.
🏖️ Combine Whale Sharks With Ningaloo Snorkelling
Many tours also include:
- Coral reef snorkelling
- Manta ray encounters
- Turtles & fish sightings
👉 Best Snorkelling in Exmouth
🧠 Whale Shark Tours vs Swimming With Mantas
If visiting later in the season:
- Whale sharks: March–July
- Manta rays: Year-round (best May–November)
👉 See Prices for Exmouth Manta Ray Tour
Who Should Book a Whale Shark Tour?
| You Should Book If… | You Should Skip If… |
|---|---|
| You’re visiting Apr–Jun | You’re travelling outside season |
| You’re comfortable snorkelling | You can’t swim |
| You want a once-in-a-lifetime experience | You’re looking for a cheap activity |
Ready to Swim With Whale Sharks in Exmouth?
👉 See Availability for Kings Ningaloo Here
👉 See Availability for 3 Islands Here
👉 See Exmouth Accommodation
Whale shark tours sell out weeks (sometimes months) in advance during peak season — booking early is essential.
📌 FAQ
Is swimming with whale sharks safe?
Yes — whale sharks are gentle filter feeders and highly regulated encounters keep swimmers at a safe distance.
Can beginners do a whale shark tour?
Yes — as long as you’re comfortable snorkelling and following instructions.
Is it worth the cost?
For most visitors, this is the highlight of their entire WA trip.
👉 See Availability for Kings Ningaloo Here
👉 See Availability for 3 Islands Here