Ningaloo Discovery Whale Shark Tours — Local services in Exmouth

There are quite a few operators offering this tour but we picked an absolute winner here. We were picked up from our accommodation promptly and given a very informative talk about the history of Exmouth, the ecological efforts that are in progress in the Ningaloo area and about both Whale Sharks and Hump Back Whales.

As it was nearing the end of the Whale Shark season, we were given the option whether or not to opt to swim with a Hump Back Whale if there were no Whale Sharks in the area. Lets face it, wildlife can be unpredictable and can't simply be summoned (and neither should it!) However we were lucky. After getting our very informative but strict brief on how the swim should play out, each group of ten people had up to three separate swims with the Whale Shark. It is very important to respect the Whale Shark in their habitat and the instructions given by the crew must be followed at all times.

Before swimming with the Whale Shark we stopped for some snorkelling in the morning and again after the excellent lunch provided by the crew. The snorkel equipment provided was of good quality and well maintained. We brought our own masks and snorkels but if you prefer to use your own wet suit too that's no issue for them.

They cater very well for less able bodied people too. My wife can't wear fins because of a fused ankle, so a member of the crew towed her along so she too could keep up with the Whale Shark. They were also on hand to help me get her in and out of the boat and tender. So, if you feel that you're less able than most, don't fret! Get in touch with them and see if they can accommodate you.

While the Whale Shark swim was the highlight of the tour, the morning and afternoon snorkel was also fun. we were shown the reef with its vibrant coral and many species of fish.

Apart the the excellent lunch we were also offered snacks throughout the day as well as hot beverages. Crew were always on hand to answer questions regarding any aspect of marine life in the local area, the local area itself as well as any aspect about how tours are conducted.

If you're thinking about swimming with the Whale Shark or Hump Back Whale but are concerned about safety, you needed worry. Safety appears to be their ultimate concern. The safety of everyone, including the marine life. You'll be directed to maintain a safe distance from your chosen sea creature.

There was also plenty of fun to be had. The briefs, while serious in nature, were delivered in lighthearted manner using soft toys of the Whale Shark and Hump Back Whale to add to the fun. The fun was enhanced later in the day when they deploy a net from the stern of the Catamaran so that passenger could be safely pulled along behind the slow moving craft.

Lots of fun was had by all!

Feel to bring your camera. The crew use a wide angle underwater camera extensively throughout the tour and all photos taken on your day out are free to download from their Flickr website a couple of days after the tour. The crew said you needed to sign up to Flickr but I was able to download our photos without having an account. It was all very easy to do.

This was a very enjoyable and informative experience with something for everyone. We liked our experience with Ningaloo Discovery so much that we've booked with them again to do the Hump Back Whale tour later in the year! In my opinion there's simply nothing more Ningaloo Discovery could have done to improve our experience. It was simply excellent!

We would also like to offer a big thinks to the crew who professionally and willingly catered for our extra needs during the tour. Thank you guys! See you again later...

Wow Wow Wow!! The Ningaloo Discovery team is amazing and the experience is Phenomenal! Our family of four did the Whale Shark trip for my daughters 21st birthday present. From start to finish this team were friendly, efficient, professional, knowledgeable and experienced. The entire day was aimed at giving us maximum pleasure out of the experience. We were picked up promptly from our accommodation. During the trip to the harbour we were given tour guide knowledge - stories about Exmouth and it's history. We even took a quick detour for a lookout from the lighthouse. We were thoroughly briefed at every stage so that we knew what to expect and what to do. Our safety was a priority. In our group on board, there was the entire range of ages - young children, teenagers, younger and older adults. Every age was catered for. Extreme effort was made to maximise our viewing of the Whale Shark. The boat continually tracked the Whale shark, getting each group in the water in time to see it and then out again and then tracking it again. We tracked and dived in 6 times to see it. It was wonderful to see how important conservation was to the team, how they were very protective and respectful of the Whale Shark in our interactions with it and how they stuck rigorously to the rules with regards to this. We were also given ample snorkelling time twice on various places in the reef. An on board photographer takes photos all day long which everybody has access to for free! Drinks were available all day to help ourselves. Snacks were served, lunch was delicious and the day ended with Bubbly and Easter eggs. The team made a fuss of my daughter for her birthday and even brought out a birthday cake beautifully constructed from fruit, for us all to enjoy. People feeling nauseous on board were cared for and we even detoured and rescued a Gopro that had accidently fallen overboard. The crew guided us all day and imparted their vast knowledge and experience of the local waters and all the creatures. It was an unforgettable day and I highly recommend that you book with...

I jumped on board the Catamaran for an Eco Tour on the 22nd of August and WOW. From when you first get on the bus (which kindly picks you up from wherever you choose) you are greeted with such friendly staff chatting to you not only about where you’re from and your travels, but the amazing ocean life you’re likely to encounter.

Caitlin (our amazing photographer and guide) and Josh (marine biologist, swim guide and bus driver) were extremely knowledgeable about all things whale sharks, humpbacks, manta rays and anything you could think of living in the ocean. They also shared some facts about the town of Exmouth which was also really interesting and really added to the experience.

We got on the boat and from there the staff including Toby, Arlia, and captain Mitch greeted us so kindly, showing everyone how to fit their snorkels, masks, flippers and wetsuits plus some general safety information about the boat itself and when we would be in the water.

You know it’s a special day when even the crew were literally buzzing with excitement when we saw an almost entirely white humpback whale (albino) which is extremely rare, killer whales (visiting only 7 days of the year) a whale shark which we all got to swim with, and the experience of two humpbacks “mug” our boat (chilling out and putting on a show around us for at least 45 minutes). It was honestly the most amazing experience.

The humpbacks were on fire this day as almost everywhere we went, there was a whale swimming, flicking its tail or breaching.

The staff were so approachable and relaxed, I felt like we were having just as much fun as we were!! They were so attentive (assisting me with some coeliac snacks and lunch) whilst also ensuring everyone on the boat was having a great time. Absolutely loved the fruit platter and glass of sparkling wine to top it all off.

Being able to see two humpback whales and a whale shark from the water was an experience I’ll never forget. Keep up the great work team, you guys...