Swimming with Whale Sharks
Hi, I’m Ash, an English girl who loves to travel. My ultimate life goal is to watch the sunset in every country in the world!
If you’re looking to swim with whale sharks, there is no better place than Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth, Western Australia! We recently had the opportunity to do just that with the incredible team at Ningaloo Discovery, and let me tell you, it was MAGICAL.
We headed to our meeting spot at the jetty at 8am. The sun was shining, the sea was a gorgeous blue, and after a quick briefing and safety check, we boarded the luxury 60ft sailing catamaran (called WINDCHEETAH) and set off. The crew at Ningaloo Discovery were not only knowledgeable but also super friendly and put everyone at ease, which was perfect for those of us who might have had a few butterflies in our stomachs.
One of the best things about swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef is that you don't need to be a pro diver to join in the fun. These incredible creatures swim close to the surface, so we could snorkel on top of the ocean and still have a front-row seat. Even if you're not a confident swimmer, no worries – the team provides woggles (those floaty noodle things) to help you stay afloat, so you can literally float in the water while these massive whale sharks glide past!
Spotter Planes to the Rescue
Ningaloo Discovery uses spotter planes to locate whale sharks in the area, ensuring that we had the best possible chance of seeing them up close. We all had stinger suits on and flippers at the ready so we could jump in as soon as they spotted one. All the equipment we needed during the day was provided by the company. We actually had a practice run in the shallower waters before heading further out to the deeper ocean where the whale sharks were.
Once out in the ocean, the group on our catamaran split into two teams of 8 people. We took it in turns to be in the water with the whale sharks. Our group would jump in from the back of the boat, and one of the staff members would get us to line up in the water so the whale shark could swim past us. We were then able to swim alongside the whale shark for about 5 - 10 minutes before heading back to the boat.
There are no words to describe the feeling of seeing a whale shark for the first time. These gentle giants are the largest fish in the ocean, and yet, they glide through the water so peacefully. Most of these sharks are between 4 and 12 metres long but have been know to grow as large as 18 metres! We were very lucky on our trip and we swam with 6 different whale sharks!
Snorkeling Over the Coral
After an INCREDIBLE morning with the whale sharks, we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch onboard – think salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruits. The crew really went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and well-fed. Post-lunch, it was time to explore another side of Ningaloo Reef: its world famous coral gardens.
We spent the afternoon snorkeling over some of the most beautiful coral formations I've ever seen. We saw so many amazing species of fish and even saw a turtle swimming over the corals! Ningaloo Reef truly is one of the most incredible places on Earth, teeming with biodiversity and natural beauty.
Boom net!
Ningaloo Discovery Catamarag have a huge boom net (basically a big fish net that they tow behind the boat) that you can jump on and be towed behind in the ocean! It’s insane and SO fun, definitely an adrenaline rush!
After this absolutely perfect day, we were all offered a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate before returning to shore.
Tips for Your Ningaloo Reef Adventure
Take Ginger Tablets: If you're prone to seasickness, don't forget to take ginger tablets. They worked wonders for keeping any queasiness at bay.
Pack Suncream: The Australian sun is no joke! Make sure to bring plenty of suncream (factor 50), a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun while you're on the boat.
Bring a Waterproof Camera: You'll definitely want to capture the magic of this experience, so bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to snap some photos of your time with the whale sharks and the coral reef. We used our Go Pro, with a wrist strap to make sure we didn’t accidentally lose it in the ocean. Don’t worry if you don’t have a waterproof camera though as Ningaloo Discovery offer complimentary professional photos.
Relax and Enjoy: Trust the crew, relax, and enjoy the moment. Swimming with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef was truly an experience of a lifetime. The Ningaloo Discovery team made the entire day seamless, safe, and incredibly fun. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a complete beginner, this is one adventure you won't want to miss.
So, if you find yourself in Western Australia, do yourself a favour and book a tour with Ningaloo Discovery (this isn’t a paid ad, I honestly just had the best time and would recommend this to anyone)!
