Location: 2 Ross Street, Exmouth
The Ningaloo Marine Park possesses many natural wonders, but few attract visitors from thousands of miles away like the chance to swim alongside the world's largest fish. Whale Sharks are the marine park's signature highlight, as the massive and graceful creatures gather regularly just off the coast of Ningaloo.
As a result, the largest fish in the world is a frequent sight in the waters off Exmouth, making swimming with Whale Sharks one of the best and most popular things to do in the region and a true Western Australian "bucket list" adventure as a whole.
These huge plankton eaters arrive in the region after the annual coral spawning period; they can grow up to 18 metres in length, and swimming alongside them makes for an encounter that defies description. It begins with a large shadow looming in the distance that gradually approaches and may lead to an initial, instinctive surge of adrenaline.
The massive and graceful creatures gather regularly just off the coast of Ningaloo, and as a result offer one of the most easily-accessible of such experiences in the world.
However, it's a quick adjustment to the realisation that the sharks will do you no harm - their large, spotted and somewhat intimidating forms bely the shark's peaceful nature, and their movement is both mesmerising and surprisingly fast.
With an experienced guide and photographer both in the water with you and a spotter plane gliding overhead to find the whale sharks, you’ll be in safe hands as you jump in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Tours out on the water to swim with whale sharks depart from Exmouth with operator Ocean Eco Adventures who offer boutique cruise experiences that specialise in emphasising marine interaction. They offer an excellent mix of both luxury and personalisation that aims to cater to guests of all ability levels.
This experience is one you’re not likely to forget and will be sure to leave a lasting impression - for the rest of your days.
