Do You Need to Be a Strong Swimmer to Swim With Whale Sharks?
- Cindy white
- May 26
- 4 min read
Swimming alongside a Whale Shark is one of the most unforgettable experiences on the Ningaloo Reef — but one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Do I need to be a strong swimmer?”
The short answer is: not necessarily.
At Ocean Eco Adventures, many of our guests are first-time ocean swimmers, occasional snorkellers, or simply a little nervous before getting into the water. Our experienced crew are there to help you feel safe, comfortable, and confident throughout the entire day.
🐋 What Is a Whale Shark Swim Actually Like?
Unlike fast-paced diving experiences, Whale Shark swims are surface snorkelling encounters.
Guests enter the water with a guide and float on the surface while observing the Whale Shark and then swimming alongsude it as it moves calmly through the ocean.
You are not required to:
free dive
scuba dive
swim underwater for long periods
touch or chase the animals
The experience is designed to be accessible for a wide range of comfort levels.
🛟 We Provide Floatation Aids and Support
One of the biggest misconceptions is that guests need to be highly athletic or extremely confident swimmers.
In reality, we provide:
Floatation aids for additional support and confidence
Wetsuits and lycra suits
Experienced in-water guides
Safety briefings and snorkelling assistance
Small group experiences with personalised support
Many guests are surprised by how supported and relaxed they feel once they enter the water.
🌊 What Helps Most Isn’t Speed — It’s Comfort in the Water
You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you should feel reasonably comfortable:
floating in open water
wearing a mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit or lycra suit
swimming short distances in open water
The better your comfort level, the more relaxed and enjoyable the experience usually becomes.
If you’ve snorkelled before — even casually on holidays — you’ll likely feel more confident than you expect.
🐠 How Can You Prepare Before Your Tour?
If you’re thinking about joining a Whale Shark tour, our best advice is simple — practice snorkelling as much as you can before your scheduled tour date.
The more opportunities you have to snorkel in the ocean beforehand, the more comfortable and confident you’re likely to feel on the day. Even casual practice can make a huge difference when it comes to:
Breathing through a snorkel
Floating comfortably in open water
Using fins efficiently
Adjusting your mask
Relaxing while swimming in the ocean
At Ocean Eco Adventures, we do require guests to:
Be able to swim 50 metres unassisted in the open ocean
Be comfortable using snorkelling equipment, including:
Mask
Snorkel
Fins
Wetsuit and/or lycra suit
Our crew are always there to assist, guide, and support guests throughout the day, but arriving with some prior snorkelling experience will help you feel far more relaxed and allow you to fully enjoy the incredible experience of swimming alongside Whale Sharks on the Ningaloo Reef.
😌 Nervous First-Timers Are Extremely Common
Many guests arrive feeling nervous, especially if:
it’s their first time snorkelling
they haven’t swum in the ocean before
they’re unsure about deep water
they’re worried about keeping up
That’s completely normal.
Our crew are experienced in helping guests build confidence gradually throughout the day. There is no pressure to participate beyond your comfort level, and many guests end the tour feeling far more confident in the water than when they first arrived.
🐠 You Can Still Enjoy the Day Without Every Swim
Not every guest wants to enter the water — and that’s completely okay.
At Ocean Eco Adventures, we also offer Observer Seats at a reduced price for guests who would still like to experience the day without participating in the Whale Shark swims.
Observer guests can still enjoy:
Time out on the Ningaloo Reef
Wildlife spotting opportunities
Reef snorkelling
Gourmet catering throughout the day
Relaxing onboard with friends and family
The incredible atmosphere of the experience
The only difference is that Observer guests do not enter the water to swim with the Whale Sharks.
This option is perfect for:
Friends or family members accompanying swimmers
Guests who are not confident in the water
Visitors who prefer wildlife viewing from the vessel
Anyone wanting to enjoy the reef experience at a more relaxed pace
Even without participating in every swim, guests still leave with unforgettable memories of their day exploring Ningaloo Reef.
💙 Small Group Tours Make a Big Difference
One of the advantages of smaller group experiences is the level of support and attention guests receive throughout the day.
At Ocean Eco Adventures, our crew focus on creating a calm, supportive environment where guests feel comfortable asking questions, taking their time, and enjoying the experience at their own pace.
For nervous swimmers especially, that personalised approach can make a huge difference.
🐋 So, Do You Need to Be a Strong Swimmer?
No — but being comfortable in the water definitely helps.
Many guests who would not describe themselves as “strong swimmers” still successfully and safely enjoy Whale Shark experiences every season.
With floatation support, experienced guides, and a relaxed small-group environment, swimming with Whale Sharks is often much more approachable than people expect.
And for many guests, it becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their entire lives.
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