Whale Shark Discovery
/ April to End of July
Ocean Eco Adventures prides itself on first class service all-round. It is our privilege to provide you with the best experience the Ningaloo reef has to offer and make sure your experience is as relaxing and breathtaking as you dreamed it would be.
Let us take you by the hand and show you the wonders of Ningaloo in style and comfort.
What makes Us Different?
Exclusive Use Of Our Own Aircraft
Exclusive use of our owned and operated private spotter Microlight Aircraft – Eliminating the need to share with other tours and allowing swimmers maximum time with the Whale Sharks - (One Aircraft, one Boat policy)
Safety and Assitance
We are dedicated to ensuring your safety is our number one priority. If you need assistance at any stage of the day in or out of the water one of our friendly staff are never more than an arms reach away.
Snorkelling Equipment
Complimentary high quality masks, snorkels & fins are provided. We have a range of different sizes from adult through to children sizes. Floatation aids and prescription masks are also provided.
Latitude 22
Latitude 22 is the most luxurious, spacious and comfortable vessel the Whale Shark industry has seen to date. She is the perfect vessel for Whale Shark Swimming, Humpback Whale Swimming, Whale watching and Snorkelling tours.
Free Professional Photos Of Your Day
Photos of your entire day are provided as a complimentary gift (value AUD $75). Accessible online for an unlimited amount of time within 24 hours of the tour.
Gourmet Food
We are the only company to serve breakfast as well as morning tea, a buffet style lunch, afternoon tea and snacks. We can cater to any special requests or food intolerances.
Transfers
Informative complimentary transfer service to and from your accommodation.
Professional Crew
A professional, educated, fun and experienced team to ensure quality and safety. The team comprises of certified marine biologists, visiting marine researchers, dive masters and commercial skippers.
Hot Drinks On Tap
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, herbal and black teas, premium coffee and water all provided.
Sparkling Wine & Beer
A complimentary glass of Sparkling wine, Beer or Soft Drink is served in the afternoon to celebrate swimming with the Whale Sharks.
Prawns
You read that right! We serve a fresh platter of locally and sustainably caught Exmouth prawns with lunch!
Protective Suits
Complimentary wetsuits and/or lycra suits are available every day.
What To Expect
Step aboard Latitude 22, our fast, modern, and beautifully appointed 20-metre vessel, purpose-built for comfort, safety, and adventure. With custom-designed seating, a large shaded deck, and a spacious bow area perfect for wildlife viewing, you'll cruise Ningaloo Reef in world-class style.
Enjoy easy water access via our wide, water-level marlin board and ladder—designed for the safest and smoothest entry and exit. You'll also find two showers, a full toilet and galley, and clear side curtains for wind and spray protection without compromising the view.
A major highlight of your Whale Shark Discovery Tour is our exclusive Microlight spotter aircraft, dedicated solely to our vessel. This allows us to locate Whale Sharks independently—avoiding the crowds and giving you more time in the water with these gentle giants.
Each swim group is guided by a qualified snorkel guide, and every moment is captured by our professional photographer, with photos included in the tour.
The day also includes snorkelling at vibrant coral reefs within the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, where you'll search for turtles, dolphins, dugongs, rays, sea birds, and more.
Between adventures, relax on board and enjoy our gourmet catering, showcasing fresh Western Australian produce. With a variety of menu options throughout the day, we cater to all dietary requirements with advance notice.
This is more than just a tour—it’s a premium eco-experience designed to connect you with Ningaloo’s incredible marine life in the most comfortable and unforgettable way possible.
The Tour
Your day begins with a scenic transfer to Tantabiddi Boat Ramp, where you’ll board our premium vessel, Latitude 22. Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast, meet our expert crew, and gear up for the experience of a lifetime.
Kick off your adventure with a guided snorkel on the vibrant inner reef, before heading out to the outer reef in search of the majestic Whale Sharks. With the help of our exclusive Microlight spotter aircraft, we maximise your time swimming alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Between encounters, relax on board with gourmet meals, refreshments, and expert commentary about the marine life and history of Ningaloo. Depending on the season, you’ll also have the chance to snorkel coral gardens or spot Humpback Whales, dolphins, turtles, and more.
As the day winds down, enjoy a complimentary drink and an informative ecology session before returning to shore, where our bus will take you back to Exmouth.
Who Can Take Part
This tour is suitable for swimmers of most ages and experience levels. We provide quality snorkelling equipment, flotation aids, and coaching for those who need extra support. However, all participants must be comfortable swimming and using a mask and snorkel in open water and we do recommend plenty of practice snorkelling in the ocean prior to your trip.
If you prefer not to snorkel, you’re still welcome to join the cruise and enjoy the reef from above. Your comfort and safety is always our top priority, and we tailor the day to suit the conditions and the needs of our group.
How likely are Whale Sharks?
At Ocean Eco Adventures, we’re proud to maintain an impressive 99% success rate on our Whale Shark Discovery Tours as well as the highest in-water contact time in the industry. This is thanks to our exclusive use of a privately owned and operated Microlight spotter aircraft—dedicated solely to our vessel Latitude 22. This approach almost entirely eliminates the need to share sightings with other tours and maximises your time in the water with these incredible creatures.
While we use every tool, asset, and bit of local knowledge to find Whale Sharks, it’s important to remember that we’re working with wild animals in their natural environment—there are no absolute guarantees.
However, in the unlikely event we don’t swim with a Whale Shark during the peak season (1st April – 20th July), our 'No Sighting Policy' applies. (Please see terms and conditions below for full details.)
Everything we do is designed to give you the best possible chance of experiencing the magic of swimming with a Whale Shark—responsibly, sustainably, and with as much time in the water as possible.
Let the Ocean Eco Adventures team guide you through the adventure of a lifetime on the Whale Shark Discovery.
Whale Shark Discovery Tour Itinerary
/ April - End of July
It is important to note that all times below are best case scenario and can vary due to weather conditions and Whale Shark numbers and proximity to Tantabiddi boat ramp. 0750: Bus driver starts pickups in town 0815: Bus departs town for Tantabiddi Boat Ramp. Starts informative bus video along the way for guests. 0845: Bus Arrives at Tantabiddi Boat Ramp. Guests get transferred onto Latitude 22 via Tender vessel. 0900: All guests and crew are now onboard Latitude 22. Guests are offered an array of hot and cold drinks and a continental breakfast. 0905: Skipper begins crew introductions and safety briefing. 0910: Crew members gives guests boat induction and photography information whilst vessel departs Mooring area for snorkel site inside the lagoon. 0920: Once guests have finished breakfast crew hand out snorkelling equipment, which includes masks, snorkels, fins and a choice of either a full-length Lycra stinger suit or wetsuit (depending on time of year). 0930: Snorkel site briefing is given to guests which includes safety, site and equipment information and the "no touch no take" policy. 0945: Arrive at snorkel site and guests begin their snorkel. 1015: Finish snorkel and depart for outer reef. Morning tea is served and in depth Whale Shark interaction briefing given. 1030: Microlight Aircraft is now searching for Whale Sharks on the Outer Reef. Between 1030 & 1300: Searching for and swimming with Whale Sharks. 1300: Serve lunch to guests. 1330: Depending on the time of year either let guests enjoy another snorkel on the reef or Whale Watching on the outer reef. 1415: Finish afternoon activity and depart for lagoon cruise. 1430: Begin ecology & local history information session including Q&A time for guests. 1445: Serve afternoon tea and complimentary beer, sparkling wine or soft drinks. 1500: Arrive back to Tantabiddi mooring area and transfer guests on tender vessel back to Tantabiddi boat ramp. 1515: Depart Tantabiddi boat ramp on bus back to Exmouth Township. Between 1600 and 1615 – drop off guests at their accommodation. *Please note that return times to Tantabiddi boat ramp can easily vary betweeen 2:45 & 5:30pm.
How Much Does It Cost?
Ocean Eco Adventures provides a premium service and our pricing method is unique.
All operators are restricted to 20 swimmers and 3 observers per tour, we believe each seat has the same value.
We reward group bookings with a sliding price scale. Our rate also includes a mandatory charge for interacting with Whale Sharks of $18 per adult and $9 per child from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
So remember to get your friends together and save!
*All group and family rates are limited, to secure the best price always book in advance.
$549 AUD Per Seat (1-5 passengers)
$529 AUD Per Seat (6-10 passengers)
$519 AUD Per Seat (11-20 passengers)
$2076 AUD Family 2ad + 2ch under 16
$229 AUD Observing seat
FREE Observing Infant under 3
$10,500 AUD Private Charter (20 swimmers)
