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 masks, snorkels & fins are available. We have a range of different sizes from adult through to children sizes. Floatation aids and Prescription masks are also available
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 out are provided as a complimentary gift (value AUD $50). 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 caught and sustainably caught Exmouth prawns with lunch!
Protective Suits
Complimentary wetsuits and/or lycra suits are available every day.
What To Expect
A fun, professional, safety conscious and environmentally sustainable world class experience aboard a fast, modern, well equipped
20m vessel features comfortable custom made seating and a large shaded deck area.
Our huge water level marlin board and ladder provides the easiest and safest entry and exit from the water.
There are also two showers, one in the bathroom and one on the back deck, clear side curtains on the main deck that allow great viewing whilst protecting you from the wind and spray, a large bow area for marine animal viewing, full galley and toilet, making it the perfect vessel to experience the magic of the Ningaloo Reef.
An Ocean Eco Adventures Whale Shark Discovery cruise also features an exclusive spotter aircraft to search the reef for Whale Sharks.
One Microlight Aircraft is dedicated solely to our vessel to maximize your time swimming with the Whale Sharks.
The investment of having the Microlight spotting exclusively for Ocean Eco Adventures 1 boat allows the boat to move freely and venture to its own areas and find Whale Sharks away from other vessels.
A focus on allowing as much time in the water snorkelling with the Whale Sharks as possible is a feature of an Ocean Eco Adventures Whale Shark cruise.
A qualified snorkel guide accompanies each group, whilst a company photographer takes photos of the Whale Shark swim and other marine life sited throughout the day.
During the day an opportunity to snorkel in the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park is offered at coral sites, abundant with tropical fish life. You will also search for Turtles, Dolphins, Dugong, Rays, Sea Birds and other marine life throughout the day.
A very talked about feature on all Ocean Eco Adventures cruises is the delicious gourmet food featuring fresh Western Australian produce.
A variety of menu choices are on offer throughout the day with all dietary requirements catered for (with notice).
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. 0800: 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.
$499 AUD Per Seat (1-5 passengers)
$479 AUD Per Seat (6-10 passengers)
$469 AUD Per Seat (11-20 passengers)
$1876 AUD Family 2ad + 2ch under 16
$219 AUD Observing seat
FREE Observing Infant under 3
$9,500 AUD Private Charter (20 swimmers)
*Prices valid for 2024 only
**Please note pricing may vary due to limited availability during peak periods/school holidays
No Sighting Policy
Ocean Eco Adventures realises that many of its customers travel significant distances at considerable cost to participate in its tours.
In recognition of this, we offer one complimentary repeat tour* on the next available day.
Seats on repeat tours are allocated on a first in first served basis and as such it may take several days for a place to become available.
If you can’t get a place on a repeat tour in the time you are in the location or if you prefer, we will issue you a repeat tour voucher that is valid for three years from the date of issue*. This voucher only includes a repeat of the tour you participated in and is non-transferable.
*Conditions Apply
- No Sighting Policy only applies in peak season April 1st - July 20th
- All tours are subject to availability, weather and minimum numbers.
- The repeat voucher is valid for one tour only and is non-transferable.
- If participating in a Microlight flight as part of a tour package the Microlight flight does not include the
‘No Sighting Policy’ as it is not a dedicated animal interaction tour.
- Government fees and charges apply after the first year.
Minor Supervision Policy
An adult must accompany any passenger under the age of 12 at all times, this includes all in-water activities. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to be left on the vessel unaccompanied, this includes when an in-water activity is taking place. This may mean it is necessary for adults to take turns in the water if a minor wishes to remain on-board.
Cancellation Policy
What if we cancel?
A full refund will apply to tours cancelled by Ocean Eco Adventures due to inclement weather or any other safety reason if it cannot be rebooked to the customer’s satisfaction.
What if you cancel?
If you wish to cancel/transfer your booking:
- Once a booking is confirmed a cancellation fee of 20% of your total tour cost applies
- Between 7 days – 72 hours of your tour date a cancellation fee of 50% of your total tour cost applies
- Within 72 hours of your tour date a cancellation fee of 100% of your total tour cost applies
For bookings made through a third party such as a booking agent it is important that you carefully read their terms and conditions, as they may differ to Ocean Eco Adventures T&C's. For cancellations and booking changes please contact the organisation you booked with directly.
Booking directly with Ocean Eco Adventures will make managing your booking easier and more efficient, and we always recommend purchasing travel insurance in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
What if we are forced to cease operations?
If a tour is cancelled due to a change in government regulations, as a directive from an external governing body, as a matter of public safety or in extenuating circumstances such as COVID19 health crisis, Ocean Eco Adventures reserves the right to retain 20% of the total tour cost as an administration fee.
Any cancellations from the guest need to be advised in writing
*If booked before the 14th May 2020 please refer to your confirmation email for your terms & conditions