Exmouth, a beautiful coastal town on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, is famous for its marine life encounters. People come to the area to see the world’s best Ningaloo Reef, which is home to an incredible array of marine life, from the massive whale sharks to the gentle humpback whales and mysterious manta rays. Wildlife lovers, adventurers and families can experience an unforgettable connection with the world’s most amazing creatures.
Exmouth is the Best
Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Australia’s biggest fringing reef is a biodiversity hotspot and a haven for many species. Just off the coast of Western Australia, this living reef system gives visitors the chance to swim, snorkel and dive with an incredible array of marine life. The waters and beaches of the area are home to hundreds of species, including whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, green turtles and more, so it’s a must-see for wildlife lovers.
Ningaloo Reef is so close to shore that encounters with these amazing creatures can be as simple as stepping off the beach and into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean for a lifetime experience. From guided snorkel Perth Tours to scenic flights, the options for wildlife interaction are as diverse as the species themselves.
Top Marine Wildlife to See
Whale Sharks: Swim with the Biggest Fish in the World One of the main attractions to Exmouth is the chance to swim with whale sharks – the biggest fish on the planet. These gentle giants can grow up to 12 metres long and migrate to Ningaloo Reef each year between March and July. Despite their massive size, whale sharks are harmless filter feeders that cruise through the reef waters, feeding on plankton.
Join Exmouth Whale Shark Tours and have a safe and close encounter with these amazing creatures. Tours start with a safety briefing by marine biologists, who will also give you an insight into the marine life you’ll see during the day. Tours are supported by spotter planes that search the outer reef for whale sharks, so you get the best chance to swim with these incredible animals.
Best Time: March to July
Where: Ningaloo Marine Park
Tour Tip: Book a full-day Whale Shark Swim Tour and visit multiple snorkel sites throughout the day. Most tours also have a videographer on board to capture the whole experience.
Humpback Whale Watching and Swimming Each year, between June and November, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to Western Australia’s warmer waters, passing through Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. These amazing creatures can be seen breaching, slapping their tails or even swimming alongside the boat. For a closer encounter, several operators now offer Humpback Whale Tours, and you can swim with these gentle giants.
Ningaloo Reef is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales. Before you get in the water, you will receive a safety briefing to ensure safe and respectful interaction with the animals. Snorkelling with these incredible creatures will be a highlight of your trip.
Best Time: June to November Where: Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Reef Tour Tip: Combine your whale shark swim with a Humpback Whale Tour for the ultimate day. Book early, especially during peak season dates.
Manta Rays in Coral Bay: Coral Bay is just a minute’s drive south of Exmouth and is a manta ray haven. These gentle giants of the sea are present all year round, making Coral Bay one of the best places in Western Australia to swim with them. With their big, flat bodies and slow movements, manta rays are a favourite among divers and snorkelers.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean around Coral Bay are home to not only manta rays but also dugongs, dolphins, and a variety of coral and fish. A trip to Coral Bay is often combined with a visit to Ningaloo Marine Park to see the coral reef and coral species found only in this region.
Best Time: Year-round Where: Coral Bay Tour Tip: Book a one way Fly + Drive holiday and experience both Exmouth and Coral Bay and get the best of both marine environments.
Turtle Nesting and Hatching on Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is famous not only for whale sharks and humpback whales but also as a breeding ground for several species of turtles, including green turtles and loggerhead turtles. From November to March, nesting turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the pristine beaches of Ningaloo Reef. This is a unique wildlife experience where you can see turtle behaviour and see these creatures in their natural habitat.
During this nesting season guided Exmouth Tours allow you to see turtle behaviour from a safe distance and learn about conservation and environmental management. If you are lucky you might even see baby turtles making their way to the sea.
Best Time: November to March Where: Ningaloo Reef beaches Tour Tip: Visit Bundegi Beach or Lighthouse Bay in the late afternoon to see nesting turtles or newly hatched babies.
Other Marine Life
Exmouth has so much more marine life beyond whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays. The pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef are home to hundreds of species, including reef sharks, dugongs and fish that call this coral wonderland home. The waters also offer divers the opportunity to see coral gardens and the intricate coral reef system that supports so many forms of life.
Visitors can experience a wide range of aquatic activities, from snorkeling in the clear calm waters of Bundegi Beach to enjoying a glass-bottom boat ride in Ningaloo Marine Park. Scenic flights are also available, giving guests a bird’s-eye view of the reef’s vibrant marine ecosystem and its extensive coral formations.
FAQ
When is the best time for whale sharks to visit Exmouth?
The best time to visit Exmouth to swim with whale sharks is March to July, during the whale shark season. That’s when the biggest fish in the world come to Ningaloo Reef.
Can I swim with humpback whales in Exmouth?
Yes, you can swim with humpback whales during their migration season, June to November. Several operators offer Humpback Whale Tours that include whale watching and the option to snorkel with these gentle giants.
Where can I swim with manta rays in WA?
Coral Bay is the best place in WA to swim with manta rays. They can be seen year-round in the clear waters of Ningaloo Marine Park.
Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?
Yes, swimming with whale sharks is safe and popular in Exmouth. Whale sharks are gentle filter feeders, and tours provide a full safety briefing to ensure a safe and fun experience.
How do I book tours?
Book online or through local operators in Exmouth. Book in advance for whale shark swims and humpback whale tours, as they are very popular during peak season.
