Live Ningaloo

Dreaming of swimming with the world’s largest living shark in the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef? Our Swim with Whale Sharks Day Tour is for you. You’ll have the unmatched experience of safely snorkelling and swimming beside these gentle giants in an amazing natural interaction, guided by our experienced crew.

When can you swim with Whale Sharks?

Between March and August each year, Whale Sharks journey to the Ningaloo Reef to feed on plankton attracted by the mass spawning of coral.  We lead guided small group tours offering the chance to swim with the Whale Sharks from April to July when you have the best chance of seeing a Whale Shark up close.  The clear waters and visibility of the North West make for perfect conditions to swim with a Whale Shark as the they cruise just below the surface, allowing you the opportunity to snorkel alongside them.

Why choose our Whale Shark Tours?

If you are wondering which Whale Shark experience to select on the Ningaloo Reef, the difference between us and everyone else is numbers. Our focus at Live Ningaloo is on offering small group tours, to allow the greatest amount of interaction between you and the Whale Sharks.  We host a maximum of 10 guests on each Whale Shark swimming adventure, giving you the most intimate and bespoke tour experience, the greatest flexibility, and the most time in the water. You’ll be able to interact closely with these beautiful creatures as you snorkel and swim beside them in the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean.  The Ningaloo Reef is home to abundant sea life and you may also spot dugongs, turtles, Humpback Whales, blue whales, minke whales, orcas, dolphins, manta rays, stunning tropical fish and many types of coral on your adventure.

What’s included?

Our bespoke swim with Whale Sharks adventures include:

• Complimentary transfers to and from Exmouth township to Tantabiddi Boat Ramp departure point.
• Full day excursion shore to shore
• Luxury vessel ‘Wave Rider’ with qualified skipper, deckhand, photographer and marine scientist guide
• High quality wet suits and snorkel gear
• Educational ‘pre-swim’ session
• Light Morning tea and beverages
• Delicious lunch, snacks, canapé
• Glass of bubbles at day’s end to toast your adventures
• Spotter plan guidance
• Professional digital photography on deck and underwater supplied at no additional cost
• Afternoon coral reef snorkel (conditions permitting)

Who are our Bespoke Whale Shark Tours suitable for?

Although huge, with adults measuring between 12 to 18 metres long, Whale Sharks are completely harmless.  Our Whale Shark swimming tours are suited to a range of ages and swimming abilities and we accept confident swimmers from 10 years of age. You do not need to be able to SCUBA dive to swim with Whale Sharks, as they swim close to the surface. Swimmers should be able to snorkel, swim freestyle and cope with currents and swell in the open ocean, and we can also provide flotation devices to assist those who require. We may accept younger children who are very competent swimmers to swim with Whale Sharks and can also cater to some special needs and movement restrictions – please contact us to discuss.  Passengers can also participate in our tours as an ‘observer’. Please note that one parent must accompany children on board the boat at all times.

Can you guarantee I’ll interact Whale Sharks on my tour?

We work closely with an experienced spotter plane pilot, who lets us know exactly where and when the Whale Sharks appear, so we can get you there quickly and efficiently. Because Whale Sharks are wild animals and we are above all sensitive to their needs, we cannot guarantee that you will interact with a Whale Shark on your tour. We compare the tours to an African Safari, where we search for animals in the wild. However, since we have started, in 2016 our Whale Shark swim rate was 100% compared to the industry level of 94 – 97% so we will always do our very best to facilitate this amazing experience for you. Government regulations allow a maximum of 60 minutes swimming with one shark and the duration of each swim is completely determined by the Whale Shark. If the Whale Shark “dives” we send the spotter plane up to search for another shark. You may be lucky enough to swim with more than one Whale Shark during the day, however, you should set your own pace and may choose not to swim each time. If you are not comfortable doing the swim you can participate as an ‘observer’ and view these beautiful creatures from the deck.

Where can I join this tour?

Our luxury vessel, Wave Rider, departs from Tantabiddi Boat Ramp just north of the Cape Range National Park entrance in Exmouth. Complimentary transfers are provided to and from Exmouth township for your tour. Advance Bookings for all tours are essential.Due to the small, intimate scale of our tours with a maximum of 10 places, we recommend booking several months in advance to avoid disappointment particularly during peak periods including Easter Holidays and July.

The chance to swim with humpback whales is an opportunity that has only been offered in Western Australia since 2016 when selected operators were granted licences on a preliminary trial. From being an endangered species, conservation efforts are estimated to have boosted the migrating population of Humpbacks to over 30,000, resulting in the species being delisted as endangered – great news for the whales and for those who are passionate about wildlife. The licences to offer humpback whale swimming experiences were extended to selected operators in 2019, allowing us to offer you an intimate swim with humpback whales experience again this year.

Why choose our Humpback Whale swimming tours?

Our focus at Live Ningaloo is on offering bespoke small group tours.  We host a maximum of 10 guests on our humpback whale swimming adventures so you can benefit from an intimate and high-quality tour experience.  We are one of only a few operators who have been licenced to trial humpback whale swimming tours again in 2019. On our tour, you’ll be able to interact closely with magnificent Humpbacks, the acrobats of the ocean. We will escort groups of five at a time to snorkel and swim within a safe distance of them. The whales, measuring up to 18m long and weighs as much as 40 tonnes, and are easy to spot as they exhibit behaviours such as breaching, slapping the water with their tales (flukes) and fins, and blowing streams of water up to 6 metres in the air.

What’s included in the Swim with Humpback Whales Adventure?

Our bespoke Swim with Humpback Whales Adventure Day includes:

• Complimentary transfers to and from Exmouth township to Tantabiddi Boat Ramp departure point
• Full day (7 hour) excursion shore to shore
• Luxury vessel ‘Wave Rider’ with qualified skipper, deckhand, photographer and marine scientist guide
• High-quality wetsuits and snorkel gear
• Educational ‘pre-swim’ session
• Light Morning tea and beverages
• Delicious lunch, snacks, canapé
• A glass of bubbles at day’s end to toast your adventures
• Spotter plan guidance
• Professional digital photography on deck and underwater supplied at no additional cost
• Afternoon coral reef snorkel (conditions permitting)

The Ningaloo Reef is home to abundant sea life and you may also spot dugongs, turtles, whale sharks, blue whales, minke whales, orcas, dolphins, manta rays, stunning tropical fish and many types of coral on your adventure.

Who are our Bespoke Humpback Whale Swimming Tours suitable for?

Our humpback whale swimming tours are suited to a range of ages and swimming abilities and we accept confident swimmers from 10 years of age. You do not need to be able to SCUBA dive to swim with humpbacks. Swimmers should be able to snorkel, swim freestyle and cope with currents and swell in the open ocean, and we can also provide flotation devices to assist those who require. We may accept younger children who are very competent swimmers to swim and can also cater to some special needs and movement restrictions – please contact us to discuss.  Do keep in mind that humpback whales can exhibit exuberant behaviour such as lunging and slapping while in the water. Passengers can participate in our tours as an ‘observer’ and view these amazing mammals from the comfort of our vessel deck. Please note that one parent must accompany the children onboard the boat at all times.

Can you guarantee I’ll interact with Humpback Whales on my tour?

We work closely with an experienced spotter plane pilot, who lets us know where the Humpbacks appear, so we can get you there quickly and efficiently. Because humpback whales are wild animals and we are above all sensitive to their needs, we cannot guarantee that you will interact with one on your tour. We compare the tours to an African Safari, where we search for animals in the wild.  Once our trained crew deem it same, a group of seven people (maximum) will be guided into the water at 50 to 150 metres from the whales. Swimmers are allowed near mothers and young whales 1/2 the size of their mum or larger.  Interactions will always be guided by the whales, who may approach swimmers if curious. You may be lucky enough encounter more than one humpback during the tour, however, you should set your own pace and may choose not to swim each time. If you are not comfortable doing the swim you can participate as an ‘observer’ and view these beautiful creatures from the deck.  The duration of each swim will be determined by the whales’ willingness to be seen and interact with you, for a maximum of 60 minutes.

Dreaming of swimming with Whale Sharks (01 April – 31 July) or Humpback Whales (01 August – 31 October) on your own private guided tour?

If you are seeking a very special Whale Shark or Humpback Whale swimming experience, tailored for you or your group, our Private Whale Shark or Humpback Whale Swimming is made for you.  Our vessel, the Wave Rider, and experienced crew will at your disposal for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our private group Whale Shark or Humpback Whale Swimming Tours are available as follows:

• 01 April – 31 July: Whale Shark Swimming tour.
• 01 August – 31 October: Humpback Whale swimming tour.

Private Whale Shark Swimming Tour (April to July)

On our private Whale Shark swimming adventure you will have the most intimate and bespoke tour experience, the greatest flexibility, and the most time in the water. The tour allows you to snorkel and swim beside 12 – 18 metre long Whale Sharks in the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean. By exclusively booking our boat, you can choose exactly who to share this magical experience with – we can host a group of up to 10 guests at a time.

Whale Shark swimming tours are suited to a range of ages and swimming abilities and we accept confident swimmers from 10 years of age. You do not need to be able to SCUBA dive to swim with Whale Sharks, as they swim close to the surface. Swimmers should be able to snorkel, swim freestyle and cope with currents and swell in the open ocean, and we can also provide flotation devices to assist those who require. We may accept younger children who are very competent swimmers to swim with Whale Sharks and can also cater to some special needs and movement restrictions – please contact us to discuss. Passengers can also participate in our tours as an ‘observer’. Please note that one parent must accompany children on board the boat at all times.

Private Humpback Whale Swimming Tour (August to October)

Swimming with Humpback Whales is an opportunity that has only been offered in Western Australia since 2016, when selected operators were granted licences on a preliminary trial. The new licencing allows us to offer you an intimate swim with Humpback Whales on your own private tour.  You’ll be able to interact closely with magnificent Humpbacks, the acrobats of the ocean, in this exclusive experience for a private group of up to 10 people.  Humpback whales, measuring up to 18m long and weighing as much as 40 tonnes, and are easy to spot as they exhibit behaviours such as breaching, slapping the water with their tales (flukes) and fins, and blowing streams of water up to 6 metres in the air. We will escort groups of five at a time to snorkel and swim within a safe distance of them.

Our Humpback Whale swimming tours are suited to a range of ages and swimming abilities and we accept confident swimmers of all ages on private tours. You do not need to be able to SCUBA dive to swim with Humpbacks. Swimmers should be able to snorkel, swim freestyle and cope with currents and swell in the open ocean, and we can also provide flotation devices to assist those who require. We may accept younger children who are very competent swimmers to swim and can also cater to some special needs and movement restrictions – please contact us to discuss. Do keep in mind that Humpback Whales can exhibit exuberant behaviour such as lunging and slapping while in the water. Passengers can participate in our tours as an ‘observer’ and view these amazing mammals from the comfort of our vessel deck. Please note that one parent must accompany the children on board the boat at all times. We also offer Humpback Whale Watching and Lagoon Snorkelling Tours for those who prefer to observe these magnificent creatures from our vessel.

What’s included on your private tour?

Our Private Whale Shark or Humpback Whale Swimming Tour includes:

• Private tour booked especially for you and your group of up to 10 people.
• Complimentary transfers to and from Exmouth township to Tantabiddi Boat Ramp departure point
• Full day (7 hour) excursion shore to shore
• Luxury vessel ‘Wave Rider’ with qualified skipper, deckhand, photographer and marine scientist guide
• High quality wet suits and snorkel gear
• Educational ‘pre-swim’ session
• Light Morning tea and beverages
• Delicious lunch, snacks, canapé
• A glass of bubbles at day’s end to toast your adventures
• Spotter plan guidance
• Professional digital photography on deck and underwater supplied at no additional cost
• Afternoon coral reef snorkel (conditions permitting)

Due to the limited availability of this tour, we encourage you to contact us well in advance to book a Private Whale Shark or Humpback Whale Swimming Tour.

Don’t need a private booking? You can join our small group Whale Shark Swimming and Adventure Day Tour or Humpback Whale Swimming and Adventure Day Tour instead. We are the bespoke tour specialists at Ningaloo Reef, specialising in small group tours for a maximum of 10 people.

Our Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour is an affordable half-day excursion that will give you the opportunity to view a variety of ocean life from the comfort of our vessel, before snorkelling over the magnificent Ningaloo coral reef lagoon.

Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour

On this shore-to-shore excursion on our luxury vessel, Wave Rider, you will dedicate the first half of the tour to viewing marine life active during the time of your visit from the comfort of our deck. You will have a great vantage point and the assistance of our experienced team who guide you on the tour.

Which marine creatures will you see?

The Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour runs 01 November through to December every year. Please note that this tour offers the opportunity to view the creatures of the outer reef from the comfort of our vessel. It does not include a spotter plane or swimming with Whale Sharks or Humpback Whales.  Please see our Swim with Humpback Whales Adventure Day and Swim with Whale Sharks Adventure Day for an extended full day tour options with swimming.

Snorkelling the lagoon

Following the marine life viewing, we will travel back into the Ningaloo Lagoon, the shallower sheltered inner area of the Ningaloo Reef. The lagoon is a wonderland for snorkellers, with an average depth of between 2 and 4 metres and warm waters. You are likely to view stunning tropical fish and many types of coral when you snorkel over the coral reef.  The protected lagoon forms an important nursery for hundreds of types of fish, molluscs and coral.

When is a good time for this tour?

There is always something astonishing to see on Ningaloo’s outer reef and we will be offering our Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour 01 November through 30 December every year and part of March.

What’s included in the Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour?

Our Half-Day Tour includes:

• Complimentary transfers to and from Exmouth township to Tantabiddi Boat Ramp departure point
• 4 hour excursion shore to shore
• Luxury vessel ‘Wave Rider’ with qualified crew
• Educational talks by our highly qualified crew
• High-quality wetsuits and snorkel gear
• Light morning refreshments (Tea/coffee, biscuits and fruit)
• 2 hours Marine Life viewing from the deck of our vessel
• Delicious lunch and snacks
• 2 hour relaxed lagoon cruise and snorkel (subject to conditions)

Who is this tour suitable for?

This intimate tour for a maximum of 10 guests is ideal for those who prefer to view marine life from the security of a vessel on the open ocean, before snorkelling in the protected waters of the lagoon. It’s perfect for families with children and for those looking for a shorter, relaxed half day tour option.

The snorkelling component is best for moderately competent swimmers over the age of 10 years who have snorkelled before. We may be able to accept children younger than 10 who are competent swimmers to snorkel and can also cater to some special needs and movement restrictions – please contact us to discuss. High-quality wetsuits and flippers, including children’s sizes, and flotation devices are provided as required.

Can you guarantee I’ll see particular marine creatures on my tour?

We compare all our tours to an African Safari, where we search for animals in the wild. This tour is focussed on viewing Ningaloo marine life which is active at the time of your tour, and this can vary through the seasons. We do not use a spotter plane for this tour and cannot guarantee you will see a Humpback Whale, Whale Shark or any other specific marine life. For our tours that use spotter planes to track ocean life, please see our Swim with Humpback Whales and Swim with Whale Sharks tours.

Where can I join this tour?

Our luxury vessel, Wave Rider, departs from Tantabiddi Boat Ramp just north of the Cape Range national park entrance in Exmouth. Complimentary transfers are provided to and from Exmouth township for your tour. Advance Bookings for all tours are essential.Due to the small, intimate scale of our tours with a maximum of 10 places, we recommend booking several months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Want to make the most of your holiday? Booking a Private Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour with Live Ningaloo gives you the chance to create an unforgettable experience for you and your group. By retaining exclusive use of our vessel and crew for your private Exmouth boat charter you can customise a tour to you, your group or family needs. Whether for a day tour or a live aboard experience – our aim is always to exceed your expectations.

When can you book a Private Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour?

Between November and December each year, we offer a unique option for people who are travelling in low season but still want to experience all that the Ningaloo Reef has on offer.

Why choose our Private Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour?

There are so many reasons to hire our vessel for a private Ningaloo Reef charter adventure for your group, including:

• Luxuriating in the simple perfection of exploring your own paradise
• Exploring the UNESCO Listed World Heritage Marine Park and its abundant lifeforms
• Snorkelling from the vessel into the warm waters of the Leeuwin current
• Enjoying the treasured company of your family and friends
• Creating a team building or corporate entertainment experience like no other

Or a combination of all the above!

What do I get?

Your 4 hour Private Ningaloo Reef Eco Tour includes:

Private Ningaloo Reef Eco Tours do not include a spotter plane to assist with wildlife swimming adventures. If you would like to book private Whale Shark or Humpback Whale swimming tour for your group, you can find that under Private Whale Shark or Humpback Whale Swimming Tour.

How many people are catered for?

Our private tours are suitable for single travellers, couples and small family groups through to larger groups (maximum 10) and tailored to your specifications. Depending on your choice of day tour or live aboard (multi-day/night charter) we may add an additional sleeping vessel to allow everyone to be accommodated in comfort. Additional costs will apply and can be quoted for you.

What is the cost?

Our Private Ningaloo Reef Eco Tours are priced on factors including duration, accommodation and catering requirements per head. Day tours starting at $2000 for up to 10 people. Please contact us for availability and quotation.

What is the boat like?

Our luxury vessel ‘Wave Rider’ is a Black Watch 40, custom built for Live Ningaloo for Australian conditions.   Comfortable interiors and a spacious back deck are matched with safety and reliability, to ensure you travel in comfort. Find out more about Wave Rider.

• Complimentary transfers to and from Exmouth township to Tantabiddi Boat Ramp departure point
• 4 hour excursion shore to shore
• A professional and enthusiastic crew
• A tailored itinerary of adventures
• Full use of the boat’s facilities
• Guided snorkelling with all equipment supplied
• High quality wet suits and flotation devices
• Light morning refreshments (Tea/coffee, biscuits and fruit)
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Interpretive reef talks with our experienced crew
• The chance to travel to locations not usually available on public tours
• Live aboard options with comfortable sleeping berths offered, please enquire for a quote