Australia · NINGALOO REEF & MANTA RAYS

The 15 Best Ningaloo Reef & Whale Shark Swims

22 tours  ·  from $104 a head

Whale sharks arrive off Exmouth from March to July and mantas stay all year, with a spotter plane overhead deciding the day. These 15 compare the shark swims with the manta and snorkel days on price, water time and what happens if nothing shows.

Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive - Reef snorkeling before and after the whale sharks
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours in Exmouth, Whale Watching

Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

1.Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $444Our pick

Join Three Islands Whale Shark Dive from Exmouth for an 8-hour Ningaloo Reef outing. A spotter plane helps find whale sharks, while the boat crew leads several swims, reef snorkeling, and wildlife watching. Expect included gear, meals, drinks, hotel transfers, and professional underwater photos, with a maximum of 20 people.

“This experience was absolutely incredible! Worth every single penny! The crew was great, the ship was lovely, and of course the whale sharks!! It was truly unforgettable and I am so happy I was able to experience it.”

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Marine Eco Safari - Swim with Manta Rays - Bills Bay brings an early look at the reef
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews, Tours in Coral Bay

Marine Eco Safari – Swim with Manta Rays

2.Marine Eco Safari – Swim with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 493 reviews · from $466

Start at 8 am in Coral Bay and spend about seven hours exploring Ningaloo Reef by boat. Snorkel Bills Bay, visit a turtle sanctuary, then search Bateman’s Bay for manta rays with help from a spotter plane. The day includes tea, snacks, and buffet lunch, with an onboard photographer offering souvenir images.

“Awesome experience swimming with the mantas! Great crew, photographer, and skipper. Amazing day on the water”

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7-Day Exmouth Explorer via Pinnacles Monkey Mia Ningaloo Reef returning to Perth - Day 1: Pinnacles Desert and the road to Kalbarri
7-Day Experiences, Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews, Tours in Perth

7-Day Exmouth Explorer via Pinnacles Monkey Mia Ningaloo Reef returning to Perth

3.7-Day Exmouth Explorer via Pinnacles Monkey Mia Ningaloo Reef returning to Perth

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 284 reviews · from $1,223

Travel from Perth to Exmouth and back in a small group of up to 23, with six nights’ accommodation, guided walks, meals and commentary. You’ll see the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef. Guides such as Doug, Geoff, Danny and Laura have earned praise for their care and energy. Marine activities cost extra.

“Am allerbesten hat mir der Schnorcheltrip ins ningaloo reef gefallen. Doch dank der super Truppe, tollem Tourguide eren und allen anderen schönen Eindrücken wurde es zu einer unvergesslichen Reise!!”

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Best of Ningaloo Mantas and More - Manta Rays, Sharks, Turtles, and Coral
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews, Tours in Coral Bay

Best of Ningaloo Mantas and More

4.Best of Ningaloo Mantas and More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · from $251

Set out from Coral Bay with Ningaloo Marine Interactions for about seven hours on the water. You get a short wetsuit, snorkel gear, morning and afternoon tea, and a freshly cooked burger lunch. The route can include manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, tiger sharks, coral gardens, and huge schools of fish, with a maximum of 20 people.

“Great experience!! Manta ray, tiger shark, leopard shark, sand sharks, white point sharks, turtles, and lot of colorful fishes.”

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Coral Bay: Marine Eco Safari - Swim With Manta Rays - Starting at Coral Bay Ecotours at 8:00 AM
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews

Coral Bay: Marine Eco Safari – Swim With Manta Rays

5.Marine Eco Safari – Swim With Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 211 reviews · 6 hours · from $247

Join Coral Bay Ecotours aboard the Kurni-Ku for a six-hour Ningaloo Reef safari. Snorkel coral gardens, search for manta rays with help from a spotter plane, and watch for turtles, sharks, dolphins and whales. Guides such as Dan, Lou, Paul and Will have been praised for patient help, clear reef briefings and excellent photos.

“This was by far the best excursion we have ever done! I booked this as a once in a lifetime experience for me and my two children and on the first jump, I had a panick attack and swam back to the boat, adamant to watch from afar. The staff were nothing short of bloody amazing!!! Patient doesn’t come close, they sat and spoke to me, calmed me down but to then spend the whole day by my side, enabling me to see the turtles, the manta rays twice and the sharks too is just unbelievable. Thank you so so much, you really did make this trip the best day…”

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Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef 3-Hour Turtle Ecotour - Watching turtles at the sanctuary
3-Hour Experiences, Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews, Tours in Coral Bay

Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef 3-Hour Turtle Ecotour

6.Ningaloo Reef 3-Hour Turtle Ecotour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 177 reviews · 3 hours · from $113

Spend three hours aboard a glass-bottom boat with Coral Bay Ecotours, watching Green Sea Turtles feed in their sanctuary before snorkeling at two reef sites. The crew explains turtle behavior, coral, and fish, while you can stay dry and watch through the glass. Snorkeling gear, hot drinks, and biscuits are included.

“Awesome all round . Nothing to complain about everything was fantastic .”

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Swimming with the Whale Sharks - Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth) - Life aboard the 65-foot Ningaloo Blue
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews, Tours in Exmouth, Whale Watching

Swimming with the Whale Sharks – Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth)

7.Swimming with the Whale Sharks – Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · from $451

Set out from Exmouth aboard Ningaloo Blue, a 65-foot vessel with shaded seating and an observation deck. From April to August, the crew searches for whale sharks. From September to November, humpback swims may be offered instead. Your day includes hotel pickup, breakfast, lunch, wetsuit, snorkel gear, two water outings, and a maximum of 18 people.

“The enthusiasm of the staff to fulfill our day of swimming with the whale sharks. Not only did we see and swim with the whale sharks five times but snorkelled the reef seeing a manta ray, a shark, lots of beautiful fish and more. An excellent day!”

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Half Day Snorkel 2.5hr Turtle Tour on the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth - Two reef stops, with nature setting the timetable
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Exmouth

Half Day Snorkel 2.5hr Turtle Tour on the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth

8.Half Day Snorkel 2.5hr Turtle Tour on the Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 169 reviews · from $104Best value

Join Ken, Janine and the Cape Immersion crew for a small-group Ningaloo Reef snorkel from Exmouth. The high-speed boat carries no more than 12 people to two reef sites when conditions allow. Equipment, snacks and transport are included, but bring or hire a wetsuit for the cool water.

“Well run nice little inexpensive trip out into the lagoon . Saw some interesting stuff including a dugong which was a real bonus”

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Turtle Tour - Ningaloo Reef Half Day Sea Kayak and Snorkel Tour - Why the turtle nursery works for beginners
Canoes & Kayaks, Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Exmouth

Turtle Tour – Ningaloo Reef Half Day Sea Kayak and Snorkel Tour

9.Turtle Tour – Ningaloo Reef Half Day Sea Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 164 reviews · from $107

Join Exmouth Adventure Co for a 3.5-hour kayak and snorkel trip in Ningaloo’s Bundegi Sanctuary Zone. Guides such as Julia, Nick, Kayleigh, and Neil lead groups of up to eight through turtle nursery waters, reef sites, and kayak-only snorkel moorings. Gear, snacks, photos, and hotel transfers are included.

“Had an amazing time at turquoise bay all due to our tour guide Colton. Me and my partner first time snorkelling along with being poor swimmers but still got to see everything. Colton helped me and my partner with aid of floats join in to thRead more”

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Whale Shark Safari - Coral gardens come before the whale sharks
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews, Tours in Coral Bay, Whale Watching

Whale Shark Safari

10.Whale Shark Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 132 reviews · from $251

Start at 7:30 am with Coral Bay Ecotours, transfer to the jetty, and snorkel coral gardens before heading offshore. A spotter plane helps locate whale sharks, then two groups of 10 take turns swimming with them. Lunch, tea, a glass of Champagne, and photos are included. Expect a full day on the water.

“Wow, is all I can say about this tour company. Everyone is amazing, they work so well together and they make sure that you have an amazing day.”

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Ningaloo Reef Snorkel and Wildlife Adventure - Three snorkel sessions, not one rushed swim
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Exmouth, Wildlife

Ningaloo Reef Snorkel and Wildlife Adventure

11.Ningaloo Reef Snorkel and Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 132 reviews · from $197

Join Cape Immersion Tours for a six-hour snorkeling day on Ningaloo Reef from Exmouth. Guides such as Ken, Janine, Jamie, and Max take small groups to shallow coral sites aboard a compact boat. Expect several snorkel stops, turtles, rays, sharks, fish, possible dolphins or dugongs, snacks, snorkeling gear, and a cooked lunch. Bring or hire a wetsuit.

“Janine our guide was very friendly and passionate about the area, lunch and snacks provided was delicious. We had a great time and would definitely go again. The boat was not super fancy but served the purpose of the day. I liked the explanations and planning of the process when we were going out of the boat.”

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Swim with Humpback Whales - Ningaloo Reef - 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive - What the eight-hour schedule feels like
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours in Exmouth, Whale Watching

Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

12.Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $430

Join Three Islands Whale Shark Dive from Exmouth for an 8-hour Ningaloo Marine Park trip during the humpback season. A spotter plane helps locate whales, while the crew provides wetsuits, snorkel gear, meals, photos, and careful in-water support. The small group is limited to 14 people, with reef snorkeling included.

“To be in the water and see the humpback mother and calf swim under us about 8 meters away - truly amazing. The teamwork and professionalism of vessel crew were outstanding and ensured a perfect day. Thank you 3 Islands - you did a great job. Will be back for the whale shark next year.”

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Perth: 7 Day Exmouth Explorer & Ningaloo Reef Return Perth - Kalbarri National Park: the trip’s best walking days
7-Day Experiences, Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews, Tours in Perth

Perth: 7 Day Exmouth Explorer & Ningaloo Reef Return Perth

13.7 Day Exmouth Explorer & Ningaloo Reef Return Perth

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 119 reviews · 7 days · from $1,274

Travel from Perth to Exmouth and back in seven days with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef, with guided walks, dolphin encounters, snorkelling stops and optional manta ray or whale shark trips. Expect long drives, shared meals, simple accommodation and a friendly small-group feel.

“it was amazing!! had the best group with the best leader (monty) ! an unforgettable time. big thank you!”

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Lagoon Explorer - Ningaloo Reef Full-Day Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure - Getting fitted out at the launch site
Canoes & Kayaks, Full-Day, Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Exmouth

Lagoon Explorer – Ningaloo Reef Full-Day Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure

14.Lagoon Explorer – Ningaloo Reef Full-Day Kayaking and Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 119 reviews · from $200

Spend about eight hours kayaking Ningaloo’s sheltered lagoons and snorkelling from shore or kayak. Exmouth Adventure Co provides gear, instruction, lunch, and pickup. Guides such as Rosie, Neri, Mary, Loz, Neil, and Elijah lead small groups of up to eight, with the route chosen for the day’s conditions.

“Mary and Loz were awesome, informative hosts. Excellent day. We saw lots of fish, rays, dolphins and corals. Highly recommend”

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5 Night Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Escape from Coral Bay - Day 2: Pandora’s Garden and the first full reef day
Ningaloo Reef & Manta Rays, Tour Reviews, Tours in Coral Bay

5 Night Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Escape from Coral Bay

15.5 Night Ningaloo Reef Ningaloo Escape from Coral Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 108 reviews · from $3,586

Join skipper Dom and the Sail Ningaloo crew aboard Shore Thing for five nights around Ningaloo Reef. Expect one to three daily water sessions, coral gardens, turtles, rays, reef sharks, kayaking, secluded beaches, meals, and a maximum of 10 people. Scuba equipment, except BCDs and regulators, costs extra.

“Our time on Shore Thing was truly the journey of a lifetime. From booking to disembarking, everything about our experience was perfection. Ningaloo is a magical place and the crew ensured we got to experience the magic! Traveling Read more”

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★ 5.0Coral By Kayak – Ningaloo Reef Half Day Kayak & Snorkel TourFrom $11828 reviews

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