HUMPBACK WHALE TOURS
Ningaloo Reef Dive & Snorkel and Coral Bay Eco Tours both offer tours swimming with Humpback Whales in Coral Bay, Humpback Whales appear along the northwest coast between the months of June to November. Coral Bay is one of two locations in Western Australia where you experience an in-water interaction with migrating Humpback Whales. You can see these giants of the ocean on their journey between summer breeding grounds in the North West shelf and winter feeding grounds in the Antarctic. Humpback whales are massive - they can grow up to 19 metres in length and way up to 40 tonnes. In Coral Bay, you have the option to jump in the water and interact with these giant mammals, or enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Ningaloo Reef and watch these incredible creatures breach into the air.
SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES
What is it like to swim with a Humpback Whale?
"The crystal clear waters south of Coral Bay allow us to see humpbacks perfectly. It's a life-changing experience and last from five seconds to 15 minutes. They look straight at you, they look into your soul." Kristen Anderson, Manager of Ningaloo Reef Dive and Snorkel
All tours focus on small group encounters for intimate, yet exhilarating experiences that will stay with you for many years to come!
By choosing the Ningaloo Reef for your Humpback Whale swim you not only get the experience of being in the water with a whale, but you also get to explore a world-class pristine reef! Your day trip will also include snorkeling in the coral gardens of the Ningaloo Reef, cruise the turquoise sheltered lagoons, and spot other marine life such as swimming with manta rays, dolphins and turtles.
The Ningaloo Humpback Whale interaction guidelines have been modeled on the world's best practice Whale Shark swim tours which have been proven by leading scientists to be the most eco-friendly and least impactive tours globally.
NINGALOO REEF DIVE AND SNORKEL
Ningaloo Reef Dive and Snorkel offers a full-day tour, giving guests the chance to swim up close with the locals – the underwater kind, of course. You only pay an extra fee if you actually get to swim with a humpback whale, and with the addition of an overhead spotter plane, the chances are you will find yourself beneath the whales with these giants of the deep. It’s the only company operating out of Coral Bay that has a maximum of two swim groups, giving every guest the maximum amount of time in the water with whales. Chuck in some snorkel time on the reef too, as well as free use of masks, snorkel, fins, and full-length wetsuits, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find fault with this experienced, passionate team. Expect to see sharks, stingrays, turtles, and manta rays as well as whales as they breach the waves. A base fee of $220 is charged per person plus an additional $160 per adult if you swim with the whales. If you’d rather observe from the deck, you’ll just pay the flat $220 fee.
CORAL BAY ECOTOURS
Coral Bay Eco Tours offers visitors the chance to swim with humpback whales along the pristine Ningaloo Reef. During whale season (which begins at the end of June and runs through to mid-October), join a Humpback Whale Safari and if the conditions are right, you’ll find yourself swimming in one of the 14 swimming spots that have been identified. Although an in-ocean interaction can’t be guaranteed, around 30,000 whales pass through Ningaloo Reef during their annual migration every year. Coral Bay is one of their favourite stop-off points, where they hang around to rest, shelter, and play in the calm waters. If you’re lucky enough to be able to swim with the whales, one of the experienced, trained guides will ensure you’re at a safe distance from the whales from the side or in front of the whale’s path. They may come up close and personal, or swim on by; whatever encounters occurs, one thing can be guaranteed. It’ll be an unforgettable experience. If you’d prefer to observe the whales from the deck, that’s fine too. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see all manner of other sea life, like manta rays, dolphins, and other big fish. The tour takes seven hours, departs from Coral Bay, and costs $385 per person. Book early to avoid disappointment.
HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching tours run every year from June to November, when 40,000 humpback whales migrate between their summer breeding grounds and their winter feeding grounds. You may be lucky enough to spot the following whale species, this includes orcas, false killer whales, minke whales, bryde whales and blue whales. Humpback whales visit the park twice annually, in the autumn when they head north and in spring on their return journey.
What is it like to do a Humpback Whale Watching Tour?
"This was an extraordinary experience, you get up close and personal while you watch incredible inquisitive mammals in their natural environment playing, tail-slapping, breaching, waving and slapping massive pectoral fins, rolling and even sleeping!. This is the ultimate tour for photography lovers." Jodie Walters, Nature Lover
There are three operators in Coral Bay who offer this incredible experience.
NINGALOO REEF DIVE AND SNORKEL
What could be more magical than setting sail for a sunset humpback whale watching tour? Set off from Coral Bay at 3pm with the Ningaloo Reef Dive and Snorkel crew of Sicilia and in no time at all you’ll be cruising through the Ningaloo Reef, one of Australia’s most beautiful shallow reefs. It’s possible that you will encounter pods of migrating humpback whales during the trip, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to a marine sunset show like no other. Expect to see fin and tail slapping, spy-hopping, dramatic breaches out of the water and sea spraying out of their blowholes. As you watch this natural phenomenon, enjoy some cheese, crackers and hot drinks before being served a complimentary glass of bubbly for the return journey. You’ll be back by about 6pm, depending on the time of sunset – with enough photos on your reel to populate Instagram for weeks. It’s $130 per person and the tour runs for about three hours.
CORAL BAY ECOTOURS
All aboard the multi-level luxury catamaran Kai-Aura and get ready to join in the fun at the whales’ playground. The crew from Coral Bay Eco Tours know all the best spots to respectfully observe humpback whales in their natural environment. The safe, calm waters of Bateman’s Bay are the perfect place for migrating whales to take some time out during their arduous journey. You may see mothers with calves as well as other whale species like minke, Southern right and even orcas as well as dolphins, dugongs and turtles. You can bring your own booze, and enjoy a finger food buffet plus a glass of champers during the trip. It’s $99 per person and departs from Coral Bay.
NINGALOO CORAL BAY BOATS
If you’d love to have your humpback whale memories captured forever, join the Ningaloo Coral Bay whale watching tour. A professional underwater photographer joins the crew, snapping amazing underwater shots which you can purchase at an additional cost. The four-hour tour, departing at 9.30am, takes guests to the well-known spots where whales have visited in the past. You’ll also be able to go snorkelling at some of the team’s special spots, swimming among the vibrant coral gardens and its multitude of tropical fish. The price ($100 per adult) includes light refreshments, snorkel gear, and wetsuit hire.
