Whale sharks
Book a tourWhale shark swim
📍 Bill’s BaySnorkel alongside the world’s biggest fish on the outer reef — from a quieter base than Exmouth.
Wildlife encountersEach autumn and early winter whale sharks gather along Ningaloo to feed on the plankton bloom that follows the coral spawn, and Coral Bay is one of only two bases on the reef you can join a swim. It is the smaller, quieter base — fewer operators than Exmouth — but the experience is the same: a full day on the water for the chance to swim beside a gentle giant.
A spotter plane finds a shark from the air, the boat positions ahead of it, and small groups slip into the water to swim alongside as it glides past. They are harmless filter feeders, so it is calm rather than frightening, with manta rays, turtles and (later in the season) humpbacks common bonus sightings.
How it works
- Licensed full-day boat tour only — spotter plane, gear, wetsuit, guides and meals included.
- You must be a confident snorkeller able to enter open water from a moving boat; no dive certification needed.
Book a tour
- coralbayCoral Bay EcotoursCoral Bay’s longest-running operator — full-day whale shark swims each autumn.Tour operator
- Ningaloo Marine InteractionsNingaloo Marine InteractionsThe Whale Shark Odyssey — spotter-plane search, reef snorkel and a full day on the water.Tour operator
- ningalooreefwhalesharks.auNingaloo Reef WhalesharksCoral Bay’s third whale shark boat, run by Coastal Adventure Tours — snorkel first, then swims.Tour operator
Independent listings.
More info
Part of
Swimming with whale sharksMarine wildlifeMore to do at Bill’s Bay
- Bill’s Bay reef snorkelWade off the town beach and you’re over coral and fish within a few fin-kicks.
- Bill’s Bay swimA calm, shallow town lagoon — safe and easy for a family dip.
- Coral Bay kayak trailPaddle to numbered moorings on the reef, then drop in and snorkel.
- Bill’s Bay SUPGlassy, protected lagoon water for an easy stand-up paddle.
- Swim with manta raysHover above the reef as resident manta rays bank and barrel-roll below you — Coral Bay’s signature.
- Swim with humpback whalesOne of the only places in WA you can legally swim with humpback whales — and Coral Bay opens first.
- Glass-bottom boat tourSee the coral gardens and turtles without getting wet — a Coral Bay staple since 1973.
- Outer-reef snorkel cruiseA relaxed boat snorkel over coral the boats reach that you can’t from shore.
- Scuba divingDive grey-reef-shark cleaning stations and coral bommies off the southern reef.
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