Whale shark swim

Each autumn and winter whale sharks gather along Ningaloo to feed on the plankton bloom that follows the coral spawn, and Ningaloo is one of the most dependable places on Earth to swim with them. Tantabiddi is the main launch point.

These are full-day, boat-based trips: a spotter plane finds a shark from the air, the vessel positions ahead of it, and small groups slip into the water to swim alongside as it glides past. They are harmless filter feeders — the experience is calm rather than frightening, with humpbacks, mantas and turtles common bonus sightings.