Western Australia: Swim with Humpback Whales

Imagine spending a day amid spectacular marine life, from graceful humpback whales to curious turtles, all set against the stunning backdrop of Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef. For $389 per person, this full-day tour offers a rare chance to swim with whales during their annual migration—an experience few places in the world can match. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour is carefully designed to blend adventure, comfort, and education, making it ideal for those craving an authentic, close-up encounter with Australia’s vibrant ocean.

What we love most about this experience are two standout features: the high-quality snorkeling equipment and wetsuits that ensure comfort in the water, and the professional, warm-hearted guides who prioritize safety while maximizing your chances to see marine creatures. You’ll also enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and a celebratory glass of champagne at the end—touches that elevate this day from simple sightseeing to something truly memorable.

A potential consideration? The availability of whale encounters depends on weather and whale activity, which means there’s always a small element of chance. It’s worth keeping expectations flexible and appreciating the overall adventure, regardless of whether the whales make an appearance at exactly the right moment.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who love marine life, families looking for a safe yet exciting experience, and anyone eager to see whales in the wild with expert guidance.

Key Points

• Authentic marine encounters: Swim with humpback whales, turtles, and reef sharks in their natural habitat.
• All-inclusive comfort: Snorkeling gear, wetsuits, meals, and drinks are included, making it a hassle-free day.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides prioritize safety and wildlife respect, enriching your experience.
• Flexible schedule: The tour lasts about 8 hours, usually in the morning, with opportunities for multiple snorkeling stops.
• Delicious food and drinks: Enjoy a buffet lunch, refreshments, and a celebratory glass of champagne.
• Weather dependent: Encounters depend on weather and whale activity, so flexibility enhances the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Logistics

You’ll meet your adventure at 30 Robinson Street, Coral Bay. The departure is typically scheduled in the morning, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy every part of the day. The tour lasts around 8 hours, which means you’ll spend a good chunk of time at sea—absolutely worth it for the chance to see whales and marine life in their natural environment.

The boat used for this tour is well-reviewed for its organization and equipment quality. As one traveler noted, “The boat is awesome, everything’s perfectly organized, and the equipment provided is top-notch.” This level of professionalism helps set the tone for a safe, smooth day at sea.

The Snorkeling at Ningaloo Reef

The tour kicks off with snorkeling at two separate sites on the Ningaloo Reef. These reefs are celebrated for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral, and diversity of marine animals. Expect to encounter turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and a variety of colorful fish.

The snorkeling gear and wetsuits are included, so you don’t have to worry about packing your own. This is particularly helpful for those who aren’t regular snorkelers—guides are attentive and reassuring, which helps even nervous swimmers feel more at ease. One reviewer mentioned, “The equipment and staff made us feel pampered from start to finish,” highlighting how thoughtful the arrangements are.

The Whale Encounter

The highlight of this tour is, of course, swimming with humpback whales. During their migration from July to October, these majestic creatures pass along the Western Australian coast, offering a rare opportunity to observe and interact on their own terms.

Your guides will assess sea conditions and whale activity to determine if it’s safe to enter the water. When all is clear, guests are split into small groups of approximately 7 people, with two crew members in the water at a time. The interaction is designed to respect the whales’ space; they might approach out of curiosity or simply pass by. As one traveler described, “The encounter with the whales is absolutely incredible!”

Guides are trained to keep interactions safe and respectful, ensuring the whales are not disturbed. The experience is on the whales’ terms, which is a big reason why it remains a genuine wildlife encounter rather than a staged show.

The Return to the Reef and Lunch

After the whale swim, you’ll return to the reef for another snorkel session or to relax on the boat. The included buffet lunch offers a welcome break and a chance to reflect on the morning’s highlights. Many reviews praise the food as “delicious,” adding value to the overall experience.

Following lunch, you’ll have one last chance to snorkel before heading back to the jetty. The boat’s crew makes the return journey comfortable with sun protection, water, and friendly service.

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Celebrating the Day

The tour wraps up with a small celebration: a glass of champagne and a fruit platter. This thoughtful touch gives you a chance to toast your adventure and savor the moment, making the day feel even more special.

What’s Included and What to Bring

• Included: Snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, fruit platter, champagne.
• Not Included: Tour photos, so if you want a record of your marine encounters, you might consider bringing your camera or purchasing photos separately.

You should bring swimwear, water, sun protection, towels, and a warm layer for the boat. No pets or smoking are allowed, and the tour is subject to weather and minimum numbers—so flexibility is key.

Authentic Reviews and Their Insights

The overwhelming majority of reviews are glowing, like this from Lisa in France: “Everything’s perfectly organized, and the staff is really super competent, reassuring, and warm: you feel pampered from start to finish.” Others highlight the “enthusiastic” guides and “unforgettable” whale encounters, underscoring the professionalism and excitement that define this tour.

One reviewer from the Netherlands shared, “We had an amazing experience!! One of a lifetime things to do and the crew made sure we left with unforgettable memories.” Such feedback confirms that for many, this tour is a highlight of their Western Australia trip.

The Experience for Different Travelers

This tour is well-suited for adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, families, and anyone who appreciates a well-organized, informative day on the water. It’s particularly appealing if you’re eager to see whales up close and enjoy snorkeling in a pristine reef environment.

If you’re looking for a unique marine wildlife experience with knowledgeable guides and high-quality equipment, this tour delivers. The chance to swim with humpback whales—an activity few other places in the world can offer—is a major draw. The delicious meals and champagne make it feel like a special occasion, suitable for celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in a bucket-list adventure.

However, it’s important to remember that whale sightings are weather and whale activity-dependent. If encounters are missed, the day still offers fantastic snorkeling and the chance to enjoy the beautiful Ningaloo Reef environment. Travelers who appreciate flexibility and understanding wildlife’s unpredictability will find this tour rewarding regardless.

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour is priced at $389 per person, which covers most aspects of the day, including snorkeling gear, wetsuits, meals, and drinks.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 8 hours, usually departing in the morning, giving plenty of time for both reef snorkeling and whale encounters.

Are the whale sightings guaranteed?
No, whale sightings depend on weather conditions and whale activity. Guides do their best to facilitate encounters, but nature can be unpredictable.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, water, sun protection, towels, and a warm layer for the boat. No pets or smoking are allowed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and wetsuits are included, making it easy to just show up and enjoy.

Can children participate?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s focus on safety and wildlife interaction suggests it’s suitable for families, provided children are comfortable in the water.

What is the group size?
Groups are divided into small teams of about 7, with two crew members in the water at a time, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling requires comfort in water, the wetsuits and guidance can help, but non-swimmers should assess their confidence accordingly.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Photos are not included, but you’re encouraged to bring your own camera or phone to capture the experience.

This whale-swimming tour along Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef offers a rare, authentic opportunity to observe and interact with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. With top-notch guides, well-maintained equipment, and delicious food, it strikes a nice balance between adventure and comfort. The chance to swim with humpback whales during their migration is a true highlight for any wildlife enthusiast or adventure seeker.

While the experience depends on weather and whale activity, the overall day is designed to be memorable—regardless of whether whales make a showing. The small group sizes, caring guides, and focus on wildlife respect make this a responsible choice for travelers who want a genuine marine encounter.

If you enjoy snorkeling, wildlife, and being out on the water in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations, this tour is well worth the price. It’s perfect for those looking to tick off a bucket-list activity with the added comforts of good food and expert supervision.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to see Australia’s marine giants in their natural habitat, this tour delivers a meaningful, well-organized, and awe-inspiring day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: