Whale sharks visit Ningaloo Reef from April through to July each year. This is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks appear regularly in numbers. They are the world's largest fish measuring up to 18m in length. Those encountered on the Ningaloo Reef are most commonly between 4-12m long.

A whale shark can weigh up to 15 tonnes and have a mouth over a metre wide. They survive by filtering zooplankton through thousands of tiny teeth arranged in 300 rows located in their gills. Whale sharks are slow swimmers, moving their entire bodies from side to side on the surface of the water, so the only things you will need to swim with them are a mask, snorkel and fins. They are completely harmless and seem to enjoy the interaction with people.

Very little is known about the breeding cycle and mating habits of whale sharks other than that they do have internal fertilization and produce live young - despite technically being 'fish'. Although they do not need to come to the surface to breathe, it is believed that they do so to feed, however the intricacies of their feeding habits and normal behaviour remain a mystery. The pattern of lines and spots seen on a Whale shark helps them to blend into their oceanic surroundings. These unique patterns are like fingerprints and can be used to identify individuals.

On a typical tour, the day begins at about 7.30am when you will be picked up from your accommodation by a courtesy bus and taken to an awaiting, customised vessel. By 9am, you are snorkelling on beautiful Ningaloo Reef. A spotter plane begins looking for whale sharks and once spotted, your whale shark experience begins. As soon as they know where the whale sharks are, you will have the opportunity of swimming with these gentle giants. Morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch are usually included, as well as refreshments, use of mask, snorkel, fins and wet suit, if required. After the buzz of being right up close with these giants of the sea, you can enjoy a few more swims/snorkels on the Ningaloo Reef, before heading to shore at about 4.30pm. Most operators also will record footage of you frolicking with your new found friends, and the images can be purchased on disc.

For bookings contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre