Ningaloo Reef/Cape Range Peninsula – Western Australia
Where the ‘Outback Meets The Sea’ – the Ningaloo ‘point of land’ reef is more accessible than the Great Barrier Reef – although a fraction of the size.
A swim with the Whale Shark is a magical experience. From Mid March through Mid to late July- spend an incredible day snorkelling with the largest fish in the ocean, the mighty Whale Shark. The Ningaloo Reef is the only place in the world where the harmless Whale Sharks, measuring up to 18 metres in length are known to visit on an annual basis, in large numbers, so close to the coast. They are filter feeders and are believed to visit the waters of Ningaloo Reef at this time due to the coral spawning and plankton that is in the water.
They swim just beneath the surface during your interaction time. A spotter plane is used to locate the Whale Sharks and then directs the boat to the area. This is a full day tour and incorporates cruising the waters of the Ningaloo Reef looking for turtles, dolphins, dugongs and you also have an opportunity to snorkel at some incredible snorkelling sites.
Manta Rays, like Whale Sharks are filter feeders, feeding on plankton and krill. They inhabit areas near Coral Bay all year round. Unlike a stingray they have no sharp barb on the tail making them very safe to swim with. The largest Manta Rays found in the world have measured up to seven metres across their wingspan and have weighed approximately two tonne in weight. The average size of the Manta Rays encountered on tours is 2-4 metres. Snorkel with these graceful, harmless creatures as they “dance through the water”. A half-day boat tour also takes you to some great snorkel sites, cruising the calm enclosed waters of the reef searching for turtles, dolphins or dugong. Spotter planes are also used to locate the Manta Rays for your swimming adventure.
