Meet the site
Ningaloo was the first place in Australia to allow commercial in-water interactions with humpback whales. DBCA began a trial in mid-2016 with licensed whale shark operators, continued it through 2023, and transitioned it to a licensed industry from 2024. Swimming with humpbacks is only permitted in Ningaloo Marine Park (State waters) and the Muiron Islands Marine Management Area, and operators carry electronic monitoring so their interactions are tracked in real time.
Each winter roughly 40,000 humpback whales migrate along the WA coast, passing Ningaloo northbound to calve in the Kimberley and southbound with calves in spring; they can often be heard underwater during dives in Lighthouse Bay and the Muirons. On a swim tour, spotter aircraft and crew identify whales whose behaviour suits an interaction, and small groups are placed in the water ahead of them. Encounters range from a whale passing below to curious animals approaching closely. The program's principles include minimising impacts on mothers and calves and managing swimmer safety.
Outside licensed tours, general law prohibits swimming within 100 m of a whale, and anyone approached must try to keep 100 m away. The experience is a snorkel in open ocean and suits confident swimmers. Many operators combine humpback swims with manta rays, reef snorkels and, early in the season, late whale sharks. Water in the humpback season is cooler than in whale shark season, so a thicker wetsuit is worthwhile, and the same trip frequently produces manta rays and dolphins. Humpbacks can also be seen breaching from Lighthouse Bay and the Muiron boats, and heard underwater on most winter dives around the Cape.
What you might see
Humpback whales (adults, mothers and calves); also manta rays, dolphins, turtles, late-season whale sharks
Location
Licensed in-water humpback whale interactions in Ningaloo Marine Park (State waters) and the Muiron Islands Marine Management Area during the winter–spring migration; snorkel only.
Facilities nearby
Tantabiddi and Coral Bay boat ramps; operators supply gear and lunch.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
dbca.wa.gov.audivernet.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.