Ningaloo Whale Shark Encounter
Ningaloo Reef · Australia
Snorkel-only encounter with whale sharks that aggregate along Ningaloo Reef from March to August. Spotter planes vector boats onto sharks; you slip in alongside them for a few minutes before they cruise on. Strictly regulated for shark welfare.
Conditions
Depth
0 to 10 m
Good for beginners
Current
Usually gentle
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
15 to 25 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
20 to 29°C
Temperate wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 26 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 25 |
| Vis (m) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Current | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Semicircle Angelfish
Last confirmed Jun 27, 2026 · 48 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Convict Surgeonfish
Last confirmed Jun 21, 2026 · 43 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Lagoon Triggerfish
Last confirmed Jun 27, 2026 · 41 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Greencheek Parrotfish
Last confirmed Jun 21, 2026 · 55 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Clown Coris
Last confirmed Jun 22, 2026 · 49 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Whale shark
Last confirmed May 17, 2026 · 412 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Humpback whale
Last confirmed Sep 11, 2025 · 7 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Manta ray
Last confirmed Jun 15, 2026 · 2 records
Sometimes
About 1 in 3 dives
Gear