A jaw-dropping slice of WA's coastline, Ningaloo is the go-to for epic water-based experiences and bucket-list sights. And while Ningaloo Reef may be one of the few places in the world that you'll find whale sharks congregating each year, the region is also home to breathtaking beaches, national parks, an abundance of rare flora and fauna, and a reef you can access directly from shore. It’s a year-round gem, packed with snorkelling, fishing, and hiking to keep you busy from dawn to dusk, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and breweries to keep you going while you're there.
While whale sharks might be the most famous, they are just one of Ningaloo's incredible marine Big Five—whale sharks, humpbacks, manta rays, sea turtles, and dugongs—all calling this wild stretch of WA coast home. These locals really know the area, so there's no better way to explore it than to follow their lead.
So read on to find out how to experience Australia's Coral Coast like a true local.
The Ningaloo Outer Reef With Humpback Whales
Ningaloo Marine Park is the only place in WA where you can experience an in-water interaction with migrating humpback whales. These beauties are huge, growing up to 19 metres long—it’s wild to witness, and trust us, getting in the water with them is the experience of a lifetime. You’ll need to keep 50 metres from the humpbacks, but you’ll still catch a glimpse—and even hear their haunting songs. Humpback tours from July to October in Coral Bay, and August to October in Exmouth.
There are plenty of humpback tours in Coral Bay and Exmouth, but as the longest-running operator in the Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay Ecotours is the go-to for many whale watchers. Their humpback whale safari will see you snorkelling over the reef where you can spot turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and stunning tropical fish, before making your way out to the open ocean for some quality time with the whales. Naturally, the tour finishes with a glass of champagne and a fruit platter on the water.
It's a full day affair, so once you're back, hit up one of the local food and drink favourites like Bill’s Bar to finish the night with live music, coastal cuisine and a cocktail or two. It's also always worth keeping an eye on the events happening in Ningaloo, as the area often hosts unique festivals and experiences.
Coral Bay With Manta Rays
Arguably the most majestic of the big five, manta rays are large, toothless creatures that grow up to eight metres across, and unlike stingrays, they don't have a sharp barb, so they're perfectly safe to swim with. They're also around all year to hang out with.
You can book half or full-day tours for the best shot at spotting the rays. Prefer to stay dry? Hop on a Ningaloo Coral Bay Boats tour to see the rays and their vibrant reef from the comfort of the boat. But if you’re keen to get up close, they also offer snorkel cruises to explore the outer reef’s stunning coral gardens.
Fancy some fishing once you've seen the reef? Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters are sports fishing specialists operating out of Ningaloo. Head out on a charter and fish for blue marlin, sailfish, mackeral, and a whole range of other species.
Exmouth With Whale Sharks And Dugongs
Ningaloo’s most famous residents, the whale sharks, can be witnessed on tours departing from Exmouth from March to August.
There are plenty of tour operators and options that will get you up close to the whale sharks, just one of which is the Three Islands Whale Shark Dive. Swimming with the whale sharks is an unforgettable way to see these lovable locals, and the incredible reef they call home. Experienced guides will take you on a snorkelling adventure where you’ll swim alongside whale sharks—don’t stress, they’re big softies of the sea who only snack on plankton and tiny fish.
Exmouth was voted WA's top small tourism town of the year in 2024, so there’s more to squeeze in once you’re back on land. At the top of the list is a hike or trek tour at Cape Range National Park. With emus, euros, red kangaroos and birds living alongside 630 species of plants, it’s a spectacular show of the region's wild side. If you’d prefer to stick to water, check out a glass-bottom boat tour.
If you're visiting Ningaloo after whale shark season, many tour operators continue to offer tours that showcase the other incredible marine life of the Ningaloo Reef, and with the overlap between whale shark and humpback whale season, there's still a fair chance you'll see both.
Dugongs can also be seen year-round in Exmouth. Although swimming with Dugongs is not permitted, they can be sighted on lots of water-based tours, including glass-bottom boat and kayaking tours. They're a little more elusive than the rest of the big five, making it even more exciting when you do get to spot them.
Ningaloo’s Beaches With Green Sea Turtles
The Ningaloo World Heritage Area is home to many marine turtles, with the Jurabi Turtle Centre offering the best chance to learn about and spot green sea turtles and other species.
Turtles can be spotted all year, but from December to early March, experienced guides offer tours to scout for female turtles making their way to the beach to lay eggs. Towards the end of the season, you might even be lucky enough to witness hatchlings emerging from their nests and making their way to the ocean.
Once you hit the beach, you’ll never want to leave—so kick back on the sand or dive into the water. What’s a coastal trip without a proper day at the beach?
Ready to meet the locals of Ningaloo? Head to Australia's Coral Coast and start planning your visit.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Australia's Coral Coast and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Images: Australia's Coral Coast