Swimming with Whale Sharks in Exmouth is one of Western Australia’s most talked-about experiences.
This is the story of why I tried it, how confident I became, and why I ended the day on a boat with champagne instead.
It’s not cheap, but it’s well worth the money, if you know your way around a snorkel and flippers.
I do not.
First Snorkel in Exmouth
(Or: How Confidence Is a Trap)
On the charter, we did a little snorkelling in calm waters to get used to the snorkel, mask, fins and let’s be serious – the open water.
It was incredible! Fish were everywhere. Even the seaweed was interesting.
Within twenty minutes, I learned I did not like the flippers. I was worried about hitting coral, or another person, with my mermaid extensions.
The mask was vacuum-sealed to my face. No water got in, but it left indents on my face for days.
After the test run, I could two-two the water out of a snorkel like nobody’s business.
I was feeling confident. A little chuffed, even. I had mastered a new skill in a very short amount of time.
I also learnt that:
- slow, steady, graceful movements are best
- you cannot dog-paddle successfully while wearing flippers
- it is unwise to attempt to talk or scream while breathing through a snorkel
- you should not watch Jaws before an ocean-based holiday
The Whale Sharks
(A Brief Lesson in Humility)
SO MANY RULES:
- Don’t touch the Whale Shark.
- Don’t swim in front of the Whale Shark.
- Stay three meters away at all times.
- Under no circumstances panic while wearing flippers.
Got it
When it’s your time to go, you go — quickly. Whale Sharks are fast swimmers and timing is everything.
I was one of the last to enter the water, by choice.
Knowing I was a Nervous Novice one of the crew stuck close to me.
As I slid into the water I expected to see the tail end of the graceful creature gliding past me.
Instead, I put my head down and saw the Whale Shark turning sharply towards me.
Its mouth was open.
Very open.
And moving quickly in my direction.
Dog-paddling with flippers, it turns out, does absolutely nothing.
I was yanked to safety by the crew on the tender and ungracefully spittooned onto the deck of the main boat.
I stayed there for the remainder of the trip, dry, uninjured, and holding a glass of champagne.
No animals were harmed. I had a few bruises.
Jokes aside – this is important: Whale Sharks are harmless, beautiful creatures. The reason for staying away from Whale Sharks is to protect them from harm or distress.
Our tour company was Ningaloo Blue. They were exceptional.
About Exmouth
(The Part Where I Redeem Myself)
Exmouth is a fantastic place to visit. The weather is warm, the ocean is inviting, and the locals are relaxed in a way that feels genuine.
It’s about an hour and a half flight from Perth. You’ll need a car — there’s no public transport — and if you’re driving, allow a couple of days for a pleasant trip.
Snorkelling, fishing, camping, Whale Sharks, humpback whales (seasonal). It’s a place that suits children and adults equally well.
Accommodation ranges from high-end resorts to campsites, but book early. During school holidays, the town fills up quickly.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes — with more practice, less confidence, and a healthier respect for flippers.