What happened in Exmouth
The main activity during our 7-day trip to Exmouth, in the north of Western Australia, was to swim with the Whale Sharks.
Although it’s not cheap it is well worth the money, if you know your way around a snorkel and flippers.
I do not.
FIRST SNORKEL IN EXMOUTH
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 AMAZING! Fish were everywhere – even the seaweed was interesting!
During the 20-minute snorkel, 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, letting no water in but leaving indents on my face for days.
After the little test run, I could ‘two’ ‘two’ the water out of a snorkel like nobodies business.
I was feeling pretty confident and a little chuffed that I had mastered a new skill in such a short period of time.
I also learnt that:
- slow, steady, graceful moves are best
- you can’t doggy paddle with flippers on successfully
- it is unwise to attempt to talk or scream whilst breathing through a snorkel
- you should not watch Jaws before you go on an ocean-based holiday.
THE WHALE SHARKS
SO MANY RULES: Don’t touch the Whale Shark. Swim to the side or behind the Whale Shark. Stay three meters away from the Whale Shark at all times. Under NO circumstances swim in front of the Whale Shark.
Got it
When it’s your time to go you go-go-go! The Whale Sharks are super fast swimmers so 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.
I stuck my little head down and the enormous Whale Shark was coming at me!
He had turned sharply and his open mouth was coming my way. FAST!
Big mouth, big BIG mouth – propelling towards me at great speed.
Did I mention doggy paddling with flippers 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 on board the main boat for the remainder of the trip and had a lovely dry time with champagne in hand.
No animals were harmed, although I had a few bruises.
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. I highly recommend them. The crew were just fantastic.
ABOUT EXMOUTH
Exmouth is a fantastic place to visit, the weather is warm, the ocean is inviting and the locals are relaxed and chilled out.
Getting there: The flight from Perth is around 1 hour 30 mins. You will need to hire a car as there is no public transport in the area. To drive from Perth allow around 2 days for a pleasant drive.
What to do: Snorkeling, fishing, camping. You can also swim with the Whale Sharks, and Humpback Whale watching (seasonal). Fishing is a hugely popular pastime. It’s a great place for children of any age.
Where to stay: You can go high end at the lodges and resorts or stay in a backpackers or campsite.
TOP TIP: Book early, it’s normal for the town to have no accommodation, including campsites available during the school holidays.
