The 2025 whale shark season is off to an exciting start with the first sightings of these gentle giants at Ningaloo Reef. Ningaloo Aviation spotted two whale sharks during a scenic flight recently, sparking anticipation for another incredible season ahead. The Ningaloo Discovery team have also reported an early encounter last week with 3 whale shark sightings, signalling a promising year for visitors eager to swim alongside the world’s largest fish.
Their public tours have just commenced for the season. With whale shark tours booking out fast, visitors are encouraged to plan their trips early by securing tours and accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. Australia’s Coral Coast CEO, David O’Malley, emphasised the region’s growing reputation as a premier destination for marine interactions. “The first sightings are highly anticipated and a strong indicator of a fantastic season ahead. Ningaloo offers one of the best whale shark experiences in the world, and we’re expecting another record-breaking year. To make the most of this once in a lifetime experience, we strongly encourage visitors to book early.”
The 2024 season again saw record numbers of whale shark swims with over 40,000 taking place at Ningaloo.
More Than Just Whale Sharks – The Ningaloo Big 5
While the whale shark season (March–July) is a highlight, Ningaloo Reef is year-round Marine paradise. Visitors can encounter the Ningaloo Big 5—whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, dugongs, and turtles—making it one of the most diverse and accessible places for marine wildlife experiences in the world.
• Whale sharks (March–July): The iconic gentle giants of Ningaloo Reef.
• Manta rays (year-round): Graceful and inquisitive creatures found in Coral Bay and Exmouth.
• Humpback whales (June–October): Witness their migration from a number of vantage points along the Coral Coast or take a guided swim experience at Ningaloo.
• Dugongs (year-round): The elusive ‘sea cows’ graze on seagrass beds in sheltered waters.
• Turtles (year-round): Green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles nest along the Ningaloo coast
A UNESCO World Heritage Wonder
The Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area is home to Australia’s largest fringing reef, stretching 300km from Red Bluff to the Muiron Islands. Unlike other reef systems, Ningaloo’s shallow waters allow visitors to snorkel right from the shore, offering unparalleled marine encounters in a pristine environment.
Ningaloo is a globally significant marine ecosystem recognised by Mission Blue in 2019 as a global Hope Spot, and one of the few places in the world where whale sharks gather predictably each year.
Plan Your Ningaloo Adventure
Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo is a life changing experience. With increasing demand, it’s essential to book your tour and accommodation as early as possible. Children over five years old who can swim are welcome to join tours under parental supervision.
