The 2026 whale shark season has officially kicked off at World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, with the first encounters of the year confirmed off the coast of Exmouth. Local operator Ningaloo Discovery welcomed guests into the water for the season’s inaugural swim, capping it off with a manta ray encounter for good measure.
Located roughly 1,200 kilometres north of Perth, Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places on the planet where you can reliably swim alongside whale sharks — the world’s largest fish — in their natural environment. After a brief wait for their arrival this year, the sharks have shown up in fine form.
Australia’s Coral Coast CEO, David O’Malley, said, “The first sightings are always an exciting moment and a great sign that an incredible season is underway. Ningaloo is one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, and we’re looking forward to another fantastic year. To make sure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience, we recommend booking early.”
Last year’s season broke records, with over 41,000 whale shark swims taking place at Ningaloo across the season.
What to expect in the water
Whale shark season runs from March through to July, drawing visitors from around the world to snorkel alongside these filter-feeding giants, which can reach lengths of up to 12 metres. The swims are conducted with licensed operators and guided by spotter aircraft, making encounters as reliable as they are remarkable.
But whale sharks are only part of the picture. Ningaloo is home to what locals call the Big Five — whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, dugongs, and turtles — with many of these species present year-round. Manta rays frequent the waters around Coral Bay and Exmouth throughout the year, while humpback whales pass through between June and October on their annual migration. Dugongs graze quietly on seagrass beds in sheltered bays, and green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles can be spotted nesting along the shore from November to March.
Beyond the reef
Ningaloo’s appeal extends well above the waterline. Cape Range National Park, which flanks the reef to the west, features ancient limestone gorges, dramatic canyons, and secluded swimming holes well worth exploring. Charles Knife Canyon cuts a striking silhouette against the sky, and the drive along its ridge offers sweeping views across the cape to the ocean beyond.
The coastal towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay serve as the main bases for visitors, with Exmouth in particular having grown into a genuine hub for marine tourism without losing its laid-back character. From here, you’re also well placed for some of the most extraordinary stargazing in the country, with minimal light pollution and vast outback skies stretching in every direction.
Whether you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter or simply a stretch of beach with nobody for miles, Ningaloo delivers on both counts — and the 2026 season is only just getting started.
