13 Mar 2026
Tags: whale sharks, ningaloo, australias coral coast, Western Australia
Ningaloo's Icons Are Back. First Whale Sharks Spotted for 2026 in Exmouth, Western Australia
The 2026 whale shark season has officially begun at the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, with the first encounters of the year confirmed off the coast of Exmouth.
Guests experienced the season's inaugural whale shark swim yesterday with local boat operator, Ningaloo Discovery. After taking their time to appear this year, the gentle giants have finally arrived, rewarding guests and crew with a special encounter in Ningaloo's pristine waters.
Adding to the excitement, the group was also treated to a manta ray encounter, making for an unforgettable first swim of the season.
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 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.”
The 2025 season saw record numbers of whale shark swims with over 41,000 taking place at Ningaloo.
There's Much to Love at Ningaloo
While whale sharks are the headline act, they are just one of many reasons travellers fall in love with Ningaloo. The region pairs breathtaking landscapes with vibrant marine life, offering the rare opportunity to step off the sand and snorkel thriving coral gardens straight from the beach.
Running from March to August, whale shark season is a major highlight, but Ningaloo is a 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 marine wildlife destinations 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' of the ocean graze on seagrass beds in sheltered waters.
- Turtles (year-round): Green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles frequent the warm waters of Ningaloo and can be seen nesting from November to March.
Beyond the reef, adventurers can explore the ancient gorges of Cape Range National Park, take in the dramatic contrasts of Charles Knife Canyon, or unwind in the laid-back coastal towns of Coral Bay and Exmouth. From swimming with marine life and witnessing turtle nesting, to stargazing beneath vast outback skies and discovering secluded beaches, Ningaloo offers depth, diversity and natural beauty at every turn.
The Ultimate 6-Day Ningaloo Adventure - Itinerary
Ningaloo is much more than a whale shark destination, though swimming alongside the world's largest fish is an unforgettable highlight. Over six days, travellers can explore vibrant coral reefs, discover the dramatic landscapes of Cape Range National Park, unwind on pristine beaches and soak up the turquoise waters of Coral Bay, all complemented by extraordinary stargazing and unique local experiences. Check out the ultimate 6-day itinerary here.
Plan Your Whale Shark Experience
Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo offers a rare opportunity to encounter the world's largest fish in its natural habitat. With demand growing each year, visitors are encouraged to book tours and accommodation well in advance. Children aged five and over who are confident swimmers are welcome to participate in tours when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For travel itineraries, operator details, and more information, visit www.australiascoralcoast.com.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Kelly Leonard | Marketing & Tourism Development Manager | marketing@australiascoralcoast.com
Photo link:
Credits: Please credit 'Ningaloo Discovery' on all images. These images are from the first swim of the season taking place on the 12/03/26.
About Australia's Coral Coast
Australia's Coral Coast stretches from Cervantes to Exmouth, offering some of the world's best marine and coastal experiences. Recognised as one of the greatest road trips on earth, the 1250km Coral Coast Highway connects visitors to this extraordinary region. Accessible by road or air, with airports in Exmouth, Carnarvon, Shark Bay, and Geraldton, Ningaloo and its surrounding attractions are waiting to be explored.
To plan your trip, visit www.australiascoralcoast.com.
