Whale Shark Safari

The Whale Shark Safari in Coral Bay, Australia, offers an opportunity to witness the majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat. This day-long cruise allows visitors to snorkel on the vibrant reef and catch a glimpse of these gentle giants, which are located from above by a spotter plane. With a limited number of participants, the experience ensures the wellbeing of the sharks while providing champagne, refreshments, and a delicious lunch. For those seeking an unforgettable encounter with these awe-inspiring creatures, the Whale Shark Safari promises an adventure like no other.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Safari Tours In Coral Bay.

Key Points

• The Whale Shark Safari is a day-long cruise in Coral Bay, Australia, offering the opportunity to snorkel on the reef and spot majestic whale sharks.
• Spotter planes locate the whale sharks from above, and the group size is limited to ensure the sharks’ wellbeing.
• Snorkeling on the vibrant reef system allows for the observation of diverse marine life, including colorful tropical fish and curious sea turtles.
• During the whale shark sighting, strict regulations are in place to maintain a safe and responsible encounter, with a minimum distance of 3 meters and a maximum time of 30 minutes.
• The cruise itinerary includes snorkeling, sailing to the open ocean in search of whale sharks, and enjoying champagne, lunch, and afternoon tea throughout the excursion.

Overview of the Whale Shark Safari

The Whale Shark Safari in Coral Bay, Australia is one of the few places in the world where people can swim alongside the world’s largest fish.

This day-long cruise offers a unique opportunity to snorkel on the reef and spot the majestic whale sharks. A spotter plane locates the sharks from above, and the group’s numbers are strictly limited to ensure the sharks’ wellbeing.

Guests can expect to enjoy a glass of champagne, refreshments, and a delicious lunch during the tour. The safari also includes a photo package, allowing participants to capture their unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants.

With an informative tour host and an additional DPaW fee, the Whale Shark Safari provides an immersive and memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Snorkeling on the Reef

Upon arriving at the reef, guests have the opportunity to don their snorkeling gear and enjoy the vibrant underwater world.

Teeming with a rich diversity of marine life, the coral reef system offers a captivating glimpse into the dynamic ecosystems that thrive in the waters off Coral Bay.

Schools of colorful tropical fish dart between the intricate coral formations, while curious sea turtles gracefully glide through the currents.

Guests can explore the reef’s nooks and crannies, spotting anemones, sponges, and a variety of invertebrates.

The snorkeling experience allows visitors to connect with the marine environment and appreciate the beauty and complexity of this delicate underwater realm.

Spotting Whale Sharks

After the snorkeling adventure on the reef, the tour heads out to sea in search of the majestic whale sharks.

Spotter planes carefully scan the waters from above, relaying the location of these gentle giants to the boat crew below.

With numbers strictly limited to prioritize the wellbeing of the whale sharks, your eagerly await the opportunity to dive into the blue and swim alongside these impressive marine creatures.

The crew ensures a safe and responsible encounter, guiding the swimmers to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the whale sharks.

For the privileged few who are able to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, it’s an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience.

Cruise Itinerary

The day-long Whale Shark Safari cruise begins with a snorkeling adventure on the vibrant coral reef, where guests can marvel at the abundant marine life.

From there, the tour heads out to sea in search of the majestic whale sharks.

The itinerary for the day includes:

1. Snorkeling on the reef to observe the diverse array of tropical fish and colorful coral formations.
2. Boarding the boat and sailing out to the open ocean in search of whale sharks.
3. Donning snorkel gear and jumping into the water for the opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants.

Throughout the excursion, guests are provided with a glass of champagne, lunch, and afternoon tea, ensuring a truly memorable and luxury experience.

Whale Shark Viewing Experience

Spotter planes play a crucial role in the whale shark viewing experience, locating the massive creatures from the sky and relaying their positions to the boat operators. Once a whale shark is sighted, the boats carefully approach the gentle giants, allowing guests to jump in the water and swim alongside them. Strict regulations are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the whale sharks, with a limited number of participants allowed in the water at a time. The whale shark encounter is a thrilling and humbling experience, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these majestic animals.

Regulation	Requirement
Minimum Distance	3 meters
Maximum Time in Water	30 minutes
Maximum Group Size	10 people
Recommended Behavior	No touching, stay close to the surface

Tour Inclusions

Alongside the thrilling whale shark encounter, the Whale Shark Safari in Coral Bay, Australia, includes a variety of amenities and services to enhance the overall experience.

The tour offers:

• A glass of champagne, as well as coffee and/or tea, to kick off the day in style.
• A delicious lunch and afternoon tea, ensuring guests are well-fed throughout the adventure.
• A professional photo package, capturing the unforgettable moments of swimming alongside the magnificent whale sharks.

Plus, the tour includes an escort/host to guide participants, as well as an extra fee required by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) to support the conservation efforts in the region.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants meet at the Coral Bay Ecotours in the Peoples Park Shopping Village on Robinson Street in Coral Bay, Western Australia, starting at 7:30 am for the day-long Whale Shark Safari.

The tour departs promptly at this time, so it’s important for guests to arrive on time.

After the day’s adventure, the group returns to the original meeting point, typically around 5:00 pm.

This allows ample time to explore the region, spot wildlife, and enjoy the included amenities like champagne, coffee, tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.

The additional DPaW fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child is payable on the day of the tour.

Additional Information

The Whale Shark Safari offers guests the opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Participants can expect to see the sharks gracefully swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Coral Bay, as the tour company’s spotter planes carefully locate and guide the group to the sharks’ location.

Alongside the whale shark encounters, the tour also includes snorkeling on the nearby reef, where guests can observe a vibrant array of marine life.

The tour package includes:

1. A glass of champagne, coffee, and/or tea.
2. A delicious lunch and afternoon tea.
3. A photo package to capture the unforgettable experience.

Plus, guests will need to pay a DPaW fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child to support the conservation efforts in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Life Jackets Provided During the Snorkeling Activity?

Yes, life jackets are provided during the snorkeling activity. Participants are required to wear life jackets for safety and comfort while swimming and exploring the reef.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling gear for the Whale Shark Safari tour. However, the tour provider also offers snorkeling equipment for use during the activity at no additional cost if preferred.

Is Underwater Photography Allowed During the Whale Shark Encounter?

Underwater photography is generally allowed during the whale shark encounter, though participants must follow all safety guidelines and instructions from the tour operators. Strict limits on group sizes help ensure the sharks’ well-being.

Are There Any Weight or Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no specific weight or age restrictions for the Whale Shark Safari tour. However, participants should be comfortable swimming and snorkeling in open water. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I Purchase Additional Photos or Videos After the Tour?

Yes, additional photos and videos can be purchased after the tour. The tour package includes a photo package, but guests can buy extra photos or videos from the tour operator if they wish to have more souvenirs from their experience.

Recap

The Whale Shark Safari in Coral Bay, Australia, offers an unforgettable opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

With a spotter plane locating the whale sharks, participants can snorkel on the vibrant reef and enjoy a delicious lunch, champagne, and refreshments during the cruise.

The experience is carefully curated to ensure the sharks’ wellbeing, providing an awe-inspiring and eco-friendly adventure.