9 Swim with Whales Experiences in Australia Worth the Early Start

1.Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $444Our pick

Spend about eight hours on Ningaloo Reef, following a spotter plane to whale sharks and stopping to snorkel with turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and more. Three Islands supplies gear, meals, drinks, a safety tender, hotel transfers, and underwater photos, with a maximum of 20 people aboard.

“Amazing experience! The crew was dynamic, competent, interesting and friendly. All day was very well organized and respectfull for the whale sharks and their environment. Thank you!”

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2.Swimming with the Whale Sharks – Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · from $451

Spend about 6 to 8 hours aboard Ningaloo Blue from Exmouth, with two or more guided snorkel sessions, reef wildlife, lunch, gear, and hotel transport. Whale sharks are sought from April to August, humpback whales from September to November. Crew members Brad and Spencer have been praised for their calm, friendly guidance.

“A great day out with plenty of sightings/ swims with whale sharks and even a close encounter with a humpback whale and calf! Particularly lucky to have had smooth seas and little wind. All making it a fantastic day.”

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3.Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $430

Spend about eight hours with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive at Ningaloo Reef, using a spotter plane to locate humpbacks and other wildlife. Crew members including Sarah, Mel, Amy, Nos, and pilot Tif provide gear, meals, safety help, photography, and guided snorkel time.

“Excellent crew, great lunch and Awesome experience. With a double wamm of snorkelling with a whale shatk”

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4.Swim with Whales in Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 71 reviews · from $80Best value

From Southport, you’ll board Game Changer for a two-and-a-half-hour search for humpback whales. You can swim or watch from the deck. Wetsuit, life jacket, and snorkel gear are supplied, but the whales decide if and when they come close.

“was such an amazing experience, don’t they if you they don’t come straight away! they do end up coming and it is such and amazing experience we even saw some dolphins! just be prepared if the waves are choppy !”

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5.Swim with Whales Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $286

Meet at Chinderah at 6:30 am for a four-hour whale encounter with Cooly Eco Adventures. A marine naturalist guide and captain search near Coolangatta, the Gold Coast, and Tweed Heads. Your whale sighting is guaranteed, but an in-water encounter depends on the whales.

“Changing room on the street, wareing wet Wetsuit , almost lots a direction and not sure where whales going and spent almost all our time for searching .”

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6.Western Australia: Swim with Humpback Whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 8 hours · from $467

Join Coral Bay Ecotours for an 8-hour Ningaloo Reef trip from Coral Bay, led by an English-speaking crew including guides Paula and Marina. Snorkel two reef sites, search for humpback whales from July to October, and enter the water in groups of seven when conditions and whale behavior allow.

“A great 10 hour activity that was facilitated by enthusiastic and supportive guides. All the weather challenges were overcome to make this a “bucket list” activity.”

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7.Gold Coast: Swim with Whales

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 13 reviews · 4 hours · from $268

Join Cooly Eco Adventures for a four-hour whale swim from Chinderah Bay. An experienced skipper, crew, and in-water guide lead a small group toward humpback whales, with safety guidance, marine commentary, and a soft in-water approach. Swimming is not guaranteed, as the whales decide the encounter.

“Excellent! Wouldn’t change anything! Will repeat in no time 😻”

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8.Gold Coast: Swim with Whales

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 11 reviews · from $231

Join Blue Seafaris for a 3.5-hour Gold Coast whale swim aboard a fast rigid inflatable boat. A marine biologist guide searches for curious humpbacks and judges when an in-water encounter is suitable. Sightings are guaranteed, but swimming with the whales depends on their behavior and ocean conditions.

“Not good experience with limited time see the whales The tours guys are nice and informative, helpful for different situations However, the activity is not worth to spend that much in my experience.”

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9.Swim with Humpback Whales: Sunshine Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $184

Join a six-person boat from Mooloolaba for a four-hour humpback whale experience with an experienced skipper and in-water guide. Chelsea and Christian have led trips with calm, respectful care. Fins, mask, and wetsuit are included, but whale sightings and water entry depend on the animals and conditions.

“A unique and exceptional experience. We were lucky enough to swim with whales. The team, Chelsea and Christian, were amazing and respectful of the animals. There were six of us on board, and I couldn't have asked for better organization. Everything was perfect. Thank you 🙏”

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