Humpback Whale Safari Package

Experience the ultimate Ningaloo Reef Humpback Whale adventure with our amazing Humpback Whale Safari package.

Humpback Whale Safari Package

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1 – OVERVIEW

Overview

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2 – ITINERARY

Day-by-Day Itinerary

As the Shore Thing part of your package departs at 4pm on day 1, you can fly in to Learmonth on the day of departure and there is plenty of time to travel to Coral Bay and have a look around before joining us on board. Sail Ningaloo is pleased to offer airport transfers to/from Learmonth airport for all our departing tours, please contact us for pricing and to discuss options if you are unable to find flights that you believe are suitable.

All of Sail Ningaloo’s tours cater for both snorkellers and scuba divers, from the not so confident, to experienced skill levels. You can expect to be offered 2 to 3 snorkelling activities per day depending on the time of year and scuba diving is offered on average 1 – 2 of those times, depending on the conditions of the day and sites visited. Being a shallow fringing reef, you can see & experience the best Ningaloo has to offer in shallow protected coral lagoons in any weather.

Day 1

Once you arrive in Coral Bay take the short transfer to board Shore Thing at the local marine facility for a 4pm departure. The journey begins as we set sail in protected waters, winding our way through spectacular dense coral formations that surround Coral Bay. Enjoy a late afternoon snorkel or scuba dive before enjoying a magical sunset over the Indian Ocean as the vessel sails to its overnight anchorage.

Day 2

Following breakfast, enjoy a morning snorkel or scuba dive such as Pandora’s Garden, a beautiful coral garden exhibiting stunning plate coral formations and home to numerous marine turtles. After morning tea, we sail northwards via Batemans Bay, home to a resident population of coastal Manta Rays that frequent the inner reef to mate, give birth and feed. Enjoy a discussion on Manta Ray biology and behavior along the Ningaloo Reef with your guide, whilst we search for these graceful rays to snorkel with. Enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch before we navigate along the breath-taking Stanley Pools and explore the edge of the contrasting waters where the sand has been shaped by the waters movement to form distinct pools of deep blue water. We seek out dugongs, dolphins and humpback whales (seasonal, June – October) as we travel to our afternoon snorkeling and diving destinations on the way into Chabjuwardoo Bay for our overnight anchorage.

Day 3

Sailing north towards Point Cloates, your crew and expert guides will select the best snorkel & scuba diving sites based on the conditions. Sites we visit over the next couple of days are only visited by Shore Thing and have been personally named by the Sail Ningaloo crew. Some of our favorites include The Fishbowl, Holey Moley, Turtle Pond and The Lost City. We sail past the resting site of The Stefano, and Jane’s Bay, where survivors of this shipwreck made it to shore, an incredible tale of survival with assistance from the Aboriginal inhabitants of the North-West cape. This afternoon step ashore at Point Cloates and relish in the tranquility of watching the sun set over the vast Indian Ocean, with a birds eye view from the top of the sand dunes. Return to Shore Thing for a sumptuous 2-course dinner and review your photos, or the images the crew has collected over the day, of the various species of reef fish and corals. Learn and discuss the unique behaviors of the marine creatures you have observed.

Day 4

After a hearty breakfast, your crew and guides will select the best snorkel & scuba diving sites around the Point Cloates area based on the conditions. Some of our favorites include Cloates Corner, The Clam Graveyard, The Benan Shipwreck and Central Station, seeing hundreds of species of colourful reef fish and a good chance to see reef sharks and turtles cruising by, as well as a huge variety of smaller critters, including spectacular nudibranchs & octopus. We sail into Norwegian Bay, passing the ruins of the historic whaling station, abandoned in the 1950’s. Learn about life in the whaling days on this remote stretch of coastline, where Humpback Whales migrate along the coast in their thousands. Have the opportunity to snorkel the Fin Shipwreck, an old whaling chaser that was wrecked during a cyclone in 1923 & now lies in shallow water inside the reef lagoon, a haven for reef fish & other marine life.

Day 5

Enjoy a leisurely morning kayak or SUP along the secluded coastline, keeping an eye out for large rays resting and turtles feeding in the shallow waters. Experience another thrilling snorkel or scuba dive in the Point Cloates area before we wind our way back towards Point Maud for our afternoon anchorage. Some of our favourite snorkel & scuba dive sites include The Minefield, The Ravine and Lannie’s Lumps, where you have the chance to see large groupers, rare loggerhead turtles, moray eels and fascinating coral formations. Passing North Reef, we keep an eye out for Manta Rays before snorkelling North Reef Nursery, a nursery area for schools of sweetlips and snapper and a great opportunity to find reef sharks and rays resting in small coral caves. Snorkel along sandy underwater pathways fringed by hard coral outcrops rising to the waters surface. Relax on the deck as the day winds down, enjoying your last night on Shore Thing.

Day 6

Before a sumptuous buffet lunch, enjoy one or two last snorkels or scuba dives, our favourites include The Ridge, The Stag Fores, or the fascinating Asho’s Gap, a cleaning station for grey reef sharks. Watch as the sharks swim up to a large cabbage coral and hold themselves in the currents with their mouths open, whilst small cleaner fish dart in and out of their mouths and gills.

After lunch on board, return to Coral Bay approximately 12:30pm for your transfer to your accommodation in either Coral Bay or Exmouth and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or by the pool, exploring the Ningaloo Discovery Centre & Aquarium if in Exmouth, or simply enjoying a cool beverage at one of the local cafes or breweries.

Day 7 – Humpback Whale Swim

Join your complimentary transfer to board your day-tour vessel to go in search for some of Ningaloo Reef’s largest marine mammals …. the majestic Humpback Whales. Swimming alongside these awe-inspiring giants is simply an incredible encounter you will never forget and Ningaloo Reef is the only place in Western Australia you can do so. Humpback whales are renowned for their playful behaviour, such as tail-slapping and breaching. A spotter plane is used to guide the vessels to the Humpback Whales they deem most suitable to attempt an in-water interaction with, therefore maximizing the success rate. You’ll feel dwarfed by a whale’s massive size, but swimmers will only be allowed to enter the water with a whale that is calm and relaxed, and not showing any signs of playful behaviour.

Humpback Whale swim tours are day snorkelling tours only (scuba diving interactions not permitted under local licenses), available July-Oct.

Day 8

A prearranged transfer back to Learmonth Airport for your departing flight. Relax and reminisce on the wonders of Ningaloo and your adventures of the last week as you prepare to depart.

 

“We spent 5 idyllic days on the Shore Thing… If you enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving with delightful, knowledgeable and professional crew then this Ningaloo Reef tour is perfect for you.”

“If you have any worries about sea sickness, don’t be concerned. The Shore Thing stays within Ningaloo Reef in the calmer waters and it wasn’t an issue at all.”

“We really enjoyed our time on the Shore Thing and would love to return some day. We feel that we got rare and privileged access to Ningaloo Reef as the staff knew all the fantastic spots to dive at.”

“5 stars from us and well done to Luke and Lannie for running such a professional exceptional business with a genuine commitment to the satisfaction and enjoyment of the guests hosted”

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3 – MAP

Location & Access

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4 – INCLUSIONS

Rates & Inclusions

*All rates are quoted in Australian dollars, including Goods and Services Tax (GST)
*Based on 2 people sharing a cabin, please enquire about single traveller and child rates.

The 7 Night Ningaloo Humpback Whale Safari package includes;

  • 5 Night Ningaloo Escape on board Shore Thing with Sail Ningaloo
  • 2 Nights stay at local accommodation in Coral Bay or Exmouth
  • Humpback Whale swim day tour
  • Transfers

 

All this from just $5,500 per person.

Price varies with cabin choice on board Shore Thing, accommodation and day tour operator preference.

We’ll give you all the options in a tailor-made itinerary to suit you.

 

Ningaloo Humpback Whale swim day tour includes:

  • All government charges
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Complimentary pick up from accommodation
  • Full buffet lunch and refreshments

 

5 Night Ningaloo Escape tour with Sail Ningaloo includes:

  • Freshly prepared gourmet meals & snacks (Please specify any special requirements or allergies)
  • Quality teas, brewed coffee, fruit juice & soft drinks
  • Linen, bath and beach towels, with luxury bamboo sheets ensuring a comfortable nights sleep
  • Snorkelling equipment (mask & snorkel, fins, 3 & 5mm wetsuits)
  • Scuba diving – tanks and weights
  • Kayaking & SUP equipment
  • Sunscreen, although you may wish to bring your own personal supply
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5 – AVAILABILITY

Departure Dates

DepartsReturns:Tour:Availability
Wednesday, 2 October 20247-Oct5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Tuesday, 15 October20-Oct5 Night Ningaloo Escape3 or 5 Night Private Charter option available
DepartsReturnsTourAvailability
Friday, 14 March 202519-Mar5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Thursday, 20 March 202525-Mar5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Friday, 28 March 20252-Apr5 Night Ningaloo Escape1 Cabin Available
Wednesday, 2 April 20257-Apr5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Thursday, 17 April 202522-Apr5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable for Private Charter
Wednesday, 23 April 202528-Apr5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Thursday, 1 May 20256-May5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Friday, 9 May 202514-May5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Wednesday, 14 May 202519-May5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Thursday, 29 May 20253-Jun5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Wednesday, 4 June 20259-Jun5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Wednesday, 18 June 202523-Jun5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Thursday, 3 July 20258-Jul5 Night Ningaloo Escape1 Cabin Available
Friday, 11 July 202516-Jul5 Night Ningaloo EscapeContact us for Waitlist
Thursday, 17 July 202522-Jul5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Wednesday, 30 July 20254-Aug5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Thursday, 7 August 202512-Aug5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Friday, 22 August 202527-Aug5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Wednesday, 27 August 20251-Sep5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Friday, 5 September 202510-Sep5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Thursday, 18 September 202523-Sep5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Friday, 26 September 20251-Oct5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Thursday, 2 October 20257-Oct5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
Friday, 10 October 202515-Oct5 Night Ningaloo EscapeAvailable
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6 – LUXURY YACHTING

About Shore Thing

Shore Thing is purpose built for live-aboard sailing. A Roger Hill designed and beautifully appointed catamaran, she is 51 feet in length and 27 feet in width, extremely comfortable and stable, both at sea and at anchor.

Accommodation on board has been designed to cater for small numbers to ensure your unique experience, with a maximum of 8 – 10 guests. There are multiple shared spaces to relax both undercover, or on the deck. Shore Thing boasts an elevated helm, with plenty of seating alongside the skipper and the perfect viewpoint to observe passing marine life.

Shore Thing Layout
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Accommodation Options:

Shore Thing has 5 toilets and 5 showers on board and beautifully designed cabins for privacy and comfort.

Top and side hatches in every cabin ensure fresh air circulation and natural light. Drift off peacefully with the comfort of luxuriously soft bamboo sheets.

Stateroom King Cabin – Private Cabin featuring private ensuite with separate toilet and shower. Bedding can be configured as a King bed or Twin beds, or even a double bed plus side bunk to cater for 2 adults & 1 child.

Deluxe Double Cabin – Private Cabin featuring private facilities just outside your cabin. Bedding can be configured as a double bed only.

 

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7 – UPGRADES

Also Available

Our small dedicated team is here on the ground looking after all of your travel needs by assisting you with booking local services including:

  • 3 Night Snorkel & Dive Getaway: A week is great but if you don’t have the time, we can still package a Humpback Whale swim day tour along with a shorter Sail Ningaloo tour, making a 5 night package.
  • Mini-bus transfers: Transfers between Coral Bay and the airport (Learmonth) or Exmouth town can be arranged around all tour departures and returns. If you are unable to find flights that you believe are suitable, please reach out for assistance.
  • Scenic flights / transfers: Be amazed with a jaw-dropping aerial perspective of Ningaloo Reef as you soar like a bird up or down the coast, spotting marine life along the way. *Luggage restrictions apply, however if that’s the only thing stopping you, road transport for your luggage can be available.
  • Pre/Post tour accommodation: We can assist with booking a selection of accommodation options both in Coral Bay and Exmouth, there is something to suit all budgets. 2 nights is included in the Humpback Whale Safari package, you may like to extend your stay and take in more of the adventures available in the region
  • Complimentary touring: We can assist with booking additional day tours, such as Whale Shark swim tours (Mar-Aug), additional days diving or snorkelling to other reef locations such as the Navy Pier or Muiron Islands, as well as extended tours if you have more time up your sleeve for an extended adventure, such as kayaking or hiking expeditions.

 

Something else on your mind? Just ask! Our expert team are committed to helping you make planning and organising your holiday to Ningaloo Reef as easy as possible.

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8 – ENQUIRE NOW

Start your Humpback Whale Safari Package here:

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