First Whale Sharks Of 2025 Spotted At Ningaloo In Western Australia

This seems to be a promising year for those who wish to swim alongside the world’s largest fish. As per a release by Tourism Western Australia, Ningaloo Aviation spotted the first sightings of the whale sharks at the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. An early encounter of three whale sharks last week preceded the recent spotting by the aviation team.

Public tours at Ningaloo reef including snorkeling tours, sunset sail tours, and humpback whale swims have commenced for the 2025 season. These slots usually book out early, and visitors are recommended to secure a seat at the earliest.

What Are Whale Sharks?

Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the sea, growing up to 12 m in length. The creatures are considered migratory in nature and are known to travel thousands of kilometres in all directions. These slow-moving creatures gravitate to the Ningaloo reef because it offers an abundance of food at this time of the year. Most whale sharks visit the Ningaloo reef between March and July, and one in six is a male. The whereabouts of female whale sharks remain a mystery.

About Ningaloo Reef In Western Australia

The Ningaloo coast is a UNESCO World Heritage area that is home to Australia’s largest fringing reef that stretches 300 km from Red Bluff to the Muiron Islands. It is a globally-recognised and significant marine ecosystem that, in 2019, was recognised by Mission Blue as a global Hope Spot.

Being one of the few places in the world where Whale Sharks can be encountered every single year, it is becoming a hotspot for tourists who are keen to explore Ningaloo’s rich marine life from close proximity and in pristine surroundings. The shallow waters allow visitors above five years of age who know swimming to snorkel right from the shore.

Ningaloo: A Premier Destination For Marine Interactions

David O’Malley, Australia’s coral coast CEO emphasised the region’s growing reputation as a premier destination for marine interactions. “The first sightings are highly anticipated and a strong indicator of a fantastic season ahead,” said O’Mailey.

He also mentioned that Ningaloo offers one of the best and most sought-after whale shark experiences in the world. “I urge visitors to make the most of this one in a lifetime experience and book early,” added O’Mailey. In 2024, Ningaloo saw a record-setting number of 40,000 whale shark swims. 

However, while the whale shark season is a highlight at the reef, one can encounter the Ningaloo Big 5 including whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, dugongs, and turtles, making it one of the most diverse and accessible places to experience the rich and diverse marine wildlife.

The year-round presence of Manta Rays that are found in Coral Bay and Exmouth are graceful and inquisitive creatures. You can encounter Humpback whales from June to October. They migrate from a number of vantage points along the Coral Coast. One can also take a guided swim experience at Ningaloo.

Dugongs—elusive sea cows that graze on seagrass beds—can be found year-round, too. Green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles also nest along the Ningaloo coast throughout the year.