Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef provide one of the world’s best opportunities to swim with whale sharks, the planet’s largest fish. These gentle, filter-feeding giants visit the reef from roughly March to August, with the peak season typically between April and July following the annual coral spawning and resulting plankton blooms. Licensed tour operators run boat trips from Exmouth and Coral Bay, giving visitors the chance to snorkel alongside whale sharks, often with multiple in-water encounters. Manta rays are also sometimes seen on these tours. Strict guidelines apply, including maintaining a minimum three-metre distance, and in-water guides assist swimmers to ensure safety and responsible wildlife interaction.