Swim with whale sharks off a desert coast.
The dive
A fringing reef that starts close to the beach along a UNESCO-listed desert coast, and one of the world's most reliable places to swim with whale sharks.
When to go
Whale sharks feed along the reef from March to August. The reef itself is diveable year-round. Whale shark encounters are snorkel swims; scuba is on the reef.
Readiness
Open Water-level site — suits Open Water divers and up. Typical requirements:
Not sure you're ready? Read our readiness guide or check yourself in the planner.
Logistics
| Getting there | Domestic flight from Perth + day boats. Fly Perth to Learmonth (LEA) for Exmouth; Coral Bay is a drive to the south. |
|---|---|
| Where to stay | Coastal town base. Exmouth or Coral Bay; a week lets you pair whale shark days with reef dives. |
| Operator to look for | Licensed whale shark tour operators plus reef dive centres in Exmouth and Coral Bay. |
Sources
Links checked 29 September 2026. They cover the site's location, protection status and background. Costs, difficulty and season windows are ScubaRogue's editorial estimates, so confirm them with your operator before you book. How we research
Keep exploring
Open WaterThailand · Asia Pacific
Learn in sheltered bays, chase whale sharks at the pinnacle.
AdvancedIndonesia · Asia Pacific
The most biodiverse reefs on Earth.
AdvancedMicronesia · Asia Pacific
Reliable manta rays on the cleaning stations.