Western Australia's Coral Coast has officially invited the return of humpback whales, with tours resuming in Coral Bay and Exmouth. Operators have already reported the season's first swim and sightings. From now until November, travellers can experience the rare chance to swim with humpback whales as well as spot the full Ningaloo Big 5, including whale sharks and dugongs.
The annual migration of humpback whales is underway along Western Australia's Coral Coast, marking the start of whale-watching tours in Coral Bay, with Exmouth to follow in August. Coral Bay Eco Tours marked the season's first in-water interaction this week, while Ningaloo Discovery confirmed the first whale sighting near Exmouth.
"Our guests and crew were thrilled to be in the water with a humpback whale for the first time this season. It's an unforgettable experience said Kylie from Coral Bay Eco Tours. An estimated 45,000 humpback whales are expected to pass through the region between now and November. Ningaloo Reef remains the only location in Western Australia where licensed tours allow guests to swim alongside these marine giants.
The region also provides one of the few places in the world where visitors can experience the Ningaloo Big 5: whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, turtles, and dugongs. With the start of the humpback season, travellers have a rare chance to see both species during the same trip.
Kelly Leonard, Marketing and Tourism Development Manager at Australia's Coral Coast, said: "Swimming with humpback whales at Ningaloo is a bucket list experience that continues ot grow in popularity each year. It's one of the few places on earth where you can encounter the Ningaloo Big 5 in one stunning marine destination."
In addition to swimming tours, whale watching cruises are also operating from Coral Bay and Exmouth, with further options available in Kalbarri and Geraldton. Ningaloo Reef itself stretches over 300 kilometres and is one of Australia's largest fringing reef systems, located in a globally recognised marine Hope Spot.
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