Whale Shark Tours Exmouth
Take the Whale Shark Tours Exmouth and see Australia’s incredible natural wonders. Explore the unique rock formations in the Pinnacles Desert. Discover the stunning Kalbarri National Park. Experience the astonishing wildlife encounter with wild dolphins. Visit a beach covered in white seashells. Finally, enjoy the beautiful beaches and snorkelling spots in Coral Bay & Exmouth.
| DAYS | 6 |
| DEPARTS | 07:25 PERTH |
| RETURNS | 22:00 EXMOUTH |
| PRICE | AUD 1410 |
Highlights
- Visitors can explore the unique rock formations of the Pinnacles Desert on foot.
- One can visit the Kalbarri National Park and observe nature’s window.
- One can hike into Murchison Gorge within Kalbarri National Park.
- Visitors can encounter the renowned Monkey Mia Bottlenose Dolphins up close.
- Shell Beach is a beach that is completely covered in white shells.
- Consider staying in Coral Bay, where you have ample time for snorkelling and various activities.
- You will have a full day in Exmouth to explore Turquoise Bay and Cape Range National Park.
- After the tour ends the next day, you can extend your stay and participate in a Whaleshark tour.




Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel from Perth to Kalbarri
Commencing your journey from Perth to Exmouth, the tour leaves Perth at 7:25 am. It heads north, hugging the coastline, where a lunch beside the Indian Ocean awaits. Experience a guided walk through the intriguing Pinnacles Desert’s rock formations. As dusk nears, your route includes passing through Geraldton, culminating in an overnight stay at Kalbarri.
Meals included Lunch and dinner. Accommodation details: Kalbarri Backpackers YHA (Dormitory-style with shared bathroom facilities). Total driving distance: 575km. Walking distance: 2km, rated Grade 1-2.
Day 2 - Kalbarri - Shark Bay
The day is dedicated to exploring the splendid Kalbarri National Park. Ascend to Nature’s Window for a view through a remarkable rock aperture. Trek the Z Bend path into Murchison Gorge for optimal views of Kalbarri National Park. In the afternoon, set off towards Shark Bay and stop at a beach formed from white cockle shells. The evening’s accommodation is in Monkey Mia.
Meals provided: Breakfast and dinner. Accommodation: RAC Monkey Mia Resort Backpacker Dormitories or a similar establishment (with shared bathroom facilities). Optional activities: Kalbarri Abseiling at Z-Bend. Journey distance by car: 450km. Trekking distance: 3km, difficulty Grade 3-4.
Begin your day with the thrill of abseiling down Kalbarri National Park’s gorge walls, offered by Kalbarri Abseil. No prior experience is required, as comprehensive training is given on-site. All necessary gear is also provided. Bring your camera for photo opportunities, as non-participating companions can capture the moments for you! This exhilarating experience is available for arrangement during the tour.
Day 3 Travel from Monkey Mia to Coral Bay
Begin your morning with one of Australia’s renowned animal interactions. Observe the Monkey Mia Dolphins as they approach the shore for hand-feeding in shallow waters. Relax along this stunning coastline, then visit the Stromatolites. Unicellular microbes form these multi-layered stone structures. Remarkably alive, they’re believed to be around 3.7 billion years old. This evening, journey to Coral Bay and stay overnight near Ningaloo Reef.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Lodging: Ningaloo Coral Bay Backpacker Dorms or equivalent (shared restroom amenities). Travel Distance: 580km. Trek Distance: 2km Grade 1.
Day 4 - Coral Bay
Explore Ningaloo Reef in Coral Bay. Walk from the beach into the inviting turquoise waters and snorkel around vibrant reefs close to the shore. Consider a snorkel or dive tour for deeper reef exploration. Bask in the sun on the beach. Tonight, proceed to Exmouth.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Lodging: Potshot Hotel Resort Backpacker Dorms or equivalent (shared restroom amenities).
- Options: Manta Ray Swimming, Ningaloo Reef Snorkeling, Glass Bottom Boat Tours (Note: Guests cannot reserve Whaleshark Swims today as these conclude after the bus departs from Coral Bay).
- Travel Distance: 155km Grade 1.
Optional Activities: (booking advised)
Swim with Manta Rays at Ningaloo Reef through Coral Bay Ecotours (for snorkelling, suited for proficient swimmers)
Join a 5-6 hour Ningaloo Reef excursion with Coral Bay Ecotours. The tour includes all gear, a short wetsuit if needed, plus morning and afternoon snacks and a buffet lunch featuring cold meats and salads. Watch the graceful manta rays and enjoy two reef snorkelling sessions, potentially spotting vibrant fish, corals, maybe sea turtles and reef sharks. Visit the turtle sanctuary to see turtles surfacing for air.
Glass Bottom Boat at Ningaloo Reef with Coral Bay Ecotours
Take a Coral Bay Ecotours glass bottom boat trip to see Ningaloo Reef. Observe the marine life and corals beneath you. Choose from 1, 2, or 3-hour trips. The 1-hour trip is solely glass viewing. The 2-hour includes glass viewing and a snorkelling spot. The 3-hour trip adds snorkelling and a visit to the turtle sanctuary, offering a chance to see turtles feeding and surfacing for air. Snorkelling tours come with the necessary equipment.
NOTE: Whaleshark Swims cannot be booked on [day 4] as they finish after the Coral Bay bus departure. All Coral Bay optional activities should conclude by 3:45-4:00 pm.
Day 5 - Exmouth
Today, immerse yourself in the wonders of Cape Range National Park. Revel in magnificent vistas of stark limestone formations, profound gorges, and an unspoiled 50-kilometer stretch of coastline. Explore highlights like Turquoise Bay and Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, and unwind at Milyering Visitors Center, among other activities, culminating your journey in the latter part of the afternoon. This marks a memorable conclusion to your trip from Perth to Exmouth.
Enjoy meals, including breakfast, Lunch, and dinner. Accommodation is arranged at Potshot Hotel Resort Backpacker Dorms or a similar place featuring shared bathroom amenities. Available options include Whaleshark (Mar-Sep) or Humpback (Aug-Oct) swims, with advanced booking necessary. The drive covers 135 kilometres, and the hike spans 1 kilometre, graded 1-2.
Recommended Optional Activities (booking advised):
Seasonal Whaleshark/Humpback Whale swims (Mar – Aug) via Exmouth Dive Centre (for proficient swimmers and snorkelers)
Participate in an extraordinary aquatic adventure with Exmouth Dive Centre. Begin with snorkelling in the reef, admiring vibrant coral and marine life, and potentially sighting turtles or reef sharks. Next, embark on a quest for humpback whales and whale sharks, aided by an aerial spotter. The success of swimming with humpback whales depends on their receptiveness. If they’re not amenable, the search will continue for another group. All necessary gear is provided, including wetsuits if needed. The day includes morning and afternoon snacks and a buffet-style lunch.
Day 6 - End of the tour in Exmouth
Today marks our farewell, with check-out from the accommodation scheduled for 10:00 am.
- Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Guests may extend their stay or organize their onward journey at their own cost.
*The tour may change route or schedule due to seasonal weather variations, park closures, or operational factors.
Details
Pricing Options
Dormitory (with shared room & facilities) – $1410 per person 18+ years
Please Note: Our extended touring program is unsuitable for children under six. Private room upgrade fares are available via our main website, Autopia Tours. Children under 17 must stay in private rooms with an adult or legal guardian.
*We do not operate Optional Activities on our 6-Day Coral Coaster Tour and can have different terms and conditions. We recommend you contact the operator directly via their websites for full booking details and terms and conditions. Weather, which is outside of our control, can impact these tours. Tours may be cancelled so that the operator will issue a full refund. As we deal with wildlife, they are always expected but never guaranteed.
We can organize a private group charter for you if you want to travel with your family or friends. Contact our charters team at [email protected] or through our contact form for more information and a personalized quote.
What's Included?
- Breakfast x 5
- Lunch x 4
- Dinner x 5
- Multiple Pickups from Perth / drop off Exmouth
- One-way journey in an Air-Conditioned Mini Bus
- Five nights accommodation
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Monkey Mia entrance fee
- Highly Experienced Driver / Guide
- Informative Tour Commentary
- Small Group Touring
What do you need to bring?
- Water Bottle 1.5 Litre
- 15kg soft luggage and small day bag
- Prescribed medications
- A warm jacket, thermals, and woollen hat are advisable for colder months
- Hiking shoes (recommended)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Torch or Headlamp
- Camera
Online Bookings
FAQ
When is the best time to go on a whale shark tour in Exmouth?
What should I bring on a whale shark tour?
Who can participate in these tours?
What does a typical whale-shark tour involve?
How are whale sharks spotted during the tours?
Whale sharks are primarily spotted using spotter planes, which scout from above and direct the boat to their location. Boats may also have experienced crew members who use their knowledge and binoculars to locate whale sharks near the surface.