How to Spend 1 Day in Exmouth

Exmouth is home to Ningaloo Marine Park, a UNESCO-listed area teeming with sea life. In addition to hundreds of species of coral and tropical fish, there are sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and manta rays. But it’s the whale sharks and migrating humpbacks that draw most visitors. Here are some ways to enjoy it all in just one day.

Morning: Snorkel with Whale Sharks or Dolphins

Set off from the tropical turquoise waters of Exmouth Gulf for a wildlife adventure cruise on a powerboat or catamaran. The crew, sometimes helped by a spotter plane, will know where to find whale sharks, so you can swim alongside the animals but at a safe distance. These 13- to 60-foot-long (4- to 18-meter) filter feeders are world’s largest fish and are drawn to the area’s plankton-rich waters from March to August. On the off-season, go looking for dolphins and manatee-like dugong instead.

Afternoon: Explore by Kayak or Glass-Bottom Boat

If you didn’t opt for a full-day tour, get into the water this afternoon with a scuba diving guide who can show certified divers the best sites on the reef. Alternatively, take a half-day tour by kayak or glass-bottom boat to observe marine life. The placid, crystal-clear lagoons around Bundegi Beach and Tantabiddi are both ideal places to try both kayaking and snorkeling, and many tour operators allow you to do both. You can learn basic skills and rely on a guide’s expertise to help you spot turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, mantas, and more. 

Night: Search for Wildlife at Sunset

Spend your evening admiring some of the many animals who travel through the area’s waters. From August through October, you can look for Humpback whales on a sunset cruise that offers as chance to see these gentle giants—and their calves—breaching and bubble-net feeding. You can also take a sightseeing flight to spot whales, whale sharks, or other sea creatures from above. Alternatively, take a scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view of Ningaloo Reef or head to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, a historic monument at the northernmost tip of the Cape Range that offers stunning views.