How to Spend 2 Days in Exmouth

Exmouth is the hub of the World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Coast, home to the world’s largest fringing reef and numerous wildlife sanctuaries. Two marine giants—whale sharks and humpback whales—are the highlight here, along with activities like sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Here are some ways to spend two days in Exmouth.

Day 1: Whale Sharks and Humpbacks Galore

**Morning:**Start your day with the gentle giants of the sea. In warm months, you’ll be able to see whale sharks and humpbacks; in winter you can still look out for dolphins and dugong. Day trips by on sailboat or sightseeing ship often include snorkeling expeditions and activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. 

**Afternoon:**Head out to the nearly 200-mile-long (320-kilometer) coral reef, which supports some 500 species of tropical fish. Ningaloo’s sheltered lagoons, including the wildlife-rich Bundegi Sanctuary, boast crystal-clear but relatively water ideal for novice snorkelers and kayakers. 

**Night:**See tail slaps and breaching behavior on a whale-watching cruise at sunset, or stroll along the sand to admire the sunset. You can also head to Cape Range National Park’s Turquoise Bay or Sandy Bay and look for dolphins and dugongs as well as loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles.

Day 2: Scuba or Snorkel Getaway

**Morning:**Charter a private boat and plan your own itinerary so that you can explore the coral reefs of Ningaloo Marine Park at your own pace. Get the VIP treatment from a full crew, or go unguided if you’re already a strong snorkeler or a certified diver. 

**Afternoon:**The waters around the uninhabited Muiron Islands are also full of coral. Book a guide to show you the area’s best snorkeling and scuba diving sites, and look for potato cod, manta rays, and pilot whales. You can also explore the Mildura Wreck, a cattle transport that foundered on nearby reefs in 1907.

**Night:**Spend your last night on an overnight boat trip so that you can spend the entire evening alongside migrating whales, stingrays, moray eels, and octopus and enjoy more diving or snorkeling in the morning. Most excursions include catered meals and depart from nearby Coral Bay.