Ningaloo in April?

[Sandpipa]

Hi folks,

I'm planning my trip to Australia in March/April next year.... Can't wait!

Please can anyone advise - if I dive at Ningaloo in mid-April, how good are the chances of seeing whale sharks?

Can anyone recommend a good, and reasonably-priced, outfit to dive with? I prefer to stay away from the crowds if that's at all feasible!

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Sandpipa.

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

Theres a similar thread on at the moment about WA so may be worth reading that too. Whale shark season typically starts around April / May and many companies in Exmouth run whale shark trips.

Sightings are good, as they often use spoter planes to guide the boats in. This obviouly bumps the price of the trips up a bit but is worth it.

As for diving with them, when I went you were not allowed to dive. Just snorkel.

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Cairns Discount Dive Trips - Australia Diving - Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

 

[mibz]

it costs alot to go out snorkle with them and i think only one of the operators allows divers, but not new divers

 

[Sandpipa]

Thanks - I'm re-evaluating whether to bother or not, because although whale sharks would be wonderful, the total cost of getting there, plus price of the trips themselves, seems extortionate for the possibility of a fantastic experience for just a few minutes.

Maybe I'll just have to be patient and take my chances elsewhere in the future.

Cheers,

Sandpipa.

 

[MA]

I had a day out with the whalesharks. it was amazing. much more than a few minutes. we had about 6 rounds with different sharks. But accom is super pricey up there too. However if you do go, one place worth staying is coral bay rather than exmouth. It is seriously one of the most beautiful spots and accom much better than exmouth. you can go sharking from there too. Its a tiny spot with only a couple of caravan parks, hostel and units all lined across the road from the beach. From the beach you just snorkel and you see all sorts of creatures. Huge rays, turtles, loads of fish etc. Best place i've been in a long time. Also did a day trip out with the mantas. I stayed for just under a week and i still hadn't had enough.

 

[AndyNZ]

I second Coral Bay over Exmouth.

 

[Sandpipa]

Thanks, guys... Am in two minds again now, lol!

MA, thanks for your posts on the other threads too - super-helpful.

Sandpipa.

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

Dont forget Minke Whale season is June to September on the east coast. If you do one of the Cod Hole / Coral Sea trips mentioned on your other posts around thgen, you have a high chance of diving with them.

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Cairns Discount Dive Trips - Australia Diving - Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

 

[MA]

Yeah, i actually enjoyed the minkes more than the whaleshark! They are inquisitive and come right up to your face!!

 

[Sandpipa]

Sounds fab! Sadly I'll be on the plane home by June....