Wildlife experiences Archives - RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park

Ocean Eco Adventures is a boutique cruise operator offering unforgettable marine encounters on the Ningaloo Reef. Whether you’re looking to swim with whale sharks, join a sunset whale watching cruise, or encounter manta rays, turtles and other incredible marine life, their experienced team will get you right up close to all the action.

Swimming with whale sharks is a true bucket-list adventure and runs from April to July each year. An exclusive microlight spotter aircraft will be up in the air, helping maximise your time in the water with these gentle giants. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, the team boasts a 90% success rate.

From August to November, experience the annual humpback whale migration on a 2.5-hour sunset whale watching cruise through Exmouth Gulf. Watch for breaching, tail slapping and other spectacular whale behaviours while enjoying informative commentary from the knowledgeable crew.

Led by certified marine biologists, dive master’s and experienced skippers, all tours include snorkelling equipment, wetsuits, gourmet catering throughout the day and complimentary professional photos. Complimentary transfers are also available from Exmouth for selected Coral Bay experiences.

Image credit: Tourism WA

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Experience the magic of the Ningaloo reef in a memorable way with a unique glass bottom boat tour.

Learn about the living forests of coral that make up the reef and spot spectacular marine life inches from your toes through a large glass panel.

Offering everything from 1 hour coral viewing tours, half-day snorkelling tours to private exclusive tours all year-round, Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat is sure to leave you in awe of the underwater world.

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If you’re looking for a cool and shaded retreat from the Exmouth heat while discovering more about the incredible environment of the North West Cape, the Ningaloo Aquarium & Discovery Centre is the perfect spot.

Children will be captivated by the live marine displays in the Reef Gallery, where you can experience the wonders of the Ningaloo Reef up close – without getting wet! The gallery features numerous marine species, interactive touch screens, and even a virtual aquarium where you can create and release your own digital fish. It’s a great way to learn more about some of the marine life you might have spotted while snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Cape Range National Park’s beautiful beaches.

To learn more about the history of Exmouth, jump onto the Big Red Bus for a journey through time back to Exmouth’s beginnings as a US Naval base. Don’t forget to check out the reptile displays on the top floor, too.

Tickets can be purchased online, through one of the electronic ticket stations in the Ningaloo Centre or from the friendly staff in the Ningaloo Visitor Centre. There’s a small café in the centre serving food and drinks and a gift shop for picking up unique souvenirs to remember your time in Exmouth or for the perfect gift for loved ones back home.

The Centre is open daily (closed Christmas Day) – check the website for seasonal opening hours.

Photo: Tourism Western Australia

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As the gateway to the thriving Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth offers unforgettable opportunities to encounter an abundance of marine life, including turtles, manta rays, humpback whales, and the gentle giants of the ocean – whale sharks. Book a bucket list tour to swim alongside these remarkable creatures or humpback whales, depending on the time of year.

Swimming with whale sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed when visiting Exmouth. Tours operate under strict environmental and sustainability guidelines to ensure the safety of both participants and marine life. While offerings may vary slightly between providers, most tours include complimentary pick-up from RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park, professional underwater photography, snorkelling equipment, and the expertise of marine biologist guides onboard to help you get the most out of your experience on the day.

These full-day tours are suitable for the whole family. If you’re uncomfortable swimming, many operators offer the option to book as a non-swimmer observer, so you can still enjoy the adventure with your loved ones.

The whale shark swimming season typically runs from April to July, with most tours featuring a no-sighting guarantee – meaning if you don’t spot a whale shark, you can rebook for another day at a reduced or no extra cost.

For this reason, it’s best to schedule your tour for one of your first days in Exmouth to allow flexibility. Tours are highly popular, so make sure to book in advance to secure your spot.

From June to October, thousands of graceful humpback whales make their way along Exmouth’s coast during their annual migration. Tours to swim with humpback whales typically begin in August, once the whale shark season winds down. On these eco-tours, you may glimpse sightings of humpback whales, manta rays, turtles and more.

Despite Exmouth’s reputation for balmy, sunny days, conditions on the water can feel cool, especially when swimming or cruising on the boat. To ensure your comfort, bring a jumper, towel, and seasickness medication if you are prone to it.

Photo: Tourism Western Australia

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Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Perched atop a small hill, the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is one of Exmouth’s most iconic landmarks and a prime spot for taking in the spectacular sunsets. With panoramic views across the ocean, you might even catch a glimpse of whales breaching in the distance. Remarkably, the lighthouse is one of the few places in Australia where you can witness both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean.

While the interior of the lighthouse isn’t accessible to visitors, the site features informative plaques detailing the history of Exmouth, including its WWII heritage and the significance of the Ningaloo Reef World Heritage Area.

Jurabi Turtle Centre

A short distance from the lighthouse, the Jurabi Turtle Centre offers fascinating insights into the marine turtles that inhabit the Ningaloo Coast. The centre’s displays highlight the turtle lifecycle, including the critical nesting and hatching seasons that take place from December to March.

Join a Turtle Eco-Education Tour during the nesting season to observe female turtles laying their eggs in their natural environment. These guided tours emphasise conservation and responsible observation and can be booked online or through the Milyering Visitor Centre.

Photo: Tourism Western Australia

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