The best and most sustainable place to snorkeleton with whale sharks? This is Ningaloo in Australia

This article is from National Geographic Traveler (U.K).

The Ningaloo coast is where inland, reefs and mountains meet. Here, on the northwest edge of Australia, on the promontory above the thumb of a rock 745 miles above Perth, pierces into the Indian Ocean, the great Ocher Canyons and a flat, red clay slid into the blue water as bright as a kingfisher. This is also where the ocean giants meet – which include whale sharks, humpbacks, right whales and orcas, and a powerful warcraft with a 26-foot wingspan.

These marine giants, turtles and about 700 species of fish are waiting at sea, usually within the range of wind-blown dunes on the beach. The latter forms part of the remote Cape Mountains National Park, but Ningaloo steals the show. As the largest marginal coral reef on Earth, it grows 160 miles from the coastline – perhaps unsurprisingly, it is one of the best places to snorkeleton in the world.

experience

Adding whale sharks to the water is a bit peaceful. It begins with the open ocean silence and rhythmic kick of limbs. The infinite blue is beyond your mask, with steady rise and fall of the tide. Until there is no big fanfare, a huge shadow will appear below.

It is bigger than an elephant, rising from deep, moving so sharply that it appears in slow motion. As it passes through, there are moments when it needs to occupy the round hump of the dorsal fin and calculate the spots of the pearly white spots on its sides. Every moment of the whale shark is present is a gift – once it’s enough, its huge tail becomes lazy and it will flicker.

Although their size and reputation of sharks in popular culture are harmless, they are dangerous to plankton and krill that constitute their primary food source. Ningaloo migrates to all homes of about 300 people in Western Australia each year between March and August. This is a recent study conducted by Murdoch University in Perth that shows that encounters with snorkeling have negligible effects on the local population. A handful of small responsible operators in the area (like Live ningaloo) are: The snorkeling conference is directed by marine scientists who meticulously guide swimmers on how to keep disturbances to a minimum – allowing these creatures to continue, just as you’ve never been there.

stay

16 low-slung, sofa safari tents blend with Spinifex Tangngled Dunes to form the setting of Sal Salis, the only fixed accommodation in the remote Cape Town National Park located within 164 feet of the reef. Nature takes center stage: seabirds surround the sunny sky, grass whispers in the wind, and coral reefs amplify the thump and hiss of the waves.

The days here are lazy and are best spent on hammocks, snorkeling on corals or whistling duets with resident cockatoos. Wi-Fi and phone coverage are zero; instead, there are some board games to play, strolling on the beach and other travelers chat on the loot at the self-service bar. Everything about the camp includes daily guided adventures at sea – via kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkeling – as well as hiking to the surrounding inland canyons.

The meals are seasonal and are made with local ingredients – from nut Halloumi salad to meaty, grilled “bugs” (slipper lobster) – all available on a long candlestick table. Sal Salis is completely off-grid, collects rainwater for bathroom showers and is built on raised boardwalks to minimize soil erosion. Its almost 100% power comes from the sun. By night, some of Australia’s darkest skies were unveiled.

Based on two sharing, including meals, drinks, equipment and most activities, excluding snorkeling, a wilderness tent starts from £630 per night from £630 per night. The lowest accommodation for two nights. A full-day whale shark snorkeling tour, live broadcast, £430 per person. Packaging can be booked through “Journey to the Far”.

Published in July/August 2025 National Geographic Traveler (U.K).

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