Optional Experiences (Not Included)

There’s built-in free time to add extras in each region. Pre-book to lock in your spot; your guide can help with last-minute bookings if availability allows.

Day 2 — Kalbarri Abseil (Beginner Friendly)

• What: Two descents on the gorge walls in Kalbarri National Park.
• Good to know: No experience needed; full training and all gear provided.
• How to book/pay: Book onboard, pay direct to the operator.
• Photo tip: Non-abseilers can capture your glory shots on your camera. 🧗

Day 4 — Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef Options

All Coral Bay activities must finish by 3:45–4:00 pm. Whale shark swims are not possible today due to late returns.

1) Manta Ray Swim (Year-Round)

• Duration: ~5–6 hours (boat day).
• Includes: All snorkel gear (shorty wetsuit if needed), two reef snorkels, morning/afternoon tea, and a buffet-style lunch.
• Highlights: Graceful manta “fly-bys”, vibrant coral gardens, possible turtles and reef sharks, plus a visit to the turtle sanctuary.
• Swim level: Competent swimmers only. 🛟

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

2) Glass-Bottom Boat (1–3 hours)

• 1 hr: Viewing through the glass only.
• 2 hrs: Glass viewing + guided snorkel site.
• 3 hrs: Glass viewing + snorkel + turtle sanctuary.
• Includes: Snorkel tours include all equipment. Skippers often position over turtles for prime viewing.

Day 5 — Exmouth: Cape Range & Megafauna Swims

Pre-booking is essential for all Day 5 boat tours.

1) Deluxe Whale Shark Swim (Mar–Aug)

• What: Full-day open-water swims alongside the world’s largest fish.
• Includes: Snorkel gear, wetsuit if required, morning/afternoon tea, and lunch.
• Extras: Usually starts with a reef snorkel; turtles and reef sharks are possible cameo stars.
• Swim level: Competent swimmers only. 🐋

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

2) Deluxe Humpback / Megafauna Swim (Aug–Oct)

• What: Full-day search for humpbacks (and sometimes whale sharks) supported by spotter aircraft.
• Notes: Humpback swims depend on whale behaviour; crews may relocate to find a more suitable pod. If a whale shark is also located, upgrade options are often available for an additional fee.
• Includes: All gear, wetsuit if needed, morning/afternoon tea, and buffet-style lunch.
• Swim level: Competent swimmers only.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Important Notes

• Independent operators: These experiences are run by third-party providers with their own terms and conditions. Check the operator’s website for full details.
• Weather & wildlife: Conditions can affect departures, and wildlife is expected but never guaranteed. If an operator cancels, refunds are issued by that operator.
• Safety first: Follow crew instructions; currents and conditions vary.

Meals
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners (some guest participation encouraged; dietary requirements catered with advance notice – bring extra snacks for remote areas).

Accommodation (5 nights)
Boutique hotels/resorts with private or twin-share ensuite rooms:

• Kalbarri, Monkey Mia (2 nights), Coral Bay, Exmouth
  All include air-conditioning, linen and towels. Solo travellers paired with same-gender roommate in twin-share (not guaranteed).

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

• All national park entry fees
• Rock Lobster Pot Pull boat tour (keep your catch)
• Kalbarri Skywalk & gorges
• Monkey Mia dolphin experience
• Ningaloo Reef glass-bottom boat & snorkel time
• First Nations cultural experiences
• Comprehensive driver-guide commentary

Guides & Support

• Experienced driver-guide
• Air-conditioned 24-seater mini-coach

Eco & Practical

• Perth start and Exmouth end
• Minimal-impact practices and cultural respect education

🚫 What’s Not Included

• Meals or beverages beyond those listed
• Hotel transfers before/after tour
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Optional activities (whale shark swim, manta ray swim, etc.)
• Personal expenses or souvenirs

Big picture: Desert-meets-ocean.

Expect high UV, low humidity, and reliable afternoon sea breezes; mornings are calmer (perfect for boats and drift snorkels). Conditions swing with wind and heat, so plans stay flexible.

At a glance

• UV: High to extreme year-round → hat, long sleeves, reef-safe sunscreen.
• Wind: Calmer mornings; breezier afternoons along the coast.
• Rain: Generally low; far-north cyclone risk Nov–Apr (uncommon, monitored).
• Water (Ningaloo): ~22–28 °C across the year (shorty wetsuit nice Jun–Sep).

By season

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Coast 28–35 °C, inland gorges 30–40 °C; water 26–28 °C. Hot afternoons, strong sun, lively sea breezes. Turtle nesting/hatching Nov–Mar may bring beach access rules.
• Autumn (Mar–May): 25–32 °C days; water 24–27 °C with settled seas—prime snorkel/whale-shark (mid-Mar–Jun) conditions.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): 20–26 °C days, cooler nights; water 22–24 °C. Mostly sunny up north; whale sharks to Aug, humpbacks start Jul–Oct.
• Spring (Sep–Nov): 24–33 °C days; water 22–25 °C and warming. Wildflowers peak Aug–Oct, humpbacks peak Sep; bush flies peak late Sep–Dec inland.

Wildflowers (route notes)

• Midwest & Kalbarri: Aug–Oct (peak); early/late blooms Jul–Nov with rain—everlastings, mulla mulla, banksia.
• Shark Bay & Coral Coast: Best Aug–Sep, sometimes into Oct.
• Cape Range (Exmouth): Aug–Sep (look for Sturt desert pea & mulla mulla).
• Do right by the desert: Stay on tracks, no picking—photos last longer.

Flies, midges & mozzies (the honest bit)

• Bush flies: Worst late Sep–Dec in inland areas (e.g., Kalbarri gorges). Coastal breeze = fewer.
• Midges/sandflies & mosquitoes: More active dawn/dusk, near mangroves/creeks (Monkey Mia, Exmouth Gulf) and after rain.
• Win the battle: Pack a head net (spring lifesaver), picaridin 20% or DEET 20–40% repellent (use reef-safe near swim days), light long sleeves, and an after-bite/antihistamine gel if you react.

Micro-climate smarts

• Pinnacles (Nambung): Sand radiates heat—short, early wanders.
• Kalbarri: Gorges run hotter than the coast; extra water and closed-toe shoes.
• Shark Bay/Monkey Mia: Often glassy mornings, breeze builds after lunch.
• Coral Bay & Exmouth: Strong UV + afternoon winds; do Turquoise Bay drift earlier and follow entry/exit briefings (currents vary).

Safety & flexibility

• Carry 2 L+ water/day, add electrolytes on hotter hikes.
• Sun protection is non-negotiable (hat, sunnies, long sleeves, reef-safe SPF).
• Nature sets the schedule—operators may adjust or cancel for safety; wildlife is expected, never guaranteed.

Coastal and desert conditions with strong sun, possible wind and variable temperatures – pack light, responsibly and for sun/swim protection.

✅ Essentials

• 1.5–2 L refillable water bottle
• Wide-brim hat, sunglasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Swimwear and quick-dry towel
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt and pants (sun + insect protection)
• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
• Tropical-strength insect repellent
• Small day pack (5–7 kg) + soft overnight bag (max 20 kg)
• Cash or card for meals and extras
• Camera or binoculars for wildlife and reefs

Insect & Weather Protection

• Light rain jacket or poncho
• Lip balm with SPF

Toiletries & Extras

• Personal medications
• Hand sanitiser

Luggage Limits

• 1 x 20 kg soft overnight bag + 1 x 5 kg day pack only (no large rigid suitcases)

The Pinnacles are ancient limestone formations up to 3.5 metres tall, formed over 25,000 years from seashells and wind erosion.

Hamelin Pool contains the world’s best living example of stromatolites — microbial structures that are among the oldest life forms on Earth (3.5 billion years).

Monkey Mia is one of the few places where wild bottlenose dolphins regularly interact with humans under ranger supervision.

Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to over 250 coral species and 500 fish species.

The west coast is home to the whale shark migration each year (March–July), one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

Traditional Owners along the route include the Whadjuk Noongar, Amangu, Nhanda, Malgana, Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigudira peoples.

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: 6 Day Ningaloo Whale Shark Tour

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 2,350 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average travel to/from Perth start and Exmouth end)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 4,700 kg CO₂e
Funded through genuine landscape restoration in climate-vulnerable developing regions (reforestation, mangroves, soil regeneration, etc.). This creates real net-positive impact beyond neutrality.

Tour summary

• 6 days / 5 nights (one-way Perth to Exmouth)
• Small group (max 23, min 8 to guarantee departure)
• Starts Perth (multiple hotel pickups 6:45–7:25am, e.g. Criterion Hotel 560 Hay St); ends Exmouth (drop-off 10:00am Day 6)
• Air-conditioned 24-seater Mitsubishi Rosa mini-coach (~1,895 km total driving)
• 5 nights mix: private ensuite or shared bathroom in Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth (2 nights)
• Meals: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners (most prepared by guides with guest participation in prep/clean-up; some at own expense)
• Highlights: Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri Skywalk/Nature’s Window/Z Bend, Shell Beach, Stromatolites, Monkey Mia wild dolphins, Ningaloo Reef snorkel at Coral Bay & Turquoise Bay, Cape Range National Park & Vlamingh Head Lighthouse sunset, optional whale shark/manta swims

Overview

This report estimates the carbon footprint for one individual participant on this tour using higher-end data from trusted sources. We intentionally choose upper-range figures to fully cover every impact – including hard-to-measure parts like supply chains and indirect effects.

We then double it (200%) and fund genuine landscape restoration projects in developing and climate-affected regions worldwide. This goes beyond standard offsetting to deliver real, lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.

All figures in kg CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent – the standard measure that includes all greenhouse gases).

Tour Details

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Key locations: Perth start → Pinnacles Desert → Kalbarri National Park → Shark Bay (Stromatolites, Monkey Mia dolphins) → Coral Bay (Ningaloo Reef) → Exmouth (Turquoise Bay, Cape Range National Park, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse)
• Travel style: Small-group comfort eco-adventure with scenic drives, short guided walks, wildlife encounters and snorkelling
• Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Travel to Perth start and from Exmouth end is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness. Operates Mar–Aug (whale shark season).

Calculation Approach

• Sources: UK DEFRA 2025 conversion factors, Australian National Greenhouse Accounts 2024, UNWTO tourism data, IPCC guidelines, and peer-reviewed studies.
• Higher-end scale: Upper-range emission factors everywhere, plus radiative forcing for flights, well-to-tank fuel effects, +20% uncertainty buffer, and conservative assumptions for remote WA mini-coach, boat and lodge operations.
• Per person, full tour experience.
• Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. souvenirs or optional whale-shark swims).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 1,700 kg CO₂e

• Average travel to Perth start and from Exmouth end (higher-end mix of domestic/international flights with full radiative forcing): 1,350 kg
• All on-tour mini-coach (~1,895 km shared) + boats (Ningaloo snorkel/glass-bottom): 350 kg – higher-end diesel/marine factor with low-occupancy buffer

Accommodation – 250 kg CO₂e

• 5 nights mix of private ensuite / shared bathroom hotels/resorts (air-conditioned): 50 kg per night – higher-end for remote coastal energy, water and laundry

Meals & Food – 120 kg CO₂e

• 6 days of included meals (5B, 3L, 5D with guest participation) + own meals/snacks: 20 kg per day – higher-impact estimate including production, transport and waste

Activities & Excursions – 280 kg CO₂e

• Guided walks (up to 7 km total), Ningaloo snorkel, dolphin encounter, cultural experiences, national park entries and interpretation

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 2,350 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset:2 × 2,350 kg = 4,700 kg CO₂e per individual booking
• How: Direct funding of landscape restoration projects – reforestation, mangrove protection, regenerative agriculture, wetland and soil carbon restoration
• Where: Developing countries and regions most affected by climate change (e.g. Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) for maximum global benefit and community co-benefits
• Why 200% and higher-end estimates: To guarantee coverage despite any measurement discrepancies and to create genuine extra positive impact

Important Notes

• Numbers are deliberately conservative (higher) so we over-deliver on restoration – real footprint may be lower
• The tour already has strong sustainability practices (minimal impact guidelines, respect for traditional owners, refillable water encouraged, stay on designated tracks, no feeding wildlife, waste management, guest participation in meals); our independent higher-end analysis adds extra certainty
• Carbon accounting has natural uncertainties – doubling it is the responsible way
• This directly supports long-term carbon-sequestering landscapes and local communities

How difficult is the hiking on this tour?

A moderate base level is ideal. Expect short hikes most days and an accumulated ~8–9 km across the week. For travellers 70+, a doctor’s clearance within 30 days of departure is required.

What ages can join?

Minimum age 6. Travellers 6–17 must share a private twin/double with a parent/guardian. Basic Shared (dorm) rooms are 18+ only.

When do we get back to Perth?

Approximately 6:00 pm on Day 7, traffic and conditions permitting. Avoid tight onward connections that evening.

Are National Park Fees included?

Yes—Nambung, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia Conservation, and Cape Range NP admissions are included, as are Monkey Mia dolphin experience fees.

Are optional activities included?
No—abseiling, manta/whale shark/humpback swims, glass-bottom boat etc. are extra and run by independent operators. Pre-book to secure spots.

Important timing for Coral Bay optionals?
Yes. All Coral Bay activities must finish by 3:45–4:00 pm. Whale shark swims are not possible on Day 4 (they return too late). Book whale sharks in Exmouth (Day 5) instead.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the wildlife swims?
Yes. Competent swimming and basic snorkel confidence are required for manta, whale shark, and humpback tours. Operators provide gear and safety briefings.

Is snorkel gear provided for shore time?
Boat tours include gear. For DIY shore snorkels, bring your own or hire locally (subject to availability).

What happens if wildlife doesn’t show or the weather turns?
Wildlife is expected, never guaranteed. Weather and sea conditions may alter or cancel departures. Refunds/credits are handled by the third-party operator under their terms.

Phone reception & charging—what should I expect?
Reception is patchy outside towns and parks. Assume reliable charging at accommodations; coach charging is limited—carry a power bank.

Can I bring alcohol?
Follow each property’s house rules. BYO is typically fine at accommodation, not on the vehicle. Please drink responsibly and respect quiet hours.

Smoking/vaping policy?
Not permitted on vehicles or inside rooms. Smoke only in designated areas during breaks; disposal must be responsible (fire risk is real).

Insect reality check—flies, midges, mozzies?
Bush flies can spike late Sep–Dec inland (head nets help). Midges/mosquitoes are more active at dawn/dusk near mangroves/creeks—pack picaridin 20% or DEET 20–40% repellent and light long sleeves.

Wildflower season—when’s best?
Typically Aug–Oct across the Midwest/Kalbarri, sometimes stretching Jul–Nov depending on rain. Cape Range and Shark Bay generally Aug–Sep. Blooms vary year to year.

Can I fly out of Exmouth if I finish one-way?
Yes—Learmonth Airport (Exmouth) serves domestic flights. Allow generous buffer after ocean tours; many travellers overnight in Exmouth before flying.

Is travel insurance required?
Strongly recommended. Remote regions have limited medical facilities, and some optional activities are weather-dependent.

Accessibility—can mobility aids be accommodated?
Unfortunately no. This itinerary/vehicle setup isn’t suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.

Environmental commitments—how is impact handled?
This listing is hosted on Zero Trace Tours, a marketplace that offsets 200% of the highest applicable emissions estimate for the tour. Specific offset project details aren’t stated here.

Anything else I should definitely pack?
A 2 L water bottle, reef-safe SPF 50+, closed-toe walking shoes, hat/sunnies, head net in spring, power bank, and your sense of adventure.