Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson BA MLA, WA Minister for Environment; Climate Action; Commerce, Media Release, 17 June 2021

• Humpback whales have begun arriving in northern waters
• Western Australians encouraged to ‘Wander out Yonder’ and contribute to the recovery of licensed tour operators

Humpback whales have been spotted along the spectacular Ningaloo Coast, with Western Australians encouraged to support tour operators amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the humpback whale swim tour season starting soon, visitors to the Ningaloo Coast have the opportunity to swim with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

Humpback whales generally migrate through Exmouth and Coral Bay between July and October, and Western Australians can interact with them through licensed in-water tours.

Each year approximately 40,000 humpback whales migrate along the coast of Western Australia.

Visitors would also get the chance to spot other marine life along the Ningaloo Coast, including whale sharks, marine turtles, dolphins, dugong, rays and sharks.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

“Humpback whales have already been spotted along the stunning World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast.

“Swimming with these incredible animals is a bucket list experience and the only place in Western Australia this can be done is with a licensed operator on the Ningaloo Coast.

“Now is the perfect time to ‘Wander out Yonder’ and support tourism businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”