Ningaloo Reef whale shark snorkelling tours, Western Australia

Environment
The company’s whale shark tour product is certified to Ecotourism level by Eco Tourism Australia which means we have reached a standard where participants learn about the environment with an operator who uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities.

The tour takes place in a unique and special location (Ningaloo Marine Park) where guests are educated by the tour guides (who have science based backgrounds) about the marine environment and the need to protect it: reef etiquette, information about the types of fish, corals and marine life found on the reef, protocols of swimming with a whale shark The tour is operated in a way which does not cause harm to the animals involved in the marine interaction and contributes to research into whale shark behaviour by sharing information recorded on whale shark interactions with research organisations.

Interpretive material is available for guests to learn about whale sharks which leads to a greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of this threatened species.

Group sizes are limited to 20 passengers per tour and ten in the water at a time to swim with the whale shark to minimise negative effects on the whale shark. Strict guidelines are in place to ensure the animal is not touched - snorkellers must stay 3 metres from the sides and 4 metres from the tail of the whale shark. Only one operator is allowed to be in contact with the whale shark at any time.

Apart from the thrill of swimming with a whale shark the tour aims to educate guests and raise awareness of the need to protect this threatened species so guests leave the tour with a better understanding of the whale sharks of Ningaloo Reef.

Wherever possible we reduce waste and minimise packaging and do not use plastic supermarket bags. Staff cycle to work, and all green waste from food preparation is composted. The vessel is operated as efficiently as possible to minimise environmental impact and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. During tours we monitor the impact of tourists on the marine environment and adjust tours if necessary.

We reduce consumption of energy by turning off office equipment at the end of each working day. Guests are encouraged to use the free company transport to and from the tour to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use.

All guiding staff must take part in the Department of Environment & Conservation’s Whale Shark Interaction course so they are informed and educated on the biology and ecology of whale sharks, interaction protocols, licence conditions, code of conduct and the need to protect this threatened species. Our guiding staff have science – based backgrounds and have excellent communication skills to pass on information to participants.

Community
As owners of the business we live in the town, pay wages, rates, taxes and rent which all contribute to and benefit the local economy. By operating the tour we attract tourists to the town who in turn spend money on accommodation, food, fuel and activities, thus contributing economically to the town The company supports local businesses by purchasing locally available goods and services.

We donate to local community groups and charities to assist in their work of supporting the local community. As the town is in an isolated area it needs the support of businesses and individuals to provide services not supplied by government. We employ local residents where possible.

The vessel is available for sea search & rescue if required at any time. The company behaves in a culturally sensitive manner by giving a brief background on the original inhabitants of the lands of North West Cape and their prior ownership and habitation of the area for over 32000 years.

Licence fees paid to the controlling government department by us contribute to marine park management and research costs incurred by the department.

As owners of the business we live in the town, buy locally, pay wages, rates, taxes and rent which all contribute to and benefit the local economy. Preference is given to local residents for employment.