Exmouth humpback whale swimmers surrounded by 15 whales at Ningaloo Reef

Humpback whale tour participants have been left in awe as they enjoyed a close encounter with 15 of the majestic animals in waters off Exmouth. Tour organisers, Shark Exmouth Tours, said they had never seen so many whales swimming near humans in one spot. Swimmers who were initially snorkelling with two humpback whales where stunned when they then returned with a much larger pod of humpbacks, which went on to attract even more Tour manager and photographer Jasmin O’Brien said the remarkable event underscored the magnetic allure of the Ningaloo region, spotlighting the harmonious ballet between marine life and its natural habitat. “I have encountered a few large humpback whale pods on the Ningaloo Reef, but I have never experienced anything like this,” she said. “There is nothing more humbling than being surrounded by 15 40-tonne animals in the water. “The Ningaloo Reef is a place that just keeps on giving and after working nine whale shark seasons, I’m still experiencing new and exciting wildlife encounters.”