Ningaloo Reef, WA Australia

ingaloo Marine Park is a World Heritage-listed site found half way up the West Australian coastline. The crystalline water harbours the world’s largest fringing reef, a 260-kilometre (162-mile) long coral reef swarming with turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, humpback whales and the elusive whale shark. Nowhere on Earth do these majestic creatures reliably congregate in such large numbers as here, at Ningaloo Reef.

here may be 500 species of tropical fish within Ningaloo Marine Park, but one in particular really gets the heart racing: the giant but gentle whale shark. Swimming with one of these beautiful creatures is one of life’s most breathtaking experiences. Ningaloo is the only place on the planet where large numbers visit every year from April to July, so close to land. Strict protections are in place to care for threatened species and all charter boats collect data for scientists and conservationists to ensure Ningaloo’s aquatic visitors stay safe.