Commercial opportunities in Ningaloo Marine Park and Muiron Islands Marine Management Area, Western Australia. In-water interaction tours with whale sharks and humpback whales

⁠⁠⁠Exciting opportunities exist to operate in-water interaction tours with whale sharks and humpback whales in Ningaloo Marine Park and Muiron Islands Marine Management Area in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.  The State Government is conducting a competitive process to identify suitably qualified individuals and organisations interested in these opportunities. 

Located approximately 1,000 kilometres north of Perth, the Ningaloo Coast was inscribed on the World Heritage List in recognition of its outstanding universal value.  

The abundance and diversity of marine megafauna is one reason the area was inscribed on the World Heritage List, with a prevalence of whale sharks, dugongs, marine turtles, dolphins, rays and sharks, as well as humpback and other whales. The region is a drawcard for domestic and international visitors.  Visitors come to Ningaloo Coast to experience the beaches, coastal scenery, unique natural sights, wildlife and for activities such as year-round diving, snorkelling, fishing, and sea kayaking.    

Ningaloo Marine Park (including Muiron Islands Marine Management Area) is internationally renowned for the unique experience of swimming with whale sharks and humpback whales and is one of the few accessible places in the world where these charismatic animals aggregate in significant numbers on a regular basis.   

This EOI is for the opportunity to obtain a licence to conduct interactions with these species, in accordance with the world’s best practice management framework established on the Ningaloo Coast. Licences granted from this process will commence the 1 January 2024.

If you think that you have the skills, experience and finance necessary to apply for this opportunity, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions would like to hear from you.