I lowered myself with apprehension from the dive boat into the flimsy shark net. Dark shapes rapidly approached. Two bronze whaler sharks swam with fierce hunting intent, slipstreaming like torpedos through the water as they approached their bloody fish prey. I felt like I was sucking my scuba tank dry.
Around Australia there are many opportunities to swim with a variety of animals. Some are peaceful and some can be deadly.
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1. Swim with Dolphins
Australian wild dolphin swim options are available in many places including the east south and west coasts of Australia. You can also interact with captive dolphins at places like Seaworld on the Gold Coast.
2. Dive with Sharks
Shark dives are very common in every scuba diving location around Australia. The type of dive depends on the varieties of sharks in the local area. Cruising with the Grey Nurse sharks through the sand gutters in Byron Bay is quite different to being on a Great White Shark Dive in South Australia in a solid cage, or seeing tropical sharks while watching from a flimsy enclosure near Cairns.
You can also dive with well fed sharks in the major aquariums around Australia.
3. Swim with Crocodiles
Are you ready for the Cage of Death? Located in Darwin, Australia, the Cage of Death provides a unique opportunity to swim with crocodiles in relative safety inside a thick perspex enclosure which is raised and lowered into several different crocodile enclosures.
Unfortunately every year tourists die as a result of crocodile attacks in the northern part of Australia. Make sure you only swim and get close to water areas which are known to be free of crocodiles.
4. Swim and Dive with Whale Sharks
Whale Sharks are gentle giants who do not eat humans. As a result you can dive and snorkel with wild whale sharks during April to July at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia which can be accessed from the townships of Exmouth and Coral Bay.
5. Swim and Dive with Seals
Australian wild seal swim and dive options are available along the southern coast of Australia. Be aware that seals are typically food for Great White Sharks, so by diving with them you are potentially taking a higher risk.
6. Swim and Dive with Turtles
Seeing turtles is very common along the Great Barrier Reef, northern and western Australia. In my tropical diving experience you most often see them during night dives.
7. Swim and Dive with Manta Rays
Manta Rays have become much better known since Steve Irwin was killed by a bull ray, which is a very rare occurrence. There are many places where you might have a chance encounter with manta rays all around Australia.
8. Swim and Dive with Dugongs
Dugongs are very rare, and the place you are most likely to see one is in the area near Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Sydney Aquarium – Dugong Exhibit is an excellent option to see the rare dugongs.
BONUS! Australian Creatures You Don’t Want to Swim With
If you are coming to Australia there are two other water borne creatures you don’t want to have an encounter with. During October to May every year in the northern end of Australia is the season for two types of dangerous jellyfish.
The box jellyfish is large and can be lethal to humans and is mostly encountered close to shore and sometimes near the surface in deeper water.
The tiny irukandji jellyfish can also be fatal and is also found both close to shore and in deeper water.
If travelling to northern Australia (Northern Territory and the northern sections of both Queensland and Western Australia) in October to May avoid swimming or wading in shallow water. Look at the Queensland Government Jellyfish Factsheet for further information on how to be safe.
Join the Australia Travel Planning Facebook Group
Check out our Australia Travel Planning Facebook Group – you are welcome to join and it is a great resource to enable you to ask questions about your Australian trip!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Anne Sutherland-Smith is the creative force behind Pretraveller.com, a travel blog that specializes in offering insightful guidance for exploring Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Her passion for these diverse and dynamic regions shines through in her expert advice, particularly in helping travellers stay connected with the latest in SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and eSIMs.
With an unquenchable thirst for Asian and Oceanian cultures, Anne has carved out a niche as a knowledgeable guide for those venturing into the bustling streets of Tokyo, the historical alleys of Kyoto, the vibrant scenes of Seoul, the scenic landscapes of Australia, the vibrant markets of Hong Kong, or the futuristic cityscape of Singapore. Her articles are full of practical tips and detailed information, ensuring travellers are well-equipped for their journeys.
Anne’s approach is grounded in providing reliable, authoritative travel content that enhances the travel experience. From navigating the complexities of digital connectivity on the go to immersing in the local culture, her advice is designed to make travel both enjoyable and seamless.
I wouldn’t mind trying Cage of Death if someone like Steve Robert is present. Otherwise, no way. Even the name sound dangerous. Haven’t seen a Dugongs. Great read!
I haven’t done the Cage of Death yet but when we go to Darwin next it is definitely on my list of things I want to do!
Hi Anne,
swam with dolphins in the surf at Hawks Nest, NSW; not real close but pretty cool none the less.
Swam with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef two years ago. Five Whale Sharks, six encounters. Fabulous experience; the whole day, not just the swim.
Weather turned us back from swimming with Manta Rays in Coral Bay.
Was stung by a box jellyfish at Wongaling Beach in my early teens. Just a six inch sting on the back of one knee; migraines and vomiting that night; fine the next day.
I might have to make a special trip to Darwin for the Cage of Death.
Oh, and swam with Otters in Monterey Bay, CA. Again, not real close, but pretty cool (literally cold also).
L8r,
des
Wow I am SO loving this post! I’ve swam with sting rays before, but that’s about it. Thanks for a great and informative post! I’m hoping to get to Australia in the near future!
Jessica, thanks for your comment. It is amazing to swim with the marine animals. I have personally swum aand dived with dolphins, sharks (grey nurse, bronze whaler, white tip, black tip, Port Jackson and wobbegongs), pilot whales, manta rays and turtles. Hopefully you will get the chance to so more marine animal swims!