Retreat set to offer humpback whale swims

A luxury retreat near Exmouth has announced they will be one of the first operators in WA to be granted a licence to offer humpback whale swims next year.

Sal Salis Eco Retreat, situated between Yardie Creek and Turquoise Bay, will be conducting the humpback whale swim from August 1 to October 31.

A Sal Salis spokeswoman said the experience would complement whale shark swims already on offer.

“This exhilarating day-long experience will be conducted on a new vessel being introduced to Sal Salis in time for next year’s season, ” she said.

“The boat will comfortably cater for 10 guests — the maximum number of swimmers allowed with the humpbacks and whale sharks at any one time — along with an expert guide, delicious lunch, drinks and snorkelling equipment included onboard.”

Prices for the humpback whale swim will start from $500 a person. The spokeswoman also confirmed the retreat would be increasing the number of tents from nine to 16.

Parks and Wildlife tourism and property manager Rod Quartermaine said all 11 operators had registered their interest in the trial.

“It is a big opportunity, there has been a lot of interest in other parts of Australia, ” he said.

“No doubt things will be tweaked as the trial goes on to suit the kind of operation that is necessary in the area.

“It is a good conservation story too that we can look into doing these things because the population on the West Australian coast has recovered so well.”