King’s Ningaloo Reef Tours has a rich history that begins with George King, a true pioneer of the tourism industry in Exmouth and one of the earliest champions of Whale Shark interactions in Australia.

In 1969, George King moved to the remote coastal settlement of Coral Bay, where he first swam with a Whale Shark. At the time, very little was known about these gentle giants of the sea, but George’s curiosity and love for Ningaloo Reef set him on a path to become one of the first people to share this incredible experience with others. Over the years, he collaborated with marine biologists and enthusiasts from around the world, helping to shine a spotlight on Ningaloo Reef and its amazing marine life.

By 1978, George and his son Raymond had relocated to Exmouth and founded King Dive, one of the first businesses to offer Whale Shark snorkelling tours on Ningaloo Reef. Their contributions went far beyond running tours; they worked with the Department of Conservation (now DBCA) to establish the first Whale Shark interaction guidelines, which have since evolved into the gold standard for sustainable marine tourism.

George’s lasting impact on the region is reflected not only in our company name but also in the creation of King Reef, an artificial reef off the Exmouth coast named in his honour.

A New Chapter

In 2009, the King family partnered with Bill McDonald, who leased his custom-designed vessel, the Magellan, to the King family. With over 40 years of experience on open waters, Bill built the Magellan to be one of the largest, safest, and most comfortable vessels in the region, setting the stage for unforgettable marine adventures.

By 2010, Bill had fallen in love with Ningaloo Reef, the Whale Sharks, and the joy of sharing this unique experience with others. When the opportunity arose, he purchased the business, choosing to retain the Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours name as a tribute to George King and his family’s pioneering legacy in the Exmouth tourism industry.

Where We Are Today

Today, Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours continues to honour the King family’s legacy while evolving to meet the needs of modern travellers. With over 30 years of experience conducting Whale Shark tours, we are proud to be one of the longest-running and most trusted tour operators in Exmouth.

Our commitment to safety, customer service, and sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do. From our luxurious 20m vessel, the Magellan, to our passionate crew and expertly guided tours, every aspect of your experience is designed to ensure an unforgettable journey on the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.

In addition to our Whale Shark interaction tours, we now offer Humpback Whale in-water experiences during their migration season, giving you even more ways to connect with the incredible marine life of Ningaloo Reef.

A Legacy of Passion and Adventure

Though the King family no longer operates the business, their influence is woven into every aspect of what we do. We are proud to carry on George King’s vision, combining his trailblazing spirit with our own passion for marine conservation and sustainable tourism.

Whether you’re swimming alongside a Whale Shark, marvelling at a Humpback Whale, or exploring the vibrant coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef, you’re part of a story that began with one man’s dream to share the beauty of this incredible place.

Join us and become part of the Kings Ningaloo Reef Tours legacy – creating lifelong memories, just as George King intended.