Skipper - Master V | Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo

Be a part of sharing special places and shaping lasting memories with Australia’s leading experiential tourism business.

About Us

Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo is proud to deliver unforgettable marine experiences on the pristine Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth, Western Australia. Our tours help guests reconnect with nature through guided wildlife cruises, snorkelling adventures and scuba diving. With two wildlife interaction licences, we offer the rare opportunity to swim with Whale Sharks and Humpback Whales.

Our passionate, fully qualified team ensures safe, respectful encounters while showcasing the natural beauty of Western Australia’s North West Cape.

Operating from February/March to October/November, we experience - and share - all seasons of the Ningaloo Reef.

About Journey Beyond

Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, is privileged to operate 20 brands spanning the country and New Zealand, connecting guests to the land, and to each other.

Headquartered in Adelaide, Journey Beyond formed in 2016 and now comprises tourism brands including: iconic trains The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern, The Overland; premium small-group outback operator Outback Spirit; eco-luxury lodge Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef; aquatic adventures Cruise Whitsundays, Rottnest Express, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises and Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney; our tallest members, Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89; the historic Vintage Rail Journeys; The Telegraph Station in Alice Springs; Monarto Safari Resort; Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo and New Zealand coach tour specialist Grand Pacific Tours.

About The Role

We are seeking a Skipper to join our team on a seasonal basis during 2026. This is a guest facing position that requires professionalism, enthusiasm and a commitment to safety and service, crucial in delivering exceptional marine tourism experiences to our guests.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Ensure all marine standards are followed and all vessels are operated and navigated in a safe manner
• Perform pre-departure checks, including unlocking the vessel, turning on battery banks, checking the main engine and auxiliaries, steering and gearbox operation
• Ensure the vessel is ready for departure, and assist the Deckhand with set up tasks if required
• Carry out tender operations with the Deckhand, including guest movements
• Greet and welcome guests, and carry out engaging welcome, departure and safety briefings, ensuring they understand procedures for a safe journey
• Communicate with the pilot to initiate whale shark interactions, coordinating with the Deckhand to prepare guests for their experience
• Ensure the vessel is kept in a clean and seaworthy condition and the overall presentation of the vessel is maintained • Perform maintenance tasks onboard the vessels as and when required , such as Carry out refuelling activities followed associated processes and procedures
• Assist with the training of new or existing crew members
• Drive a strong safety culture by promptly reporting all incidents and hazards and participating in investigations as required. Escalate reporting where appropriate
• Foster a positive work environment, promoting a culture of teamwork, collaboration and professionalism

About You

As the ideal candidate, you will be passionate about marine tourism and committed to delivering unforgettable guest experiences. You will be a collaborative team member, and leader with a high level of situational awareness and the ability to work calmly under pressure and in fast-paced, changing environments. You will be confident with public speaking, have a high level of personal presentation and will be capable of completing physical tasks involved with being a skipper, performing emergency response activities including in-water rescues if necessary.

To be considered for this role you will have:

• Prior experience in a similar Vessel Master position within the marine tourism industry, experience working in guest-facing adventure activities within marine tourism, within whale shark or diving environments highly desirable
• Master <24m, near coastal AMSA certificate
• Marine Engine Driver Grade 2, near coastal AMSA certificate
• First Aid and CPR Certificate (or Willing to get)

What We Offer

• Generous discounts on Journey Beyond travel and experiences
• An attractive salary and positive work environment
• Study Assistance Policy
• A career with opportunities for progression, transfers, and secondments
• Employee Referral Policy
• Parental Leave program
• Purchased Leave policy
• Private Health discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on Journey Beyond merchandise
• Salary sacrifice remote area benefits

If you meet the criteria listed above and are passionate about joining a dynamic, and exciting marine tourism business in a unique location, then this is the role for you.

Apply now. Join us!