About Us
Live Ningaloo, founded in 2016 by Murray Pattison and Sonia Beckwith, is a luxury tour operator offering whale shark and humpback whale swims in the world-renowned Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia
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Murray Pattison
Co-Founder/Skipper
In 2004, I was drawn to Exmouth’s coastal wilderness and marine environment. After working as a superyacht captain, I met Sonia and convinced her to join me in building a life and business here. We saw an opportunity to offer unique, personalized whale shark tours for discerning clients.
Since 2016, our small group eco tours have expanded beyond Sal Salis, earning industry recognition and awards for our commitment to sustainability and unforgettable ocean experiences. We’re proud to bring something new to the industry and continue our mission of delivering exceptional adventures in harmony with nature.
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Sonia Beckwith
Co-Founder/Strategy
I first learned about the magical Ningaloo Reef on the night I met Murray. He painted a vivid picture of life on the reef, and it captured my imagination instantly. It’s been a dream to turn our passion into a lifestyle and bring our vision of Live Ningaloo to life.
In the early years, I focused on perfecting the details behind the scenes to ensure smooth tour operations. Nowadays, my role has shifted as I embrace the joys of motherhood. While I still lend a hand to our incredible team, most days you’ll find me exploring the wonders of Ningaloo at my little one’s pace. It’s a whole new adventure in itself.
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Gigi
Operations, Reservations & Marketing
Gigi has been proudly part of the Live Ningaloo team since April 2023, bringing energy and versatility to her dynamic role across operations, reservations, and marketing. She thrives on the variety each day brings—whether she’s coordinating behind the scenes or connecting guests to their dream Ningaloo experience.
What Gigi loves most is the constant awe this region inspires. On weekends, you’ll often find her snorkelling at Oyster Stacks, soaking in the serenity and scanning the reef for hidden gems beneath the surface.
Her passion for adventure, paired with a deep appreciation for detail, makes her a perfect fit for the Live Ningaloo crew. Gigi feels right at home working alongside a team that shares her love for meaningful experiences and the magic of the reef.
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Nick
Skipper
Calm, focused, and quietly hilarious, Nick is the steady hand at the helm of Live Ningaloo. With years of experience on the water, he’s deeply committed to making sure every guest feels safe, supported, and completely at ease.
What keeps him passionate out here? It’s the sheer diversity of the Ningaloo—one of the few places where you can encounter whale sharks, manta rays, and schools of reef fish all in a single day. For Nick, the reef is full of surprises, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
He’s a stickler for the little things (in the best way), believing that true comfort and quality come from the details. And if you hear someone call out Freddy Kruger, don’t be alarmed—it’s just Nick. A few boats back, the nickname stuck thanks to his last name… and a sense of humour as dry as the Exmouth heat.
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Dan
Deckhand
Dan’s love for the ocean started early, but it was Ningaloo’s mind-blowing biodiversity that really sealed the deal. From gentle whale sharks to playful manta rays and every quirky reef critter in between, there’s always something new to marvel at—and Dan’s here for all of it.
He was drawn to Live Ningaloo not just for the luxury vessel (which he’ll proudly tell you is the best-looking boat out there), but for the small, intimate tours that make each experience feel truly special. Being part of a tight-knit, passionate crew is the cherry on top.
If he were a Ningaloo creature? Easy—a dugong. Gliding through the lagoon, munching on seagrass, living the cruisy life. Sounds about right.
You can call him Dan, Daniel, or anything in between—he’s easy-going, always ready to lend a hand, and stoked to share the magic of the reef.
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Holly
Relief Deckhand
With a deep love for the ocean and an even deeper appreciation for the Exmouth lifestyle, Holly’s right at home on the Ningaloo. Whether she’s gliding alongside whale sharks or capturing your dream swim, she brings passion, playfulness, and purpose to every tour. She’s a fan of Live Ningaloo’s eco-minded, small group approach—and she’ll be the first to tell you the boat is hands-down the prettiest on the water.
If Holly were a Ningaloo critter? A manta ray—graceful, social, and always up for a spin. You can call her Hol, but honestly, she’ll answer to just about anything.
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Sammy
Guide
Sammy is all about the big stuff—whale sharks, manta rays, and especially the majestic humpback whales. Guiding guests through encounters with Ningaloo’s megafauna is what lights her up, and she brings calm, confidence, and a little sparkle to every swim.
What she loves most about Live Ningaloo? The smaller group sizes. With fewer people in the water, each moment feels more personal, more connected, and more in tune with the rhythm of the ocean.
If Sammy were a Ningaloo critter, she’d be a humpback—singing, dancing, and cruising through the blue without a care.
She’s affectionately known as Toucan Sam—colourful, curious, and always guiding the way.
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Miesa
Photographer
For Miesa (you can call her Mies), the ocean has always been pure magic. Growing up in South Africa, beach days were rare and unforgettable—fuelling a deep connection that only grew stronger through freediving in Australia. Now living the dream on the Ningaloo, she’s in her element behind the lens, capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments on the reef.
Drawn to Live Ningaloo’s focus on quality over quantity, Miesa loves the space smaller tours allow—for genuine connections and meaningful, low-impact encounters. If she had to be a critter? No contest—the harlequin filefish. Tiny, beautiful, and completely mesmerising.
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Amy
Relief Photographer & Guide
Amy is all about the wild magic of Ningaloo—where biodiversity rules and encounters with megafauna are just part of the day. From giant whale sharks to tiny reef dwellers, she loves the unpredictability and pulse of life beneath the surface.
What she treasures most about Live Ningaloo is the close-knit team. Working with a crew that feels more like family makes every trip feel meaningful, and the small group vibe ensures every guest gets the best of what the reef has to offer.
If she were a Ningaloo critter? The olive sea snake—gracefully cruising the reef, poking into rocky crevices, always curious and always moving.
Her nickname? Shark Bait—because she’s small and always the first to dive in.
Our Team
Murray Pattison
Co-Founder/ Skipper
In 2004, I was drawn to Exmouth’s coastal wilderness and marine environment. After working as a superyacht captain, I met Sonia and convinced her to join me in building a life and business here. We saw an opportunity to offer unique, personalized whale shark tours for discerning clients. Since 2016, our small group eco tours have expanded beyond Sal Salis, earning industry recognition and awards for our commitment to sustainability and unforgettable ocean experiences. We’re proud to bring something new to the industry and continue our mission of delivering exceptional adventures in harmony with nature.
Sonia Beckwith
Co-Founder/ Strategy
I first learned about the magical Ningaloo Reef on the night I met Murray. He painted a vivid picture of life on the reef, and it captured my imagination instantly. It’s been a dream to turn our passion into a lifestyle and bring our vision of Live Ningaloo to life.
In the early years, I focused on perfecting the details behind the scenes to ensure smooth tour operations. Nowadays, my role has shifted as I embrace the joys of motherhood. While I still lend a hand to our incredible team, most days you’ll find me exploring the wonders of Ningaloo at my little one’s pace. It’s a whole new adventure in itself.
Zak McDonald
Skipper
My admiration for Ningaloo stems from my experience on the Great Barrier Reef, where I developed a deep appreciation for marine life. Unlike the sporadic presence of marine megafauna in the vast expanse of the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo offers a concentrated hub of creatures such as whale sharks, humpback whales, and manta rays, making it a uniquely captivating destination. Live Ningaloo distinguishes itself by offering intimate encounters with whale sharks and personalised experiences, ensuring a memorable visit for every guest. As for myself, if I were a Ningaloo critter, I would love to be an octopus, given their intelligence and remarkable ability to blend into their surroundings, traits that are abundantly observed in the tide pools and bommie structures within the lagoon.
Gigi McKercher
Operations Manager
I’ve been proudly part of the Live Ningaloo team since April 2023. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m eagerly anticipating the adventures yet to come.
At Live Ningaloo, I wear multiple hats, seamlessly blending roles in reservations, operations, and marketing. It’s a dynamic mix that keeps me engaged and excited every single day.
One of the things I cherish most about my time here is the opportunity to immerse myself in the breathtaking beauty of the Exmouth region. From its rich marine life to its stunning landscapes, this place never fails to captivate me. On weekends, you’ll often find me exploring the underwater wonders at Oyster Stacks, snorkel in hand, ready to discover the hidden treasures beneath the waves.
I’m truly passionate about what I do, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a team and a community that shares my love for adventure and exploration. Here’s to many more unforgettable experiences ahead!
Katie Gates
Guide
Outdoor activities and a vibrant community make this place special. Surfing with turtles, snorkeling in the gulf, and breathtaking
sunsets at the lighthouse. Range walks with wildflowers, swimming with megafauna, and community events create endless adventures.
I work with an amazing crew, fulfilling bucket list dreams, and sharing unforgettable moments with guests. Swimming with endangered wildlife, everyday surprises, and high-quality experiences. Taking people swimming with whale sharks is a personal favourite.
Fun Fact – Whale sharks may be huge, but their throats are the size of a golf ball. They’re not only big but also adorable!
If I was a Ningaloo critter I’d be a dugong, munching on seagrass and cruising in the lagoon’s shallows.
Tash Logvinskaia
Guide/Deckhand/Photographer
I adore the Ningaloo as nature’s playground. Each day is a unique adventure on, in, or near the stunning waters. This beautiful place unites people through their love for the ocean and its enchanting creatures.
Live Ningaloo is all about personal experiences with small group sizes. It’s a joy to share our home with diverse individuals, hearing their stories and connecting on a deeper level. The attention to detail and eco-friendly approach ensure a sustainable future for the Ningaloo.
Fun Fact: Parrot fish play a vital role in shaping our beaches by transforming coral into the sandy paradise we enjoy.
If I were a Ningaloo critter, I’d be a parrot fish. Just like them, I’d happily munch on coral and spread joy with their cuteness.
Nicknames: Tash or Tashy. My name is Natalya, but a surprising discovery at the DMV revealed my birth certificate said otherwise—quite the shock!
Justin Bumpstead
Photographer
Living in the desert with one of the world’s largest fringing reefs nearby is incredible. Constantly exploring underwater, I’m immersed in the reef’s wonders and expanding my knowledge of marine life and photography. The abundance of wildlife and passionate people make this place truly special.
When I moved to Exmouth, my goal was to pursue my dream job in marine tourism as a photographer. Live Ningaloo stood out to me with their small group sizes, ensuring a better experience and more time in the water with Ningaloo’s wildlife. The more I learned about this family-run business and their commitment to protecting this amazing part of the world, the more I wanted to be a part of it
A fun fact: I’ve spent years living in Canada, exploring the States and developing a fondness for North America. Exmouth’s history, especially from the 60s/70s, fascinates me and back then it was more like a little America. I enjoy sharing these lesser-known aspects of Exmouth’s history with our guests, giving them a glimpse into what it was like before it became a major tourist destination.
Jenn Haig
Deckhand
I am lucky enough to have joined the amazing Live Ningaloo team working to bring to you an experience of a lifetime in an intimate environment, which Murray and Sonia have meticulously created. Ningaloo Reef is somewhere I’ve always wanted to be as the blue water and array of marine animals (with even more to discover) is hard to stay away from! I am a marine biologist by trade and after working in turtle conservation and aboard pearling boats, I realised that no matter how many times I see a humpback whale breach or a whale shark glide through the waves, it always takes my breath away and being able to share this with people daily is a dream come true.
If I was a Ningaloo critter I would be a humpback whale – these big beauties consume over 1 tonne of krill everyday! Scientists are also still unsure how they sing as they don’t have any vocal cords (but think it’s to do with vibrations of the throat) – these ‘songs’ can even last 20 minutes!
My real name is Jennifer so I also get Jenny, Jenn-jenn, jennay and Genevieve – but will respond to anything Jenn related!