Whales are some of the most vocal creatures in the ocean, and their songs continue to captivate scientists and whale enthusiasts alike.
These melodic sounds, often heard during whale-watching tours, serve a range of purposes that we are only beginning to understand.
Why Do Whales Sing?
Humpback whales, commonly seen in the waters around Flinders Bay (Augusta) and Geograph Bay (Busselton and Dunsborough), are famous for their long and complex songs.
Male whales are the primary singers, and their songs can last for up to 20 minutes, repeating for hours at a time.
Researchers believe whale songs are used primarily for mating purposes, helping males attract potential mates during the breeding season. However, there’s growing evidence suggesting that these vocalisations may also serve other functions, such as communication between whales and even navigation during migration.
One of the fascinating aspects of whale songs is their evolution over time.
Entire populations of whales can adopt new songs, making their vocalisations a form of cultural transmission.
Each year, All Sea Charters offers whale-watching tours that coincide with the whales’ migratory period, giving visitors the chance to hear these extraordinary sounds in person.
How You Can Experience Whale Songs
The South-West of Western Australia, particularly during the migration season from September to December, offers a rare opportunity to experience whale songs first-hand.
Humpbacks and Southern Right whales are often seen—and heard—off the coast of Busselton and Dunsborough.
By booking a tour with All Sea Charters, specifically aboard our vessel “Whale Song,” you can get up close to these majestic creatures and listen to their mysterious songs as they echo across the ocean.
Set Sail on “Whale Song”
For those looking to experience the enchanting sounds of the ocean’s giants up close, All Sea Charters offers a unique way to do so aboard our aptly named vessel “Whale Song”.
This spacious, purpose-built vessel is perfect for whale-watching tours along the South-West coast of Western Australia.
Equipped with a hydrophone, “Whale Song” allows passengers to hear the incredible sounds of the whales beneath the water’s surface, bringing the mystery of whale songs directly to you.
This boat is designed with comfort and an unforgettable experience in mind, ensuring all passengers can enjoy these magical moments. Whether you’re a seasoned whale watcher or a first-time adventurer, sailing on “Whale Song” provides an opportunity to witness—and listen to—whales in their natural environment.
All Sea Charters and the Blue Whale Project
In 2023, All Sea Charters was part of the Blue Whale Project project that highlights the acoustic abilities of whales.
Geographe Marine Research’s Bay Blues field season, focused on the study of blue whale acoustic ecology and behaviour, saw the deployment of directional hydrophone arrays in Geographe Bay.
This advanced equipment was crucial in collecting paired acoustic and visual data, allowing researchers to accurately track and analyse the social signals blue whales produce in these waters.
The data collected provides further insight into how these magnificent creatures use sound to navigate and communicate, reinforcing the importance of acoustic tracking in understanding whale migration patterns.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience
There’s no better way to witness the incredible whale migration journey than by joining All Sea Charters on one of our South-West Whale Watching Tours.
Whether you’re in Augusta during the early migration or in Busselton and Dunsborough as the whales return south, our experienced crew will ensure you have a memorable and educational experience.
Book your tour today and be part of this extraordinary natural phenomenon!
