Daily Whale Watching Tours in Western Australia's South-West

Whale watching in Western Australia’s South-West is an unforgettable experience where you can observe majestic whales, such as Humpback, Southern Right, and even Blue whales, as they migrate along the coastline. This region, known for its pristine waters and stunning coastal scenery, offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities from May to December. Tours typically depart from locations like Augusta, Busselton, and Dunsborough, bringing you up close to these magnificent creatures as they breach, tail-slap, and interact with their surroundings.

The best time to go whale watching varies depending on the location:

• Augusta: The whale-watching season in Augusta runs from May to August. During this period, you can observe Southern Right and Humpback whales as they start their migration north. This early season offers a chance to see these majestic creatures as they begin their journey.
• Dunsborough and Busselton: For optimal whale-watching experiences, visit Dunsborough or Busselton from September to December. This is when Humpback, Southern Right, and Blue whales migrate south after their breeding season, often bringing calves with them. These months provide excellent opportunities to witness these magnificent animals up close as they travel through Geographe Bay.

Each location offers a unique and memorable whale-watching experience, with tours guided by our expert All Sea Charters crew who provide insights into whale behaviour and marine conservation.

The whale-watching season near runs from May to December. Augusta offers sightings from May to August, while Dunsborough and Busselton provide prime viewing from September to December.

Whale watching in Western Australia’s South-West offers the chance to observe two main types of whales: Southern Right whales and Humpback whales.

Southern Right whales are large baleen whales, easily recognisable by their broad backs without a dorsal fin and the distinctive callosities on their heads. These whales often bring their calves close to shore, providing frequent and intimate sightings near the coastline. Known for their curious and interactive nature, Southern Right whales sometimes approach boats, offering spectacular viewing opportunities. They migrate from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Antarctic to the warmer waters off the coast of Australia for breeding and calving.

Humpback whales, on the other hand, are easily identified by their distinctive body shape, long pectoral fins, and knobbly head. Famous for their acrobatic breaches and complex songs, Humpbacks are known for their active surface behaviours, including breaching, tail slapping, and spy-hopping. Their playful and energetic displays are a highlight of whale watching tours. Humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic feeding grounds to warmer tropical waters, where they mate and give birth. 

The West Australian coastline is renowned as a premier destination for whale watching, and for good reason. From May to December, this region offers exceptional opportunities to observe a variety of majestic whale species, including Southern Right, Humpback, and Blue whales. This extended whale-watching season allows for ample time to witness these magnificent creatures as they migrate along the coastline.

The coastline’s strategic location serves as a crucial part of the whales’ migration route. Whales travel from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to their breeding grounds in warmer waters, making the West Australian coast a prime location for sightings. The clear, pristine waters and stunning coastal scenery further enhance the whale-watching experience, providing breath-taking backdrops for these encounters.

The region’s strong focus on marine conservation and education supports the protection and understanding of these incredible animals, making it a truly remarkable destination for whale watching.

Approximately 2 -3 hours.

Augusta

Busselton

Dunsborough 

When preparing for a whale watching tour, it’s best to dress appropriately and bring a few key items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some recommendations:

Clothing:

• Layered Clothing: The weather on the water can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is advisable.
• Windbreaker or Waterproof Jacket: Even on sunny days, the ocean breeze can be chilly, and there’s always the possibility of sea spray. A windbreaker or waterproof jacket will help protect you from the wind and keep you dry.
• Comfortable Pants: Wear comfortable pants that provide warmth and allow for ease of movement. Jeans or quick-drying hiking pants are good options.
• Footwear: Choose sturdy, non-slip shoes that can handle wet conditions. Sneakers or waterproof boots are ideal. Avoid open-toed shoes or sandals as they offer little protection from the elements.

Accessories:

• Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun’s glare off the water by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses. This will also make it easier to spot whales without being impacted by the sun.
• Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be strong on the open water. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin to prevent sunburn.
• Binoculars: While the boat will get you close to the whales, binoculars can enhance your viewing experience by allowing you to see details from a distance.
• Camera: Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture those unforgettable moments. Ensure it’s secured with a strap to prevent accidental drops into the water.

Additional Items:

• Water and Snacks: Although the tour is only about two hours long, it’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water and some snacks to keep you hydrated and energised.
• Anti-Nausea Medication: If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking anti-nausea medication before the trip. All Sea Charters also offers anti-nausea bracelets onboard for added comfort.
• Small Backpack: Carry a small backpack to store your extra layers, sunscreen, snacks, and any other personal items.

By dressing in layers, protecting yourself from the elements, and bringing a few essential items, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable whale watching experience. Remember to be prepared for changing weather conditions and to prioritise comfort and protection.

Whale watching is a safe activity, especially when conducted by experienced operators like All Sea Charters who have a 100% safety record.

• All Sea Charters employs a team of professional and highly experienced crew members who are well-trained in both whale watching and maritime safety. The crew includes knowledgeable guides who provide insights into whale behaviour and ensure that the tour is educational and engaging while prioritising safety.
• Stable and Well-Equipped Vessel: Whale Song, All Sea Charters’ custom-built, 17-meter aluminium catamaran, is specifically designed for whale watching. This vessel features a stable platform, which minimises the risk of seasickness and provides a safe environment for all passengers. The boat is equipped with modern safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kits, and emergency communication devices.
• Weather Monitoring: The crew closely monitors weather conditions to ensure that tours are conducted in safe and suitable conditions.
• Seasickness Prevention: For those concerned about seasickness, All Sea Charters offers anti-nausea bracelets onboard. Additionally, the stable design of the Whale Song helps to reduce the likelihood of seasickness, ensuring a more comfortable experience for passengers who may be sensitive to motion.

Booking a whale watching tour with All Sea Charters is a straightforward and convenient process. To secure your spot on one of these exciting tours, you have several options:

• Online Booking: The easiest and most efficient way to book your whale watching tour is via our bookings page. There, you can select your preferred date and time for the tour, choose the number of tickets you need, and complete the payment process online. This method ensures you can secure your reservation quickly and receive an instant confirmation. 
• Phone Booking: If you prefer to speak directly with us, you can book your tour by calling All Sea Charters at 0417 794 008. We will assist you in selecting the best date and time for your tour and can answer any questions you might have about the experience.
• Email Booking: You can also book your tour by sending an email to allseacharters@gmail.com. Include your preferred tour date, time, and the number of participants in your email. We will respond promptly to confirm your booking and provide any additional information you might need.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak whale watching season from May to December. This ensures you secure your preferred date and time, as tours can fill up quickly due to high demand.

Whale watching tours with All Sea Charters are priced affordably, offering an enriching experience for all.

Ticket prices typically range from $95 for adults to $55 for children aged 3 to 17 years. Moreover, special discounts are available for group bookings, making it an ideal outing for families and friends.

For those desiring a more personalised adventure, private charters are also an option.

For further details on pricing or to inquire about group discounts and private charters, feel free to reach out to All Sea Charters directly. You can contact us via phone (0417 794 008) or email (allseacharters@gmail.com) to discuss your specific requirements and preferences.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be delighted to assist you in planning the perfect whale watching excursion tailored to your needs.

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a booking confirmation via email. Be sure to bring this confirmation with you on the day of your tour.

Yes, All Sea Charters offers both group and private tours for whale watching.

Whether you’re planning a trip with family, friends, colleagues, or a special event like a birthday celebration or corporate outing, you have the option to customise your whale watching experience to suit your preferences.

To inquire about group or private tours, please contact All Sea Charters directly via phone at 0417 794 008 or email at allseacharters@gmail.com. Provide all relevant information, including the number of people in your group, preferred date and time, and any special requirements or requests you may have. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at All Sea Charters will assist you in planning the perfect whale watching experience tailored to your needs.

During whale watching tours with All Sea Charters, passengers can expect to observe the majestic marine mammals while maintaining a safe and respectful distance. The crew prioritises the well-being of the whales to minimise disturbance to their natural behaviours. While every effort is made to provide passengers with optimal viewing opportunities.

Passengers are encouraged to bring binoculars or cameras with zoom lenses to enhance their viewing experience.

Throughout the tour, the experienced crew provides informative commentary on whale behaviour, biology, and conservation, enriching the experience with educational insights. Whether witnessing a Southern Right whale nurturing its calf or marvelling at the acrobatic displays of Humpback whales, the whale watching tours offer unforgettable encounters with these remarkable creatures.

Whale watching boats typically use a combination of methods to locate whales. These may include:

• Spotting Techniques: Experienced crew members and guides scan the horizon with binoculars to search for signs of whale activity such as spouts, breaching, or fluke dives.
• Marine Wildlife Observations: Whales are often found near other marine wildlife, such as seabirds or dolphins. Crew members may look for these indicators to narrow down potential whale sightings.
• Hydrophone Technology: Some boats use hydrophones, which are underwater microphones, to listen for the sounds of whale vocalisations. This method can help locate whales that are not visible at the surface.
• Local Knowledge and Communication: Whale watching operators often have extensive local knowledge of whale migration patterns and feeding grounds. 

Travelling to Western Australia’s South-West for whale watching is easy and accessible. You can fly into Perth Airport and then either rent a car or take a regional flight to Busselton Margaret River Airport. From there, it’s a short drive to key whale-watching locations like Augusta, Busselton, and Dunsborough. Alternatively, you can drive from Perth to the South-West region, which takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your destination.

While Perth offers convenient access to whale watching, the South-West region of Western Australia truly stands out as the ultimate destination for this extraordinary experience.

Western Australia’s South-West provides unparalleled opportunities to witness the majestic Southern Right and Humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. From May to December, the pristine waters of the South-West become a vibrant playground for these magnificent marine mammals, ensuring an exceptional display of nature’s grandeur.

Unlike Perth, where whale sightings may be less frequent during migration season, the South-West—encompassing areas like Augusta, Dunsborough, and Busselton—offers a remarkable concentration of whales. This results in immersive and unforgettable encounters with these gentle giants, making the South-West a premier location for whale watching.