Naturaliste Charters Upgrade Now Complete for the 2025 Augusta Whale Watching Season
The 2025 Augusta whale watching season has officially launched. Guests aboard Alison Maree are already enjoying the latest Naturaliste Charters upgrade.
After a month of scheduled works between Bremer Bay and Augusta seasons, our 23-metre catamaran Alison Maree has been transformed.
She now features expanded deck space, upgraded guest amenities, and a purpose-built media platform for photography, research, and wildlife filming.
As a result, the vessel delivers a more comfortable, spacious, and photographer-friendly experience for guests, marine biologists, and film crews.
With safety, functionality, and wildlife observation in mind, every change was carefully made to elevate our whale watching standards.
Completed by Local Marine Specialists
The latest Naturaliste Charters upgrade was delivered by Robbie Clayton and his expert team at Niche Marine.
They are based in Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia. Robbie has overseen every major vessel modification since 2017.
That was when Alison Maree was first acquired by Paul and Alison Cross.
This upgrade was completed to AMSA survey specifications. It reflects our strong commitment to safety, performance, and sustainable marine tourism.
Therefore, guests are now enjoying improved deck flow, more space, and new comforts during their Augusta whale watching adventure.
What’s New on Board in 2025?
All upgrades were finalised before the Augusta season launched in May 2025. Every change improves both comfort and functionality.
The vessel now supports wildlife photography, scenic viewing, and scientific observation better than ever before.
Extended Top Deck in Use
The top deck has been extended by 2.5 metres in length. This new space improves freedom of movement and viewing angles.
Consequently, guests can enjoy better vantage points for spotting whales and observing Western Australia’s stunning coastal landscapes.
Bow Space Reclaimed
Life rafts have been moved from the bow to a side-by-side layout along the vessel’s sides. This clears vital space.
Because of this, the front deck is more open and easier to navigate. Safety and balance have also been improved.
Upper Deck Lounge Now Open
A new rear-facing lounge has been added to the upper deck. It quickly became a favourite among our whale watching guests.
This lounge offers a peaceful place to relax, socialise, and enjoy uninterrupted ocean views throughout the tour experience.
Media Platform Ready: A Naturaliste Charters Upgrade Supporting Science and Birding
A 4.2-metre extension to the flybridge roof has created a dedicated photography and filming platform for future professional use.
This elevated space has been designed for researchers, scientific teams, and documentary crews requiring separation from guest areas.
The platform includes a wide, clear workspace that allows wildlife monitoring without disrupting the viewing experience for passengers.
In the meantime, this space provides guests with excellent views of the ocean and approaching marine wildlife encounters.
It will be especially valuable during our Bremer Bay Bird Watching Expeditions, held in mid-December each year.
During these tours, guests enjoy outstanding views for spotting and photographing seabirds across the vast Southern Ocean.
Why the Upgrades Matter
The Augusta season is now underway, and guests are already benefiting from every upgrade implemented over the past months.
Consequently, whale watchers now enjoy more space to move, take photos, and observe whales from all areas onboard.
Operations have also improved for crew. Safety protocols remain strong, and vessel layout changes support smoother movement across decks.
The rear-facing lounge provides a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery, while repositioned life rafts improve flow on deck.
Clearly, this completed Naturaliste Charters upgrade represents our investment in infrastructure, experience, and environmental responsibility.
Supporting Research and Conservation
The filming and photography platform has been built to support researchers and conservation groups joining future tours aboard Alison Maree.
It includes an elevated space away from passenger areas. This allows whale behaviour to be documented without interference.
In future seasons, scientists will use this platform to collect important data on population trends and marine behaviour patterns.
Therefore, the structure contributes directly to ongoing marine conservation efforts in Western Australian waters.
With the 2025 season underway, Alison Maree is now fully equipped to support tourism and scientific observation together.
Now Operating from Augusta Harbour
The upgraded vessel is now cruising daily from Augusta Harbour during the peak winter migration months.
Tours run from May through August. This is when humpback whales travel north through Flinders Bay on their annual journey.
After the Augusta season, Alison Maree continues whale watching tours from Dunsborough in Geographe Bay until November.
Therefore, these upgrades now benefit guests throughout both major migration seasons in the South West.
Experience Humpback Whales with Naturaliste Charters
There has never been a better time to join Naturaliste Charters for an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Augusta.
Now that the upgrades are complete, the 2025 season is delivering spectacular sightings from the moment tours begin.
Guests have already observed breaching whales, tail slaps, and close encounters from our expanded viewing areas.
As the founding whale watching company in the South West, we remain proud leaders in marine wildlife tourism.
Our knowledgeable crew, detailed commentary, and upgraded vessel guarantee a high-quality experience on the water.
Exclusive Local Offers with Every Tour
Every whale watching tour also includes access to exclusive local offers to enhance your visit to Augusta.
Show your tour ticket to receive 10% off meals at both the Augusta Hotel and The Colourpatch.
After your cruise, enjoy 20% off Subsea Estate’s wine and abalone tasting experience at the Ocean Pantry cellar door.
This waterfront venue is located just a short walk from Augusta Boat Harbour — the perfect place to finish your day.
Whether you are a returning guest or first-time visitor, Augusta offers marine life, local flavours, and unmatched beauty.
Tours are now running daily. Book your Augusta whale watching experience at naturalistecharters.com.au before peak dates fill up.
