Flinders Bay, Augusta in Australia’s beautiful southwest region is a winter whale wonderland! The area harbours multiple species of migratory marine mammals from May-August each year. If you wish to encounter Humpback whales, Southern Right whales, dolphins AND on special occasions, the BLUE WHALE, all from the comfort of a custom-built southern ocean vessel then Naturaliste Charters has you covered! With over 50,000 whales from different species migrating past this area there is no wonder why it is a favourite place to go whale watching.
A Winter Whale Wonderland
Whale watching in Augusta is so consistent that we guarantee you’ll see whales OR you can come back for FREE! The humpback whales are the first to hit the coast in large numbers and are the predominant species that we encounter on our charters. Humpbacks never disappoint as they LOVE to put on a show! Their curious and boisterous nature often means they’re either RIGHT up alongside the vessel OR launching their 40-tonne bodies right out of the water! The tours are always action PACKED, from inquisitive juveniles to pods of competitive bulls fighting for a female’s attention as they surge around the bay! The crystal-clear waters along the coast make witnessing these magnificent marine creatures rising from the depths toward our vessel VERY easy! From the powerful pumps of their tail to the playful slaps of their pec fins there is never a dull moment with humpback whales! Here in Augusta is the first stop for the majority of these migratory giants. Not seeing land since they were here last, over six months ago, they will navigate past year after year! Calves from last year will navigate without their mothers while the large males try to impress viable females.
Witness Newborn Calves in the Calm Coastal Waters of the Bay
The southern right whales are much LARGER than humpbacks (in fact, double the weight) at a whopping 80 tonnes! Their thick blubber and slow swimming speeds mean they much prefer the cool, protected waters of the southwest to breed, calve and rest with their newborn calves. Here’s a fun fact for you: southern right whales give birth to 1-TONNE babies AND they often nurse their calves within 500m of the beach! On the rare occasion we are lucky enough to witness these gigantic mammals BREACH their entire body right out of the water! There is truly nothing quite like it, from the plume of white water to the cracking sound that dissipates throughout the rest of the bay when they land. Southern right whales are a funny looking whale that you just MUST encounter! Their large paddle shaped pectoral flippers and rounded white calloused heads bob up and down in the water column while the calves nurse against mum. This gives an amazing photo opportunity for YOU when you go whale watching with us! As these whales rest in the calm inshore waters, a curious calf can become adventurous. They are known to start attracting attention by slapping their pectoral flippers on the surface or swimming laps around their sleeping mum.
EASY and ACCESSIBLE
The new state of the art harbour enables any and EVERYONE to board with ease and is also now home to the “Ocean Grown Abalone” company that sustainably grow, harvest and process abalone right here in the South-West.
Our vessel “Alison Maree” is a modern, spacious and luxurious 20m catamaran that provides the ultimate in stability, comfort and safety making her a popular choice for all ages and those with less mobility. With multiple viewing decks, you can spot wildlife both outside and among the action or indoors away from the elements. Our seats to ceiling windows in our main cabin ensure that you can be whale watching from the comfort of your seat! However, if you are a bit more adventurous, our decks are the place to be. The bow of our vessel ensures you are right there, seeing, hearing and at times, even feeling the water spout at the whales exhale! The humpbacks will wave their pectoral flippers to you, in which you cannot help but WAVE back. The back deck is typically quieter, a perfect place to take a moment with your loved ones who have joined you on tour! As you watch the whales you can feel like you are the only people in the world! Heading upstairs, our top deck provides a higher viewing platform. This platform wraps around to our wheelhouse where the captain drives from! Allowing you to stand on all sides of the boat to take in the most amount of action. Being higher up you generally get a better sight of the surrounding scenery, allowing 360 degrees of uninterrupted whale watching view.
View St Alouran, Flinders and Seal Islands on Tour
The islands are significant for their copious bird and large seal colonies which can be seen with ease from the vessel. St Alouarn Islands are what makes the waters here in the bay so unique. They provide shelter from the unrelenting south-westerly weather. A physical boundary to shelter the leeward waters. These rocks act as a haul out area for Australian Sea Lions and Long Nosed Fur Seals (previously known as New Zealand Fur Seals). These species can be observed resting on the warm rocks soaking up every bit of sunshine! Or they may even be in the adjacent waters searching for food. Free from feral animals, the islands host an array of bird life so you don’t just go whale watching, it is so much more than that! The whales regularly manoeuvre through the channels between the islands as they venture out into open waters after residing in the protected waters of Flinders Bay. We’re never short on experiencing the ACTION out there either! Tail slaps, deep-diving fluke lifts and BREACHES are just some of the surface activity we encounter out in the deeper waters whilst you can also take in the beautiful scenery as we cruise past the Islands that encapsulate the bay.
The Leeuwin Lighthouse
Built in 1895, it stands at almost forty metres high! Creating a picture-perfect backdrop when we are whale watching in Augusta. The sun sets over the back of the lighthouse when you are out in the bay allowing the afternoon light to create an incredible mood. After the tour and whilst you’re in the south-west you must visit the Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the roaring seas of the Southern and the Indian Oceans meet.
Join Us On Our Augusta Whale Watching Tour!
After your tour, you’ll be much more informed about the beautiful area and the whales that inhabit it as our onboard marine biologist provides information and expert commentary throughout the duration of your tour. Not only are we the founding operators of the south-west whale watching tours but our crew are committed to giving you an outstanding and educational experience. In fact, we’re SO confident that we GUARANTEE that we will find you whales OR you can join us again for FREE! Book in your tour today online or give us a call and we’d be happy to give you more information on our Augusta Whale Watching Tour or any of our other locations you might be interested in!
