Dunsborough Whale Watching
The township of Dunsborough skirts Geographe Bay and is a tourism hotspot in the south west of Western Australia. It is also a key location for whale watching, particularly during the migration seasons. October is the peak month for spotting multiple species of whales including the most sighted whale, the humpback and their calves on their migration south after calving in the northern waters. Also sighted during this time are the massive blue whales, southern right whales with their calves and the elusive dwarf minke whale.
The types of whales commonly seen in this area include:
1. Humpback Whales
- When: May to December (migrating north to breeding grounds and back south to feeding areas).
- Characteristics: Known for their acrobatic breaching and long pectoral fins. They are the most frequently sighted species in Geographe Bay.
2. Southern Right Whales
- When: June to November.
- Characteristics: These whales are often seen close to shore, as they use the bay for calving and nursing. They are slower swimmers and less acrobatic than humpbacks, with a distinctive lack of a dorsal fin and callosities on their heads.
3. Blue Whales
- When: November to December (rare sightings).
- Characteristics: Blue whales are, on occasion, seen passing through Geographe Bay. They are more elusive but can be identified by their immense size and slender shape. Blue whales are the largest animals ever known to have lived on Earth. These magnificent marine mammals rule the oceans at up to 100 feet long and upwards of 200 tons in weight.
4. Minke Whales
- When: Occasionally spotted, though not as frequently as humpbacks or southern rights.
- Characteristics: Smaller and more elusive, minke whales have a pointed head and a relatively small dorsal fin. Dwarf minke whales, a subspecies, may be seen here on rare occasions.
5. Pygmy Blue Whales
- When: Seen during their migration in late spring and early summer.
- Characteristics: These are smaller relatives of the blue whale, with sightings in the deeper waters off Geographe Bay.
6. Orcas (Killer Whales)
- When: Rare sightings, typically further offshore.
- Characteristics: Known for their black-and-white markings and intelligence, orcas are apex predators. They are occasionally spotted hunting in the bay.
7. Pilot Whales
- When: Occasionally seen offshore.
- Characteristics: These whales have a bulbous forehead and travel in large social groups, making them distinct from other species.
Geographe Bay offers a rich whale-watching experience, particularly during the humpback and southern right whale migrations.
Why does Dunsborough offer one of the best whale-watching experiences in Australia?
1. Prime Location on the Whale Migration Path
- Dunsborough sits along the migration routes of humpback, southern right, and even blue and minke whales as they travel between Antarctic feeding grounds and northern breeding grounds.
- Geographe Bay, adjacent to Dunsborough, acts as a resting area for these whales, providing calm, protected waters where they often stop to rest and nurse their young.
2. Close Shore Sightings
- The bay’s unique shape and shallow, sheltered waters bring whales very close to shore. This allows for easy and close sightings, making Dunsborough ideal for boat-based and even shore-based whale watching particularly from Point Pique and Eagle Bay.
- Southern right whales, in particular, can often be spotted very near the coastline, allowing for spectacular views from the beach.
3. Dunsborough Extended Whale-Watching Season
- Unlike some regions where whales only pass through briefly, Dunsborough offers whale sightings from around September through December. Humpbacks arrive first, followed by southern rights, with pygmy blue whales arriving later in the season.
4. Diverse Whale Species
- Dunsborough offers sightings of multiple whale species, including humpback, southern right, pygmy blue, and even the occasional orca and minke whale. This variety makes every trip unique.
5. Clear, Calm Waters
- The turquoise, calm waters of Geographe Bay make whale-watching conditions ideal, offering crystal-clear views of the whales. The sheltered bay also means fewer cancellations due to rough seas, increasing the chances of a smooth and memorable experience.
6. Proximity to Marine Mammal Habitats
- Geographe Bay is also home to dolphins and seabirds, adding to the diversity of marine life that visitors can encounter.
7. Conservation and Eco-Tourism Efforts
- Dunsborough’s whale-watching tours follow responsible practices that prioritiSe minimal disturbance to the whales, creating a respectful and educational experience for visitors and supporting local conservation efforts.
With these features, Dunsborough offers a consistently impressive whale-watching experience in a beautiful natural setting. Join us today for a tour of the beautiful Geographe Bay.
Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching Tours commence DUNSBOROUGH TOURS mid August until end of November each year: BOOK NOW
Visit our FACEBOOK page to see what we are encountering in the bay currently.
