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Whale Watching Tours – Augusta and Albany

Published by Alison Cross
on June 10, 2019
A humpback whale breaches dramatically off the coast of Albany, Western Australia, with water spraying into the air.

Ahoy to the Winter Whale Season!

A Thrilling Start to the Whale Migration Spectacle

What a fantastic start to both the Augusta and Albany whale watching seasons! From great white shark sightings to rescued entangled whales, it has been a busy and exciting time. Our inquisitive juvenile humpbacks have also provided close encounters that delighted passengers. Naturaliste Charters is thrilled to be anchored in both Albany and Augusta for this year’s northern whale migration spectacle.

Blue Whales, Humpbacks, and Southern Right Whales

Over the past week, we have encountered humpbacks, southern right whales, and blue whales at both locations. The number of blue whale sightings has been extraordinary for this time of year. During the Whale Song Festival long weekend, we sighted four blue whales in Albany and five in Augusta. This event marked the official start of the winter whale season and the excitement is just beginning.

First Competition Pod of the Season

We were thrilled to witness our first competition pod of humpback bulls. With the breeding season underway, 8–9 males competed for a single female. The display was spectacular, filled with breaching, head lunging, and powerful tail swipes. This whale migration spectacle will continue through August as 45,000 humpbacks pass Cape Leeuwin, heading north.

Awaiting the Arrival of Southern Right Whales

After the recent storm and large swells subside midweek, tours will resume. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of heavily pregnant southern right whales. Larger than humpbacks, they can calve in the cooler waters of the South West. Their calves, weighing up to one tonne, rest in the shallow, protected bays right alongside the coast — giving passengers unforgettable encounters.

Three Species in One Season

We regularly sight all three whale species — humpback, southern right, and blue whales — during our South West tours. This year’s whale migration spectacle promises more incredible moments as the season continues. Stay tuned for updates on movements and behaviours over the coming weeks.

Humpback whale tail fluke splashing as it dives into the deep blue ocean off the coast of Western Australia.
By Naturaliste Charter Humpback whale tail fluke splashing as it dives into the deep blue ocean off the coast of Western Australia.
Close-up of a humpback whale’s head breaking the ocean surface, with barnacles visible around its rostrum.
By Naturaliste Charter Close-up of a humpback whale’s head breaking the ocean surface, with barnacles visible around its rostrum.
Passengers on a boat watch a sperm whale surfacing close by in choppy ocean waters near Western Australia.
By Naturaliste Charter Passengers on a boat watch a sperm whale surfacing close by in choppy ocean waters near Western Australia.
Humpback whale breaching high above the ocean surface, with water spraying under a clear blue sky.
By Naturaliste Charter Humpback whale breaching high above the ocean surface, with water spraying under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a humpback whale’s tail fluke rising from the ocean, showing distinctive black and white markings.
By Naturaliste Charter Close-up of a humpback whale’s tail fluke rising from the ocean, showing distinctive black and white markings.
Humpback whale lifting its long white pectoral fin from the ocean surface, with splashes in the surrounding blue water.
By Naturaliste Charter Humpback whale lifting its long white pectoral fin from the ocean surface, with splashes in the surrounding blue water.
Two people on a boat photograph a humpback whale surfacing close by in the deep blue waters.
By Naturaliste Charter Two people on a boat photograph a humpback whale surfacing close by in the deep blue waters.
Close-up of a humpback whale’s head emerging from the ocean, showing barnacles and distinctive ridges on its skin.
By Naturaliste Charter Close-up of a humpback whale’s head emerging from the ocean, showing barnacles and distinctive ridges on its skin.

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