Western Australia’s Season Guide & Best Locations
Western Australia offers some of the most extraordinary whale watching experiences on the planet. Every year, thousands of whales—including humpbacks, southern rights, blue whales and orcas—migrate along our coastline. As a result, they create spectacular viewing opportunities.
Naturaliste Charters proudly operates whale watching tours in Bremer Bay, Augusta, and Dunsborough. Our experienced team delivers expert marine commentary and unforgettable wildlife encounters aboard our spacious, purpose-built 23 metre catamaran.
Dunsborough Whale Watching
Humpbacks and the Rare Blue Whale
From August to the end of November, Dunsborough becomes a hotspot for humpback whale sightings. Meanwhile, mothers and calves rest and socialise in the calm waters of Geographe Bay during their southern migration.
Tours depart from the Quindalup Professional Fisherman’s Boat Ramp, located just minutes from the town centre. Occasionally, guests may be lucky enough to see a blue whale—typically later in the season.
Dunsborough whale watching: August to end of November
Busselton Whale Tours
Explore Nearby Dunsborough and Augusta
Although whale tours no longer depart directly from Busselton, visitors are well-positioned to access both Dunsborough and Augusta.
For example, from August to November, you can head west to Dunsborough for humpbacks and possible blue whale sightings. Alternatively, between late May and August, travel just over an hour south to Augusta for a different seasonal spectacle.
In any case, exceptional whale watching is always close at hand.
Closest options from Busselton: Dunsborough (August to November), Augusta (Late May to August)
Augusta Whale Watching
Humpbacks and Southern Right Whales
The Augusta season begins in late May and runs through to August. Notably, Flinders Bay provides a sheltered site where humpbacks pass close to shore. Here, southern right whales often arrive to rest and calve.
These majestic creatures frequently linger near the surface, offering superb views and stunning photo opportunities. Tours depart daily from Augusta Boat Harbour during the peak winter season.
Augusta whale watching: Late May to August
Bremer Bay Orca Tours
A World-Class Wildlife Encounter
Bremer Bay, located 200km east of Albany, is home to one of the most reliable orca populations in the Southern Hemisphere. From December to April, orcas gather in the Bremer Canyon to feed, socialise, and raise their young.
Because of this, Naturaliste Charters pioneered these expeditions and became Australia’s most experienced operator in the field. Furthermore, our full-day tours often include sightings of long-finned pilot whales, sperm whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Undoubtedly, this is one of Australia’s most thrilling marine wildlife encounters.
Bremer Bay orca expeditions: December to April
Albany Whale Watching Tours
Where Conservation Meets Coastal Beauty
Albany, perched on Western Australia’s southern edge, offers some of the most dramatic and meaningful whale watching experiences in the state. Once home to Australia’s last operating whaling station, Albany has transformed from exploitation to conservation—making each sighting here even more significant. From June to early October, humpback and southern right whales cruise through the sheltered waters of King George Sound, often passing within metres of the shore. Join a whale watching tour or visit Albany’s Historic Whaling Station to learn how far we’ve come in protecting these ocean giants.
Albany whale watching season: June to early October
Perth Whale Watching Tours
A Rare Offshore Experience
Although Perth does not offer coastal whale watching tours, a small number of offshore whale tours operate from Fremantle. These tours travel to the Perth Canyon, around 50km off the Fremantle coast. Here, passengers can sight humpback whales and blue whales.
Currently, Naturaliste Charters does not operate from Perth. Nevertheless, our late-season Dunsborough tours from October to November have yielded rare sightings of blue whales.
Blue Whale tours (Perth Canyon): March to May
Humpback Whale Tours (Perth): September to November
Geraldton Whale Watching
A Northern Migration Stopover
Geraldton is a lesser-known, yet rewarding, location for whale watching. From June to October, humpbacks cruise along the Coral Coast during their northern and southern migrations.
As a result, sightings may include mothers and calves returning south. Although tours are less frequent, local operators occasionally offer seasonal departures with good success rates.
Geraldton whale watching: June to October
Exmouth and Coral Bay Whale Watching
Whales on the Ningaloo Coast
The waters off Exmouth and Coral Bay are part of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. These locations offer excellent humpback and whale shark encounters between July and October.
In addition to boat-based tours, visitors may have the rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks. Because of the calm, warm and clear conditions, Ningaloo is a stunning place to witness the migration in a tropical reef setting.
Exmouth and Coral Bay whale watching: July to October
Recognised for Excellence in Western Australia
Naturaliste Charters and the Dream Collective
Naturaliste Charters has once again been selected for Tourism WA’s Dream Collective. This honour is reserved for operators committed to showcasing Western Australia’s natural wonders with excellence and integrity.
Indeed, this is our second consecutive year in the group. Consequently, we are proud to connect global media and trade with WA’s most inspiring wildlife experiences.
This recognition reflects our passion for the ocean, our commitment to scientific research, and our drive to create unforgettable guest moments.
Plan Your Whale Watching Adventure
Whether you are searching for orcas in Bremer Bay, hoping to meet a humpback in Augusta, or enjoying a peaceful Dunsborough cruise, whale watching with Naturaliste Charters is unforgettable.
We proudly offer WA’s most experienced marine team, purpose-built vessels, and a strong legacy of excellence in wildlife tourism.
Finally, visit our FAQ page to explore our Whale Watching Guarantee and discover our whale sighting guarantee and what to expect on board.
