ABOUT US
Our Vessels – The Industry’s Best
Experience the Ultimate Whale Watching Experience on board the “Alison Maree”
Welcome aboard Alison Maree, our state-of-the-art 23M Catamaran designed specifically for Whale Watching on the Southern Ocean and proudly built here in Western Australia. Join us on a journey like no other, our vessel stands as a testament to excellence, boasting cutting-edge features and built with stability, comfort and ultimate wildlife viewing opportunities in mind, ensuring an unparalleled whale-watching experience for our guests.
Key Highlights:
- Embark on your Whale Watching adventure aboard the newest and most sophisticated whale-watching vessel in the South West, the incomparable Alison Maree.
- Setting the standard for safety and compliance, Alison Maree stands alone as the sole whale-watching vessel in the South West in a 1B Survey, ensuring optimal safety and compliance on the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean.
- Accommodating up to 90 passengers with ease, Alison Maree offers a spacious and comfortable setting for an intimate yet exhilarating whale-watching experience.
- In 2023, the vessel underwent a substantial refurbishment, seamlessly blending sustainability and comfort into every detail.
- Enjoy convenience and comfort with our 2x modern toilets on board, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free experience during your whale-watching adventure.
Additional Highlights:
Bulbous Bows by Niche Marine: Enhancing Efficiency and Comfort
Alison Maree boasts the latest innovation in marine technology – Bulbous Bows by Niche Marine. This addition not only contributes to an estimated 10-15% fuel savings but also elevates the vessel’s aerodynamics, resulting in a seamless drive through water. Experience a softer and smoother ride, ensuring better passenger comfort as we navigate the Southern Ocean.
Deck Armour: Safety, Comfort, and Serenity
Step onto the exterior of Alison Maree, adorned with new Deck Armour decking. This non-slip, non-skid surface ensures essential boat safety, even when wet, and provides a soft landing in case of a fall. The 8mm decking, designed for anti-fatigue, guarantees comfort during extended whale watching excursions. Enjoy a quieter experience on deck, as the decking dampens noise from the engine room below. Plus, revel in the cosmetically appealing atmosphere that adds to the overall aesthetic of our vessel.
Bow & Stern Thrusters: Precision Manoeuvrability and Wildlife Respect
Alison Maree now features three electric thrusters, minimizing fuel use and reducing noise disruption. These whisper-quiet thrusters enhance manoeuvrability, ensuring a serene environment for wildlife encounters without the need for engine noise. Explore with us for a quieter, wildlife-friendly journey
Unrivalled Comfort
Relax in ultimate comfort on our custom-made outdoor seating. Our modern ‘deck chairs’ offer lumbar support and generous space. Alternatively take a break from the elements and relax in our main air-conditioned cabin or enjoy a conversation with our Skipper whilst soaking up the unparalleled 360-degree views on the lounge in our wheelhouse. Whether indoors or on one of our multiple deck areas, find your perfect spot for a comfortable experience throughout your Whale Watching journey with us.
Closer to Nature, Closer to Adventure:
As you step onto our stern drop down platforms, get ready for an experience that brings you closer to nature and adventure. The drop-down platforms on either side not only offer stunning views but also brings you closer to wildlife.
FAQs
Are there any age restrictions for whale watching tours?
Our Whale Watching tours departing from Augusta & Dunsborough are family friendly and open to all ages. There is however a minimum age of 10 on board our Bremer Bay Killer Whale Tours.
How close can we get to the whales?
Regulations and respect for wildlife dictate that vessels should maintain a specific distance from whales to avoid disturbing them. The exact distance can vary by location and regulatory bodies. Rest assured that your Naturaliste Charters crew are always up to date with the latest regulations and recommendations to make sure we leave as little environmental footprint as possible.
What happens if we don't see any whales?
You can confidently book a whale watching tour in Western Australia with us, thanks to our Whale Watching Guarantee. While we have a strong 99% whale sighting success rate, in the unlikely event that we don’t spot any whales, we invite you to come on another tour with us for free. To learn more, please read our No Whale Sighting Policy.
What should I bring on a whale watching tour?
Dress in layers as it can be colder at sea than on land. We recommend you bring sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen), a camera, binoculars for better viewing, and a reusable water bottle and keep cup.
What happens if I don’t see any whales?
With a 99% success rate, it would be very unlikely not to see any whales. But in case you don’t see any, we invite you to come on another tour with us for free. To learn more please read our No Whale Sighting Policy.
What should I bring on a whale watching tour?
Dress in layers as it can be colder at sea than on land. We recommend you bring sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen), a camera, binoculars for better viewing, and a reusable water bottle and keep cup.
Can I go whale watching if I get seasick?
Yes, if you take precautions you can still enjoy whale watching if you suffer from seasickness. If you’re prone to seasickness, it may be helpful to take anti-seasickness medication before your trip, following the instructions on the packaging. Additionally, staying outside in the fresh air, keeping your eyes on the horizon and towards land, and avoiding heavy meals before the tour can also help.
How long does a whale watching tour last?
The length of our whale watching tours varies. Most tours last approximately 2-3 hours, with the exception of our Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition which lasts for 8 hours.
