Whales
Humpback Whales are the most popular sighting in this group, across the eastern and western coastlines, known for their spectacular breaching of their bodies that weigh up to 40 tonnes. Recently, the Australian Government permitted approved operators to swim with Humpbacks across various regions including Ningaloo Reef. They can be observed on their annual migrations from May-November off Hervey Bay, Eyre Peninsula and Margaret River. Hervey Bay became the world's first declared Whale Heritage Site in 2019, and is known for attracting thousands of Humpback Whales between July and October each year.
Southern Right Whales also migrate from June-August from the far Southern Ocean feeding close to Antarctica. They are common to the Great Australian Bight and the Western Eyre Peninsula, but can also be seen sporadically off Kangaroo Island.
The largest animal on the planet is the Blue Whale, which can grow to a weight of 120 tonnes and a length of 27 metres (89 feet). Des Blue Whales have been protected since 1966 (an estimated 300,000 individuals were killed between 1915 and 1965 for their oil) however due to a population of less than 1000, experts are unable to predict their long-term survival.
The Bremer Canyon in southwest Western Australia has become one of the most sort after whale watching expeditions across the globe, with over 100 Killer Whales (Orcas) returning to the submarine canyon each year from January to April; the only place in Australia where you can regularly encounter Killer Whales in the wild. Orcas can also be seen occasionally out along the Ningaloo Reef, hunting whale calves, seals and other marine animals.
Search for tours including Whales, using the seasonal viewing opportunities calendar further down the page or by using the map button directly below:
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Dunsborough Whale Watching
From $64 USD
2.5 Hours (approx)
Dunsborough Whale Watching
From $64 USD
2.5 Hours (approx)
The tranquil waters off the beautiful town of Dunsborough, provide the perfect backdrop for travellers to regularly observe Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales and the possibility of spotting the largest ever creature on earth, the Blue Whale, as they escort calves born in southward to Antarctica from October onwards.
It... -
Deluxe Mega Fauna Swim (Humpback or Whaleshark)
From $345 USD
Full Day - Ningaloo & Exmouth
Deluxe Mega Fauna Swim (Humpback or Whaleshark)
From $345 USD
Full Day - Ningaloo & Exmouth
Experience a snorkel on the beautiful Ningaloo Reef before heading out to swim with either the majestic Humpback Whale or the world's largest fish, the Whale Shark.
A staggering 40,000 west coast Humpback Whales migrate through to the Ningaloo region and start to rest after their long migration from the... -
Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
From $1,499 USD
3 days/3 nights
Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
From $1,499 USD
3 days/3 nights
This three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna!
Be mesmerised by the agility, curiosity and playful interaction from Australian Sea-Lions; the ‘puppy dogs... -
Augusta Whale Watching
From $64 USD
2.5 hours (approx)
Augusta Whale Watching
From $64 USD
2.5 hours (approx)
The picturesque seaside town of Augusta is one of the best locations in Australia to view Humpback Whales as they make their epic migration north, filling the beautiful Flinders Bay area.
Each year from late May, you will experience male Humpback Whales competing for the attention of females through various...
Viewing opportunities that include whales
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Killer Whale
January,February,December, Bremer Bay
Bremer Bay - Summer Sightings by Marine Mammals
Dolphins & Whales
Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Long-finned Pilot Whale, Pseudo Orca, Orca | Sperm Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Pygmy Blue Whale, Blue Whale, Bryde's Whale | Beaked Whales: Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Gray's Beaked Whale, True's Beaked Whale, Strap-toothed Beaked Whale, Southern Bottlenose Whale | Pygmy & Dwarf Sperm Whales: Dwarf Sperm Whale
Seals
Australian Sea-lion, Long-nosed Fur Seals
How to find these species
"The Bremer Canyon is an absolute marvel of nature. Located 60 kilometres offshore, this submarine canyon supports one of the most astonishing aggregations of marine life anywhere on the planet. As cold water from extreme depths moves towards the base of the canyon, it brings lots of nutrients used by phytoplankton and microscopic plants that starts a massice food chain. From December to late April, we have the amazing opportunity to reliably encounter Killer Whales (Orca), the ocean's undisputed apex predator, and the largest toothed predator to have ever lived, the Sperm Whale. Other marine mammals we often see on expeditions include Long-finned Pilot Whales, rare Beaked Whales and the largest animal to ever have lived, the Blue Whale.Paul Cross, Skipper & Founder
Suggested Tour: Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition
Duration: Full day
Type: SharedThe Bremer Canyon has become one of the most sought-after whale watching expeditions across the globe, with over 100 Killer Whales (Orcas) returning to the submarine canyon each year from December to April; the only place in Australia where you can regularly encounter Killer Whales in the wild.
Tours in Bremer Bay related to Whales
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Killer Whale
March,April, Bremer Bay
Bremer Bay - Autumn Sightings by Marine Mammals
Dolphins & Whales
Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Long-finned Pilot Whale, Pseudo Orca, Orca | Sperm Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Pygmy Blue Whale, Blue Whale, Bryde's Whale | Beaked Whales: Cuvier's Beaked Whale, Gray's Beaked Whale, True's Beaked Whale, Strap-toothed Beaked Whale, Southern Bottlenose Whale | Pygmy & Dwarf Sperm Whales: Dwarf Sperm Whale
Seals
Australian Sea-lion, Long-nosed Fur Seals
How to find these species
"The Bremer Canyon has an impressive footprint, at a length of 200 kilometres, a width of 70 kilometres and a depth of 3.5 kilometres. To put this in perspective, this is twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the United States. We know around 150 of the whales we see each season personally. After 10 years conducting tours of the Bremer Canyon, we are becoming more attuned to their behaviours and their locations. The spectacle of these predators chasing and devouring their prey including beaked-whales is breath-taking, with seabirds such as albatross and shearwaters only too happy to pick up the scraps. Paul Cross, Skipper & Founder
Suggested Tour: Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition
Duration: Full day
Type: SharedThe Bremer Canyon has become one of the most sought-after whale watching expeditions across the globe, with over 100 Killer Whales (Orcas) returning to the submarine canyon each year from December to April; the only place in Australia where you can regularly encounter Killer Whales in the wild.
Tours in Bremer Bay related to Whales
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January,February,December, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Summer Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Australian Sea-lions use the beaches on Hopkins Island as a haul out, resting between foraging trips. It's a highlight for guests to swim with juveniles, performing somersaults and interacting with snorkellers like little puppy dogs. Summer is when the Long-nosed and Australian Fur Seals congregate to breed, with territorial battles between males at this time. Further out to sea, the Neptune Islands Conservation Park is home to a colony of over 40,000 Long-nosed Fur Seals, with an estimated 3,500 pups born at this time. These newborns do not venture into the water until April, which spurs the arrival of the massive female Great White Sharks that prey upon these inexperienced swimmers. Bottle-nosed Dolphins are common encounters across the bays and coves of Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln National Parks."David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
Duration: 3 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On requestThis three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Whales
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Australian Sea-lion
March,April,May, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Autumn Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Australian Sea-lions lap up the sun on Hopkins Island, resting between fishing journeys to the continental shelf. Juvenile sea lions rush towards visiting boats waiting for snorkelers to join them and play. The breeding season for Australian Sea-lions is variable across the year, with females giving birth to only one pup. They may not breed again for two to three years. Long-nosed Fur Seal pups can be seen playing around the shallows and rock ledges around the Neptune Islands, however, from April onwards, Great White Sharks arrive to prey upon these unsuspecting newborns."David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
Duration: 3 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On requestThis three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Whales
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September,October,November, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Spring Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Southern Right Whales can be seen in September across the Great Australian Bight and Fowlers Bay, before they head south for the summer feeding grounds in the sub-antarctic waters of the Southern Ocean. Across the Neptune Islands, male bull Long-nosed Fur Seals claim their territory with fierce territorial battles over the Spring time. Male Australian Sea-lions head out into the Southern Ocean to feed on a variety of fish and crustaceans, returning to their colony in condition to take on competing males for the attention of females and Bottle-nosed Dolphins are common encounters across the bays and coves of Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln National Parks. "
David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Wildlife & Ocean Encounters
Duration: 3 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On requestThis three-day adventure combines the best terrestrial and marine protected areas across the region including the opportunity to swim with wild Sea-Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins, see Emus, wild Koalas and Kangaroos and the Rosenbergs Goanna.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Whales
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Southern Right Whale
June,July,August, Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula - Winter Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale
Seals Eared Seals: Australian Sea-lion, Australian Fur Seal, Long-nosed Fur Seal
How to find these species
"Southern Right and Humpback Whales frequent Fowlers Bay during their annual migration, remaining within the bay for several months to calve and nurse their young. On the Fowlers bay cruise, we see Southern Right Whales, Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals and White Bellied Sea Eagles, Little Penguins and some rare species of Albatross. On our Winter Whale Watching tour we also Point Labatt, which is one of the rare places on the mainland where Australian Sea-lion pups can be seen learning to swim, play and rest on the beach. Pups are born every eighteen months; during mid-winter one year, then mid-summer the next."David Doudle, Tour Guide
Suggested tour: Eyre Peninsula Winter Whale Watching and Wildlife Encounter
Duration: 4 Days
Type: Small group or private
Departs: On request or Set Departure DatesFowler's Bay in South Australia is where you will encounter numerous opportunities to watch these magnificent creatures in their natural state; the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whale.
Tours in Eyre Peninsula related to Whales
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Bottlenose Dolphin
January,February,December, Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay - Summer Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin*, Australian Humpback Dolphin*, Risso's Dolphin, Spotted Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Fraser's Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Minke Whale, Dwarf Minke Whale | Pygmy & Dwarf Sperm Whales: Pygmy Sperm Whale
Dugongs Dugong*
* Denotes sighting chance as high or common
Tours in Hervey Bay related to Whales
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Southern Right Whale
June,July,August, Margaret River
Augusta - Winter Sightings by Marine Mammals
Dolphins & Whales
Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Long-finned Pilot Whale, Pseudo Orca, Orca | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Bryde's Whale, Blue Whale
Seals
Australian Sea-lion, Long-nosed Fur Seals
How to find these species
We move the boat for the winter season to Augusta and the beautiful Flinders Bay area, and it's not long before we see male Humpback Whales competing for the attention of females through various behaviours including breaching and thunderous tail slaps. This area is a critical calving area for the endangered Southern Right Whale in July and August, with the species resting before their migration to the feeding grounds in Antarctica in the Spring. We also occasionally see Minke Whales and Blue Whales towards the month of August.
Paul Cross, Skipper & Founder
Suggested Tour: Augusta Whale Watching
Duration: 2.5 hours
Type: SharedThe picturesque seaside town of Augusta is one of the best locations in Australia to view Humpback Whales as they make their epic migration north, filling the beautiful Flinders Bay area.
Tours in Margaret River related to Whales
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Blue Whale
September,October,November, Margaret River
Dunsborough - Spring Sightings by Marine Mammals
Dolphins & Whales
Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Striped Dolphin, Long-finned Pilot Whale, Pseudo Orca, Orca | Rorquals: Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Bryde's Whale, Blue Whale, Pygmy Blue Whale
Seals
Australian Sea-lion, Long-nosed Fur Seals
How to find these species
The tranquil waters and white sands of Geographe Bay provide a perfect backdrop to observe Humpback Whales and Blue Whales in Springtime, as they escort calves born in Australia's north-west back to Antarctica. It is common for us to see these two species travel close to shore, as they nurse and rest with their calves in the protected bay. We typically see Blue Whales from October onwards with up to around 250 sightings per season, making this one of the most important migration areas on the planet. Bottlenose Dolphins are spotted regularly in the bay and we also occasionally see Minke Whales.
Paul Cross, Skipper & Founder
Suggested Tour: Dunsborough Whale Watching
Duration: 2.5 hours
Type: SharedThe tranquil waters off the beautiful town of Dunsborough, provide the perfect backdrop for travellers to regularly observe Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales and the possibility of spotting the largest ever creature on earth, the Blue Whale, as they escort calves born in southward to Antarctica from October onwards.
Tours in Margaret River related to Whales
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March,April,May, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Autumn Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Australian Humpback Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin
Dugongs Dugong
How to find these species
"The Ningaloo area supports 10 percent of the world’s Dugong population where they can occasionally be spotted coming to the surface for air. Although they are present throughout the year, May tends to be the peak viewing time as the waters cool and they head northwards. The Dugongs feast on Rhizones around the inner reef shallows (which are the roots & shoots of the seagrasses) and are generally quite shy. These animals can live up to 70 years but are slow breeders, emphasising the importance of the region in conserving the species. The mass spawning of coral after the full moon in March and April energises the food chain in the region, with baitfish a tempting appetiser for the plentiful Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins. Short-beaked Common Dolphins and Spinner Dolphins are also occasionally sighted across the rich marine waters."Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Deluxe Whaleshark Swim
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateThe opportunity to swim with the Whaleshark is one of the world's greatest interactive marine encounters.This fish, the largest of the shark family and the largest fish in the world at an average of 12 meters (40 foot) in length, is a harmless plankton eater, with their graceful and passive nature providing an unforgettable day out on the waters of the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Marine Park.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Whales
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Humpback Whale
June,July,August, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Winter Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Australian Humpback Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Pseudo Orca, Orca | Right Whales: Southern Right Whale | Rorquals: Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Pygmy Blue Whale, Bryde's Whale | Pygmy & Dwarf Sperm Whales: Dwarf Sperm Whale
Dugongs Dugong
How to find these species
One of the world’s great natural migrations of 35,000 individual west coast Humpback Whales, takes place off the coast of Western Australia. The cooler water coincides with the highest concentration of Coral Spawn and Plankton, providing plentiful food for these amazing aerialists, with the opportunity to swim with them from July onwards. A large majority of Humpbacks use the shallows of Ningaloo Reef to calve and the mothers protect their Neonates (newborns) with their pale colour and floppy dorsal fins in these waters away from predators, holding them up to the surface to breathe, for the first few days.Orcas are prevalent at this time, attracted by the Humpback calves with research suggesting up to 15% are lost due to attacks. Pseudo Orcas, Minke Whales, Short-finned Pilot Whales, Common Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins are occasionally sighted whilst Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins are abundant as they prey on fish and squid. The Ningaloo area supports 10 percent of the world’s Dugong population, with these passive creatures occasionally spotted coming to the surface for air, in-between feeding on the roots & shoots of the seagrasses in the Ningaloo shallows.
Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Deluxe Mega Fauna Swim
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateExperience a snorkel on the beautiful Ningaloo Reef before heading out to swim with either the majestic Humpback Whale or the world's largest fish, the Whale Shark.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Whales
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Pseudo Orcas
September,October, Ningaloo & Exmouth
Ningaloo & Exmouth - Spring Sightings for Marine Mammals
Whales & Dolphins Dolphins & Close Relatives: Bottlenose Dolphin, Australian Humpback Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Short-finned Pilot Whale, Pseudo Orca, Orca | Rorquals: Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, Fin Whale, Pygmy Blue Whale, Bryde's Whale | Pygmy & Dwarf Sperm Whales: Dwarf Sperm Whale
Dugongs Dugong
How to find these species
Humpback Whale mothers will typically move their calves into the Gulf area at Exmouth over these months, to fatten them up for the lengthy journey south to Antarctica. In just three months, the calf will double its size from four to eight metres in length. The opportunity to swim with adult Humpbacks until the end of October is an unforgettable and for many, a spiritual experience. Pseudo Orcas, Minke Whales, Pilot Whales, Short-beaked Common Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins are occasional visitors to the area along with the massive Pygmy Blue Whale, growing up to 24 metres. More common are Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins, with babies also being calved around this time. A keen eye will also be able to spot the vulnerable Dugong, with the region supporting a population of up to 1,000 individuals. They are typically seen in pairs or by themselves, and only breed every 3-7 years.Mark Ferguson, Tour Guide
Suggested Tour: Deluxe Mega Fauna Swim
Duration: Full Day
Type: Shared or PrivateExperience a snorkel on the beautiful Ningaloo Reef before heading out to swim with either the majestic Humpback Whale or the world's largest fish, the Whale Shark.
Tours in Ningaloo & Exmouth related to Whales
