Naturaliste Charters
Naturaliste Charters has been offering spectacular eco-adventures off the spectacular southwest Western Australian coastline for over 20 years, including the world-famous Bremer Canyon and Margaret River regions.
Paul and Alison Cross purchased the business in 2009, with the aim to enrich people’s lives through provision of an ecotourism experience defined by the highest standards of safety, customer service, environmental sustainability and connection between guests and the extraordinary marine biodiversity of the region.
The local family-owned business is recognised as a leader in the responsible travel sector, actively engaged with scientific projects with on-board research personnel, development of educational resources, continuous improvement of environmental programs, water quality surveys, acoustic monitoring, support of community groups and suppliers, local employment programs and innovative educational programs for guests venturing out to see some of the ocean’s rarest and spectacular creatures.
Passionate about their home, Paul and Alison are proud to showcase this remarkable location to visitors from around the globe and their role in blending conservation in tourism in this highly significant region where they are raising their three children.
As part of our commitment to sustainability we have developed a code of practice relating to our wildlife interactions along with involvement in several research and conservation programs. We have also sought independent verification of our practices through Ecotourism Australia. Our Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation is awarded to Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.
Speciality areas
- Birds
- Marine Mammals
Quick facts
- The Bremer Canyon is one of the most amazing marine environments on earth, believed to be home to the largest concentration of Killer Whales in the Southern Hemisphere.
- In addition to Killer Whale interactions, the region is home to multiple species of dolphin, Long-Finned Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales, Oceanic Blue and Whaler Sharks, Australian Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals and even rare Beaked Whales.
About the region
Bremer Bay
Bremer Bay is located on the south coast of Western Australia, between Albany and Esperence. This idyllic coastal town houses a small population surrounded by scenic sweeping bays, rugged cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters. But in recent times, it has risen in prominence as the gateway to one of the ocean’s great wonders; the Bremer Canyon.
Located 60 kilometres offshore, this submarine canyon located at the edge of the Australian continental shelf 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 nutrients used by phytoplankton and microscopic plants that provide a rich source of food for larger marine species.
From January to April, the region provides 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 species that are also drawn to the area include Long-finned Pilot Whales, rare Beaked Whales and the largest animal to ever have lived, the Blue Whale. There are also abundant opportunities to see large pods of Bottlenose, Striped, and Common Dolphins, and encounter shark species that include Great Whites, Whaler Sharks, and the beautiful Oceanic Blue, a species never seen from shore.
It’s also a pelagic birdwatchers dream, with an astonishing array of seabirds including albatross, shearwater and petrel species, often feeding on scraps of giant squid floating on the surface.
About the region
Margaret River
Just three hours’ drive south of Perth, the Margaret River Region is in the southwest corner of Western Australia, bordered to the west by the Indian Ocean, the south by the Southern Ocean and north by Geographe Bay.
The region stretching from town of Busselton on the shores of Geographe Bay down to Augusta, the most south-westerly point in Australia, is renowned for its stunning cliffs, pristine beaches, extensive cave networks, biodiverse forests and dramatic headlands.
The picturesque seaside town of Augusta is one of the best locations in Australia to view Humpback Whales as they make their migration north through the Ngari Capes Marine Park. Each year from late May, male Humpback Whales compete for the attention of females through various behaviours including breaching and tail slaps. This area is also a critical calving area for the endangered Southern Right Whale from July onwards, with the species resting before their migration to the feeding grounds in Antarctica in the Spring.
Further north, Dunsborough is one of the state’s favourite holiday destinations, due to the tranquil waters and amazingly white sands. These waters provide a perfect backdrop to observe Humpback Whales and Blue Whales, as they escort calves born in Australia’s north-west back to Antarctica. It is common for these majestic creatures to travel close to shore, as they nurse and rest with their calves in the protected bay.
Our experiences guides tell it like it is
