Augusta Whale Watching

Augusta Whale Watching

This adventure commences at 10am and 2pm from the Augusta Boat Harbour. Guests will board the Alison Maree, a luxurious and spacious 20m (65 foot) catamaran, known for its stability and comfort. 

The expert crew will commence an exciting and informative multimedia presentation, delving into the biology and ecology of the Humpback and Southern Right Whales, as well as information about the other marine life during the cruise. Passengers will have access to the bow, upper or lower rear decks, wheelhouse or air conditioned main saloon with seat to ceiling windows; all fantastic vantage points to spot the wildlife.   

Observing Humpback Whales is an unforgettable experience, with the species often displaying a high level of curiosity towards the vessel. Guests are often left in awe as this marine mammal weighing 40 tons propels from the ocean’s surface at high speed, in a spectacular breach. 

During the whale watching adventure, crew will lower hydrophones into the ocean if conditions permit, allowing guests to hear the incredible whale song of individuals in the area.  Every expedition is led by a qualified marine biologist, along with a crew whose knowledge and passion for Western Australia’s marine wildlife is unequalled in the industry.

Voyages also provide opportunities for guests to learn more about the amazing underwater ecosystem and contribute to databases of whale and bird sigthings, amongst other scientific studies regularly carried out on-board.

“The collecting of whale identification images – which is done in a collaborative effort with Western Whale Research – can provide an insight into an individual whale’s life, as well as the species. We learn more about population size and composition, migratory distribution, and individual usage of a resting area over its lifetime."

On board, guests will also enjoy complimentary morning or afternoon tea, including warm beverages and snacks. 

Tour details

Pricing: from $95 per person (adult), $55 (children aged 4-17 years)
Vessel Details: The beautiful Alison Maree is a modern, spacious and luxurious 20m catamaran, providing the ultimate in stability, comfort and safety. A long range expedition vessel purpose-built for the Southern Ocean she is immaculately presented, with three spacious viewing decks.
Group Size: We have only a maximum of 90 passengers on board
Pick-up and Drop Off Point: Augusta Boat Harbour, Lot 4126 Leeuwin Road, Western Australia 6290
Pick-up and Drop-off Time: 10:00am & 2:00pm - Please ensure passengers arrive at the departure point 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time so we can board all passengers and depart on time. Cruise duration is approximately 2.5 hours, 

Please note: All cruises are subject to minimum numbers & weather conditions. 8am departure on demand (minimum of 10 adults or equivalent required to confirm this early tour).

How you'll be making a positive impact

Onboard Research with Naturaliste Charter

As a globally-recognised innovator in the industry, Naturaliste Charters supports numerous projects, collaborations and also facilitates independent research onboard throughout the year. The team has been collaborating with Geographe Marine Research (GMR) for over a decade and among other projects, submit images daily, especially of endangered Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.

The team also supports guests to get involved with Citizen Science via eBird Australia, iNaturalist and the HappyWhale platform.

With a variety of seasons comes different data collection opportunities. Dunsborough and Augusta have longer term data that is very specific, versus the relatively new Bremer Bay Killer Whale Expedition (that Naturaliste Charters founded) where scientists are only just beginning the research journey to understand this incredible ecosystem.

Dedicated School & Education Program

The marine biologists at Naturaliste Charters also conduct regular presentations for children from kindergarten through to the final year of schooling, as well as being involved in University and TAFE case-studies. 

 

Each year during the Bremer Bay Killer Whale expedition season, the organisation welcomes marine interns onboard, that have started out studying Marine Biology or a science degree. These students support onboard Marine Biologists with skills such as data collection and collation, photo-identification, public speaking, scientific writing and reporting.

Eradicating Single Use Plastics with Containers for Change

On board the Alison-Maree vessel, guests will not find any single use plastics. In 2018, Naturaliste Charters committed to being plastic free, replacing disposable coffee cups and lids with bio-cups which are compostable and manufactured sustainably, and replacing plastic bottles with a hydration system to serve fresh, filtered and chilled water. Any cans that the organisation sells or other recyclable items are dropped to Containers for Change, who cash in 10 cents per item, which is donated directly to local environmental organisations and charities.

Developing Partnerships To Meet Sustainability Goals

Naturaliste Charters is a national leader in supporting projects, collaborations and facilitating research onboard, regularly hosting active researchers and partnering with institutions and organisations to publish papers.

 

Research groups and academics supported in the Augusta region include:

• Geographe Marine Research (GMR)
• Southwest Whale Ecology Study (SouWEST) integrating the research expertise of Western Whale Research (Dr. Chris Burton)
• Oceans Blueprint (Dr. Chandra Salgado- Kent)
• The Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Curtin University
• Birdlife Australia Rarities Committee (BARC)
• eBird including surveys with Daniel Mantle and Plaxy Barratt