Whales and Marine Mammals of the West

Option 1: Marine Mammals of the Southwest (Dec-late April)

Day 1: Perth. On arrival in Perth, transfer by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. 

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room)

Day 2: Perth & Albany. Take a flight to the beautiful coastal city of Albany. Stroll through the historic maritime town of Albany, discovering convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships, settlers' cottages, and grand National Trust homes. Later, unwind at one of the area's beautiful beaches like Middleton Beach or Salmon Beach. In the afternoon, elect to visit Torndirrup National Park to witness the Indian Ocean clashing with blowholes and rock formations, especially at 'The Gap.

Accommodation: Hilton Inn Albany (King Guest Room Harbour View) | Meals: B

Day 3: Bremer Canyon. Today, embark on a premier whale-watching expedition to the Bremer Canyon, renowned for its annual return of over 100 Killer Whales (Orcas) from December to April. This unique location is the only place in Australia to consistently encounter Killer Whales in the wild.

Following an early morning transfer from Albany, board the Naturaliste Charter's long-range vessel, designed for the Southern Ocean, for an 8:30 am departure. On the cruise from Bremer Bay, enjoy views of scenic bays, cliffs, and turquoise waters before reaching the deep blue Southern Ocean. Look out for dolphins, Australian Sea-lions, and seabirds along the way.

The expert crew will present an engaging multimedia overview of Killer Whale biology and marine life. After a 1.5-hour journey, arrive at Bremer Canyon to search for Orcas. The canyon is a seabird hotspot, with species such as Flesh-footed Shearwaters, Wilson's Storm-Petrels, and Wandering Albatrosses. If fortunate, there may be the opportunity to see seabirds feeding on remains of Orca kills. After returning to the marina, drive to Albany. Please note a three-day pass that entitles you to take three Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions is available for those wanting multiple days to observe this phenomenon.

Accommodation: Hilton Inn Albany (King Guest Room Harbour View) | Meals: BL

Day 4: Perth. Take a flight back to Perth with a day at leisure in the town of Rockingham.

Accommodation: Quest Rockingham (Apartment) | Meals: B

Option 1 (cont): Marine Mammals of the Southwest (Dec-late April)

Day 5: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park 3 Islands Snorkel. Embark on an unforgettable wildlife snorkelling expedition in the stunning Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, visiting top snorkelling spots around Penguin, Seal, and Bird Islands. The adventure begins aboard the Sealion Express, a multi-level cruise vessel designed for comfort with room for up to 24 passengers. The eco-friendly boat features low engine noise and minimal vibration for a serene experience.

Equipped with wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation devices, explore the Marine Park's rugged limestone coastlines, reefs, and seagrass meadows, home to Smooth Stingrays, Southern Eagle Rays, Western Rock Octopuses, Pink Snapper, and Banded Sweep. The highlight of the trip is interacting with the world's rarest sea lions, known for their playful and curious nature. In addition to swimming with these marine mammals, it is possible to encounter wild Bottlenose Dolphins and seabirds like cormorants, Australian Pelicans, Terns, and Ospreys.

The adventure concludes with a VIP gourmet luncheon featuring a seafood grazing platter tailored to your preferences, served upon returning to Mersey Point.

Accommodation: Quest Rockingham (Apartment) | Meals: L

Day 6: Dolphin Swim.  The journey begins in Rockingham aboard the luxury Apollo 3, where the crew will outfit guests with a wetsuit, mask, and snorkel. After an introductory briefing, cruise through the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, home to around 200 Bottlenose Dolphins that have developed trust with the Perth Wildlife Encounters team. It usually takes 20-60 minutes to locate the dolphins.

Onboard snorkelling lessons will prepare participants for the experience. Once dolphins are spotted, head to the swim deck, don the snorkelling gear, and enter the water in small groups of up to seven people, each led by a guide using an aqua scooter. The vessel features a large rear swimming platform with easy access.

Be surrounded by playful dolphins, with their behaviour on their own terms, leading to an exceptional success rate. The experienced crew is adept at helping nervous swimmers, so no prior snorkelling experience is needed. For non-swimmers, a spectator option allows viewing of the dolphins from the boat, sharing the experience with friends and family.

Meals: L

Option 2: Whales of the Southwest and Ningaloo (May to late October))

Day 1: Perth. On arrival in Perth, transfer by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. 

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room)

Day 2: Perth & Margaret River. Drive to the beautiful Margaret River region. The journey should take around three hours. Enjoy a morning walk along coastal trails keeping an eye out for migrating whales. In the afternoon, visit some of the region's famous wineries, take a walk on the scenic Cape to Cape coastal track, explore the wild karri forests or just relax on one of the many picture-perfect white sand beaches.

Accommodation: Cape Lodge (Lodge Suite) | Meals: B

Day 3: Margaret River. After boarding the luxurious and spacious vessel mid-morning or mid-afternoon, the passionate and expert crew will commence an exciting and informative presentation, delving into the biology and ecology of the great whales that are migrating through the area, as well as information about the other marine and birdlife that visitors are likely to encounter.

From mid-May to mid-August, 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.

From mid-August to late November, experience the southern migration of the great whales from Dunsborough, with many mothers in tow with their calves. From this region, the whales return to the feeding grounds of Antarctica, with the opportunity to spot massive Blue Whales in the calm waters of Geographe Bay, as they too head south. Aside from the incredible whale encounters, it is also possible to spot Long-nosed Fur Seals, White-bellied Sea-Eagles, Ospreys, petrels, shearwaters, Australasian Gannets and dolphins.

Accommodation: Cape Lodge (Lodge Suite) | Meals: B

Option 2 (continued): Ningaloo (May to late October)

Day 4: Perth. Drive back to Perth with the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room) | Meals: B

Day 5: Exmouth. Transfer to Perth airport for the flight to Learmonth. On arrival, transfer by road to your accommodation in Exmouth.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: B

Day 6: Ningaloo Deluxe Whaleshark Swim. Spend an unforgettable day in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park encountering the world's largest fish, the whale shark. The experience begins early aboard a well-equipped vessel that works with a spotter aircraft to locate whale sharks and provide optimal viewing and swimming opportunities.

Marine biologists on board share insights into Ningaloo's rich marine biodiversity, along with details about whale shark behaviour, feeding patterns, and identification. Clear guidance is provided on how to enter the water safely and respectfully, with a guide accompanying each group to ensure a smooth, comfortable encounter with these gentle giants.

The return journey often features sightings of other megafauna such as Humpback Whales, Manta Rays, and several dolphin species. Meals and refreshments are provided throughout the day, concluding with a celebratory glass of champagne or light beer.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: BL

Day 7: Mega Fauna Swim (Aug-late October): A staggering 30,000 west coast Humpback Whales migrate through the Exmouth and Ningaloo region and start to rest after their long migration from the Antarctic. Mothers will typically move their calves into the Gulf area at Exmouth over these months, to fatten them up for their lengthy return journey south. Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo have been given the authority to provide guided swims with these amazing creatures under strict parameters and conditions. Head out with a small group of just seven guests, with a guide & videographer, to record one of the most special intimate encounters of the ocean. Following this, enjoy a snorkel on the reef to enjoy the amazing tropical fish, rays, turtles and corals.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: BL

Day 8: Exmouth Sunset Whale Watching.  Relax and enjoy the ride on a comfortable cruise from Exmouth Marina to the beautiful Exmouth Gulf. 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. Mothers will typically move their calves into the Gulf area at Exmouth over these months, to fatten them up for the lengthy journey south. In just three months, the calf will double its size from four to eight metres in length. The opportunity to view Humpback Whales tail slapping & frolicking, whilst sipping a glass of bubbles and watching the sunset over the magnificent Cape Range is one of the premier whale watching experiences anywhere in the world.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: B