Whale watching in the pristine waters of the sou-west is a unique and exhilarating experience. Due to the regions geographical location Naturaliste Charters can offer a six month season, viewing these majestic creatures on both their northern and southern migration.
In early June the Humpback and Southern right whale are sighted in Flinders Bay, Augusta, having left the freezing Antarctic waters for breeding and mating in warmer waters off the West Australian coast. The whales on arrival in the bay are filled with curiosity and pay great attention to the presence of our vessels - on many occasions these gentle giants swimming only metres from the boat delighting both passengers and crew. The behaviour and activity observed has been of great interest to CALM and marine biologists as we are gaining a better understanding through daily research. Sights such as Humpback and Southern right whales swimming side by side and newborn calves in the bay in July are contrary to previous beliefs on behaviour.
A colony of New Zealand Fur seals inhabit Flinders Island and are also viewed during the cruise along with both the playful bottlenose and common dolphins and sea birds, including the magnificent Royal Albatross, greeting our vessels during daily cruises into the month of August.
During the month of September whale watching commences in Geographe Bay, Dunsborough, viewing the whales as they make the southern migration to the Antarctica for summer feeding. During the three months in Geographe Bay it is a wondrous sight to view large numbers of cows and calves, the bay providing a calm and protective haven for weary young. The bay becomes a nursery as the calves feed and strengthen before they continue into the Southern Ocean. Privileged passengers have been fortunate to view feeding calves and to hear the 'whale song' on a calm Spring day is an experience with nature one would never forget.
The world's largest animal, the rare and endangered Blue whale, sighted in Geographe Bay, makes our cruises unique. Normally only seen in the Antarctica, this species was first sighted by the crew of Naturaliste Charters and are increasingly sighted each year. The Blue whale is sighted in the bay between the months of October and November. The last Humpback whales are sighted migrating in December.
Naturaliste Charters conducts 2-3 hour cruises daily, weather permitting, during the 6 month whale watch season.
Click here to find out more about our Whale watching tours.
Naturaliste Charters pioneered whale watching in the scenic south-west of the state in 1994 in the region between Cape Leeuwin, Augusta and Cape Naturaliste, Dunsborough. |
