Naturaliste Charters - whale watch tours - corporate functions - fishing charters

An unforgettable experience.

AS SEEN ON TV - visit our gallery to view footage from Channel 9 'Postcards WA' and stunning whale watching footageGALLERY

whale watching

Join us aboard our fully-equipped vessel for an exhilirating 2-3 hour cruise to view the majestic Humpback whale, Southern Right Whale, and the rare Blue and Minke Whales (seasonal).

Other marine life also veiwed during the cruise include a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals that inhabit Flinders Island, both the playful Bottlenose and Common dolphins, and sea birds, including pelicans and the magnificent Royal Albatross.

Due to the region's 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. On arrival in the bay, the whales are filled with curiosity and pay great attention to the presence of our vessels. On many occasions, these gentle giants have swum 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 of whales through daily research. For example, 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.

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 - an unforgettable experience.

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 pioneered whale watching in the scenic Southwest of the state in 1994 in the region between Cape Leeuwin, Augusta and Cape Naturaliste, Dunsborough.

INFORMATION

Naturaliste Charters conducts 2-3 hour whale watching cruises daily, weather permitting, during the six month whale watch season.


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whale watching southwest

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The nature experience tour on “Cetacean Explorer’’

vessel

Cruise aboard our luxury 55 ft purpose built whale watching vessel “Cetacean Explorer’’ for a total nature experience.

Our vessel has a spacious lounge area with seating for 30 passengers inside the cabin and a huge foredeck or for an exhilarating whale watch experience, join us upstairs on our flybridge and see the ocean from the second level of the boat with 360 degree views.

This boat is suitable for all age groups with life jackets available for peace of mind.

“Cetacean Explorer” Prices

Adults - $75
Children (4 - 17 years) - $45
Concession - $65
Family Pass 2 + 2 (4 - 17 years) - $220
2-3 hours departing daily at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm (on demand)

The adventure tour on"Observer"

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Launched in 2008, this is the fastest, most exciting two hour whale watching adventure tour in the South West!

Built to the same design as offshore rescue vessels, “Observer” gets you there faster than ever before to view the whales.

The walk around deck is perfect for whale watching close up, especially when the whales interact with the boat.

High back comfortable techno seats keep you safe and secure while reaching speeds up to 50 knots.

View video footage of "Observer"
in our gallery

“Observer” Prices

Adults - $75
Children (6-17 years) - $45
Suitable for ages 6 +
Family - $220
2 hour tour departing daily at 11am and 2pm (on demand)

Includes complimentary takeaway tea, coffee, hot chocolate, 250ml water, 375ml Coke, Lift, Sprite, Diet Coke or Coke Zero from The Deck Cafe, Port Georgraphe Marina before tour. (This applies to Busselton depature only).

 

LOCATION INFORMATION

Augusta

Operates June -September

Departs: 10.00 am daily from Whale Memorial, Davies Rd, Augusta

Dunsborough

Operates September - December

Departs: 10.00 am daily from Pro-fisherman's Boat Ramp, Geographe Bay Road, Dunsborough

Please note that whales are free-roving mammals in their natural environment. Sightings are likely, but cannot be guaranteed. All tours are subject to favourable weather conditions on the day. We suggest you bring a warm jacket, camera and binoculars (optional). Prices are inclusive of GST and are subject to change without notice.

Busselton

Operates September – December

Departs daily at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm on demand from Port Geographe Marina, Busselton.

Step straight on board from a Marina.

Augusta whale watching


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Dunsborough whale watching


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