Margaret River Cruises

Margaret River cruises leave from the harbours and boat ramps along the South West coast, mostly from Augusta in the south and from Dunsborough and Busselton on Geographe Bay. Most follow the whale migration, so the port and the month you travel decide what you'll see. If you're still working out the rest of your trip, the Margaret River region page is the place to start.

Margaret River cruises by departure port

The town of Margaret River sits just inland, so cruises leave from the coast on either side of it. Augusta, near Cape Leeuwin at the southern end of the region, runs cruises out of Augusta Boat Harbour on Leeuwin Road. Dunsborough and Busselton sit on Geographe Bay near Cape Naturaliste, at the northern end.

Augusta departures head out into Flinders Bay. Cruises from the harbour include a 2-hour trip on a purpose-built vessel with multiple viewing decks and a morning cruise on a 23M catamaran, and both put a marine biologist on board.

Dunsborough cruises leave from the Pro Fishermans Boat Ramp on Geographe Bay Road. The Dunsborough cruise with Naturaliste Charters runs morning and afternoon sessions, with tea, coffee and biscuits included.

Busselton cruises go from Port Geographe Marina, such as a 2-hour trip into the bay where humpback whales and their calves rest in season.

The drive from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin is a 1 to 1.5-hour run, so choose the port closest to where you're staying. Departures are mid-morning and early afternoon, and a short drive beforehand takes the pressure off.

What you can see on a Margaret River cruise

Humpback, southern right, Minke and blue whales all pass this coast on their migration from the Antarctic. Which ones you meet depends on the bay and the month.

Augusta is the whales' first port of call, and it's one of the few places where southern rights and humpbacks share the water. Southern right whales, an endangered species, use the bay to calve, so a cruise from Augusta can turn up mothers with newborn calves. Augusta cruise listings also mention dolphins and seals.

Humpbacks head north to have their calves, then come back to Geographe Bay, where they rest and nurse their young from September to early December. That's why the Dunsborough and Busselton cruises run later in the season than the Augusta ones. Some cruise listings promise a chance to listen to the whales sing.

When Margaret River cruises run

Cruises follow the whales, so the calendar splits by bay. Augusta cruises run through winter, from May or mid-May to late August or early September, and the regional tourism body puts the best viewing at Augusta between June and August. Dunsborough cruises start in late August and finish in late November. Busselton cruises run from September to December.

Operators set their own season dates, so check the cruise listing before you lock in a trip.

What to expect on board

A Margaret River cruise is usually a 2-hour trip on the water, with a 15 to 20-minute check-in before departure. Crews are marine trained and commentary runs through the trip, with a marine biologist on the Augusta cruises.

The ocean is cooler than the land, so pack a warm jacket and flat, enclosed shoes, plus a camera. If you get seasick, operators suggest collecting tablets from a pharmacist and taking them the night before and again before you board.

Tickets cover adult, child and infant fares, plus family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children, and some operators add a concession fare. Cancellation windows differ by operator, so read the terms on the cruise page. If weather cancels a departure, Naturaliste Charters offers a new date.

Pairing a cruise with the rest of the region

A cruise takes a morning or an afternoon, which leaves the rest of the day free. Winery visits are the usual pairing, and the Margaret River food and drinks page covers tastings and winery experiences. For a longer stay, the region's tours and activities pages fill in the days between cruises.

Whales can also be spotted from shore along the Cape to Cape Track, but a cruise gets you out on the water with commentary from the crew. The Margaret River whale watching page goes deeper on timing and departure ports.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Margaret River cruise?

Margaret River whale watching cruises from Augusta, Dunsborough and Busselton are usually 2-hour trips. Operators ask for a 15 to 20-minute check-in before departure, depending on the operator.

Where do Margaret River cruises depart from?

Margaret River cruises depart from Augusta Boat Harbour on Leeuwin Road, the Pro Fishermans Boat Ramp on Geographe Bay Road in Dunsborough, and Port Geographe Marina on Spinnaker Boulevard near Busselton.

When is the best time for a Margaret River cruise?

The best time for a Margaret River cruise depends on the port. Augusta cruises run from May or June to late August or early September, with June to August the peak, while Dunsborough and Busselton cruises run from late August or September to November or early December.

What should I bring on a Margaret River cruise?

Bring a warm jacket, flat enclosed shoes and a camera on a Margaret River cruise, because the ocean is cooler than the land. If you're prone to seasickness, take tablets from a pharmacist the night before and before the cruise.

Are Margaret River cruises suitable for kids?

Yes, Margaret River whale watching cruises sell child, infant and family tickets. Age bands differ slightly by operator, so check the ticket types on the cruise page before you book.

What happens if weather cancels a Margaret River cruise?

Naturaliste Charters offers a new date when weather cancels a Margaret River cruise. Other operators set their own rescheduling terms, which are listed on each cruise page.

Local tip: in a longer stay, a cruise from Augusta in winter and another from Dunsborough or Busselton in spring show different stages of the migration, from the first arrivals and calving to humpbacks resting with their calves.

Margaret River cruises run from the coast at Augusta, Dunsborough and Busselton. Choose the port closest to your base and the month you're travelling, then pick a departure from the range above.