Regional Western Australia Whale Watching

Whale watching in regional WA depends on the port and the month. Augusta cruises run from mid May to late August, Dunsborough from late August to late November, and killer whale expeditions leave Bremer Bay between December and April, with humpback tours from Kalbarri as well. This page lines them up by season, as part of the wider list of things to do in regional WA.

Whale watching in regional WA, port by port

Each trip below has its own season, departure point and boat, so the best starting question is which month you are travelling.

Augusta, from mid May to late August

The whale watching cruise from Augusta leaves Augusta Boat Harbour on Leeuwin Road at 10.00am and 2.00pm, weather permitting. It runs on a 23-metre catamaran with a marine biologist on board, as a 2 to 2.5-hour trip with tea, coffee and biscuits included. Humpback and southern right whales are the main sightings, with minke and blue whales listed as well, plus dolphins and seals.

Dunsborough, from late August to late November

The Dunsborough whale watching cruise departs from the Pro Fishermans Boat Ramp on Geographe Bay Road, with morning and afternoon sessions. Humpback, southern right, blue and minke whales are the listed sightings on the 2-hour cruise, and tea, coffee and biscuits are included. Naturaliste Charters also runs the Augusta and Bremer Bay trips.

Bremer Bay, killer whales from December to April

The Killer Whale Expedition from Bremer Bay heads out to the Bremer Canyon, a 1.5-hour run from Bremer Bay Boat Harbour at the end of Swarbrick Road. The day starts with check-in at 7.45am, leaves at 8.30am and returns around 4.30pm. Killer whales are the draw, and the crew points out dolphins, sharks, tuna, seals and seabirds on the way. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea are included, with a marine biologist and professional photographers on board.

Kalbarri, humpbacks on the move

The Kalbarri humpback whale watching tour is a 2.5-hour tour, leaving daily at 9am or 12pm from Pen 1 at the Kalbarri Maritime Facility. Humpbacks pass Kalbarri on their migration along the WA coast, so the tour is seasonal, with an expert guide and crew on board.

Dampier, whales in season

The Dampier snorkelling and sightseeing cruise is mainly a snorkelling and island trip, with whale watching chances in season. It is a 4-hour small-group cruise from Hampton Harbour Boat and Sailing Club, and departure times vary with the tides.

Choosing between regional WA whale watching trips

If killer whales are the goal, head to Bremer Bay, where the expeditions run from December to April as full-day trips. For humpback and southern right whales, Augusta and Dunsborough are 2-hour cruises with set morning and afternoon departures, and Kalbarri is a 2.5-hour tour with a choice of 9am or 12pm.

Dress for the open ocean on all of them. The operators recommend a warm jacket and flat, enclosed shoes, and a camera is worth bringing.

More whale watching around Western Australia

More trips sit on the Margaret River whale watching and Ningaloo Reef whale watching pages, and the full national list is on the Australian whale watching page.

Frequently asked questions

When is whale watching season in regional WA?

It depends on the port. Augusta cruises run from mid May to late August, Dunsborough cruises from late August to late November, and Bremer Bay killer whale expeditions from December to April. Kalbarri humpback tours are seasonal as well.

Where can you see killer whales in Western Australia?

Killer whales can be seen at the Bremer Canyon on a full-day expedition from Bremer Bay between December and April. The trip departs at 8.30am, returns about 4.30pm and includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

What whales can I see on Augusta and Dunsborough cruises?

Both cruises list humpback and southern right whales, with minke whales and blue whales also listed. Augusta adds dolphins and seals to its sightings.

How long do whale watching cruises in regional WA last?

Augusta and Dunsborough are 2-hour cruises, Kalbarri is a 2.5-hour tour, and Bremer Bay is an 8-hour full-day expedition.

What should I wear on a whale watching cruise in regional WA?

A warm jacket and flat, enclosed shoes, plus a camera. On the open ocean it is often cooler than on land, so dress for the conditions rather than the shoreline.

What happens if a whale watching cruise is cancelled because of weather?

If a Dunsborough or Augusta whale watching cruise is cancelled for inclement weather, you are offered a reschedule for another date.

What if I get seasick on a whale watching cruise?

The Dunsborough and Augusta operators suggest asking your pharmacist about seasickness tablets and taking them before the cruise, and for Dunsborough also the night before.

Can children go on the Bremer Bay killer whale expedition?

Yes, as long as they are 10 years or older. Children aged 10 to 17 have their own ticket type on the Bremer Bay expedition.

Pick your month, then your port. Augusta and Dunsborough cover the humpback and southern right whale season, Bremer Bay covers killer whales, and Kalbarri runs humpback tours of its own. Book online for the one that fits your dates.