Margaret River Whale Watching from Augusta or Dunsborough

Margaret River whale watching follows the migration up Western Australia's coast. Humpback and southern right whales arrive from the Antarctic each winter, and cruises from Augusta, Dunsborough and Busselton take you out to them. Where you go depends on the month, which is why this page starts with the calendar. For other places to see whales around the country, the whale watching in Australia page covers the wider picture, and the Margaret River region page covers the rest of the trip.

The Margaret River whale watching season, month by month

Cruises from Augusta Boat Harbour begin in May or mid-May and finish in late August or early September, with June to August the best window.

From late August the action shifts north to Geographe Bay. Dunsborough cruises run from late August to late November, and Busselton cruises from September to December. Humpbacks that headed north to have their calves return to the bay on the way south, and they rest and nurse their young there from September to early December.

October and November sit in the middle of that Geographe Bay window. If you're travelling in spring, the Dunsborough and Busselton cruises are the ones to look at.

Whale watching from Augusta

Augusta is the whales' first port of call on this coast, in Flinders Bay near Cape Leeuwin. It's one of the few places where southern rights and humpbacks interact. Southern right whales, an endangered species, calve in the bay, sometimes in the shallows.

The Augusta cruises on this page leave from Augusta Boat Harbour on Leeuwin Road. A 2-hour cruise from the harbour lets you join the captain in his cabin for a 380-degree view, and a marine biologist is on board. The Naturaliste Charters morning and afternoon cruise runs on a 23M catamaran, with tea, coffee, Milo and biscuits included, and the listing mentions dolphins and seals alongside the whales.

Whale watching from Dunsborough and Busselton

Dunsborough and Busselton face Geographe Bay at the northern end of the region, near Cape Naturaliste. The bay is where humpbacks and their calves rest in spring.

The Dunsborough cruise leaves from the Pro Fishermans Boat Ramp on Geographe Bay Road, with humpbacks and southern rights on the sightings list as well as blue and Minke whales. The Busselton cruise leaves from Port Geographe Marina on Spinnaker Boulevard, with morning and afternoon sessions through the season.

What a whale watching cruise involves

A cruise is usually a 2-hour trip, and operators ask for a 15 to 20-minute check-in before departure. Crews are marine trained and commentary runs throughout. Some cruises add a marine biologist, and one listing mentions marine research interns on board.

You'll be out in open water, where it's cooler than on land. Operators recommend a warm jacket and flat, enclosed shoes, and a camera is worth carrying. If seasickness is a worry, speak to a pharmacist about tablets and take them the night before and before the cruise. Weather can cancel a departure, so read the reschedule terms before you book.

How to choose between cruises

Start with the month, because it decides the port. Winter points you to Augusta, and spring points you to Dunsborough or Busselton. After that, choose by where you're staying, since the drive between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin is a 1 to 1.5-hour trip.

Next comes the time of day. Most cruises run a morning and an afternoon session. Check what's included too, as the Naturaliste Charters cruises serve tea, coffee and biscuits on board. Families can look for family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children, which most of these cruises sell alongside adult, child and infant fares.

More whale watching around Western Australia

Planning a wider Western Australian trip? The Perth whale watching page covers trips from the capital, and the regional Western Australia whale watching page covers other whale watching trips across the state. The Margaret River cruises page lists departures by port.

Frequently asked questions

When is whale watching season in Margaret River?

Whale watching season in Margaret River runs from about May to early December. Augusta cruises run from May or June to late August or early September, and Dunsborough and Busselton cruises run from late August or September to November or December.

Can you see whales in Margaret River in October and November?

Yes, you can see whales in Margaret River in October and November. Humpback whales and their calves rest in Geographe Bay from September to early December, and Dunsborough and Busselton cruises operate through those months.

What whales can you see on a Margaret River whale watching cruise?

Humpback and southern right whales are the main sightings on a Margaret River whale watching cruise, and Minke and blue whales are also listed on some cruises. Augusta cruises mention dolphins and seals as well.

Where do Margaret River whale watching cruises leave from?

Margaret River whale watching cruises leave 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.

Is Margaret River whale watching suitable for children?

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

Can you watch whales from shore in Margaret River?

Yes, you can watch whales from shore in Margaret River, along the Cape to Cape Track or from the top of a lighthouse. A cruise gets you out on the water with commentary from the crew.

What should I wear on a Margaret River whale watching cruise?

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

Margaret River whale watching comes down to timing: Augusta in winter, Geographe Bay in spring. Pick the month, then choose a departure from the port nearest you.