To maximize the likelihood our whale swimmers will get to swim with a humpback whale. A beautiful morning greeted us and as we began our journey to the sighting grounds the local bottlenose dolphin and friend of ours hiccups came over to say hello before continuing on with. Whether youre a swimmer and ready for the once in a lifetime experience of swimming with whales, or if youd rather keep your feet on the ground and see whales frolic in the ocean from the beach or a cruise, theres a spot in australia perfect for your style of whale watching. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts. Whale watch western australia is a sixth generation wa family owned and operated company. The migration pathways of the wa humpback whales tracked into the southern ocean n 12, fig. The coast of western australia lies on the annual migration routes of humpback whales, blue whales, and southern right whales.
Blue whale season 2019 whale watch western australia. Whale watching in western australia the world is waiting. Western australia whale watching charter known as the gentle giants of the sea, seeing a whale breach and tail slap on the ocean is an awe inspiring experience. Starting our morning with four mothers, calves and two male escorts travelling together in a big pod towards the other resting humpbacks looking for. After having been hunted almost to extinction until the 1970s, the whale population has recovered to such a level that an estimated 35,000 whales migrate from the antarctic to our warmer waters every year. While whaling flourished around albany for over a century, these days the whale watching industry is just as successful, and many people enjoy whale watching cruises or watching these magnificent creatures from the shore, just metres from where they use to be slaughtered. However, we find after mid to late october, as the temperatures during the day heat up, that tours become less pleasant, and more and more tours need to be cancelled due to not having minimum numbers as fewer and fewer tourists come to visit. Whale watching in tasmania there was a time when residents of the hobart suburb of taroona complained of being kept awake by the sounds of whales snorting in the river derwent. Naturaliste charters is the only operator with knowledge and experience of the orca in australia, bremer canyon marine environment and its wildlife being the founders.
Here at sightseeing pass, we have an incredible range of whale encounters across the whole of western australia. The whales are frequently seen between may and december when they travel along the kimberley coast. Mr chris burton has been involved in longterm cetacean research in western australia since 1985. Western whale research studying whales in western australia. Blue skies, warm sunshine and calm conditions guided us to the patch and as has been the rhythm over february and march, within moments of arriving the distinctive tall blows of orca filled the horizon. Experience the thrill of sighting these magnificent ocean giants, up close and personal, in the pristine waters of the south west coastline. When booking, you have the option to enhance your experience at hillarys with admission to the aquarium of western australia. The official humpback whale swimming season is from the 1st august to the 30th november. Join the crew previously awarded the gold medal for the best adventure tour in wa at the western australian tourism awards and experience the best of. Western australia s south west has australia s longest whale watching season taking place at flinders bay, augusta, from june to august, and geographe bay from september to early december. Swim with humpback whales ningaloo australias coral coast.
He has worked with whale watching operations in waters off perth since 1989 and geographe bay and flinders bay since 1994, and conducted small vessel based research since 2003 collecting behavioural, acoustic, photoid, distribution and abundance data on humpback, southern right and. Exmouth, western australia join ningaloo discovery on an incredible adventure to swim with whale sharks, hump back whales, mantarays, turtles and more. This whale watching cruise from hillarys boat harbour, just north of perth, gives you the chance to get out on the indian ocean and look for humpback whales during their yearly migration along the coast of western australia. Whale watch western australia owner gemma sharp said wa was home to the worlds biggest population of humpbacks with an estimated 35,000 whales expected to swim to. New insights into prime southern ocean forage grounds for thriving.
The whale watching season in perth focuses on two species of baleen whale who both have slightly different peak seasons. To the western end of the beach is a rocky outcrop that is easy to climb, so you have a good view back to the beach and also of the sea. From the coast overlooking king george sound, whales can regularly be seen playing in the sheltered waters. Wa holiday guide western australia whale watching charter. Mr hill, of albany in western australia, is a whale spotter every day in whale season he grabs his.
One of the best all time rides at the festival from the master. Every year from march to august, the worlds biggest fish congregate along the ningaloo reef. Journey through albanys historic whaling station, or for the ultimate, jump in the water and swim alongside the gentle giant humpback whales of ningaloo. Busselton whale watching western australia 2015 season. The weather in western australia during the whale watching seasons in perth is sunshine and warm days. We are a family run business celebrating our 25th year of whale watching this year we offer a 100% guaranteed of whale sightings or join us again for free. Running out of exmouth western australia, our humpback whale diving tour is focused on achieving just one single objective. Naturaliste charters world renowned full day killer whale expeditions depart from bremer bay, a two hour drive from albany or five hour drive from perth, western australia. Between may and december, the southern coast of western australia is also a good place for watching southern right whales and.
And with whale shark season right around the corner, heres all you need to know about this gentle giant. Nws is committed to offering you the very best humpback whale swimming tour on the ningaloo. With western australia being the countrys largest state, where better to discover the worlds largest fish. Tours sell out quickly during ningaloos whale shark season, so coral bay ecotours recommends booking as early as possible. Humpbacks on the move off nsw with 2019 migration season. Ningaloo whalesharks operate whale shark tours from the 15th march to the end of september each year, which covers the entire ningaloo whale shark season in exmouth, and we consistently have swum with whale sharks most years at these times. Albany whale tours in albany western australia offers visitors a unique whale watching and sailing experience aboard their magnificent sailing vessel. The industry had numerous ups and downs until the last whaling station closed in albany in 1978 there are two main species of whales order cetacea which form aggregations along the western australian coastline. Humpback whales migrate along the coastline of western australia. Was whale shark mystery solved the world today abc radio.
The long whale season in australia between may and november no doubt contributes to its growing popularity. But whale watching season differs throughout the country and so do the kinds of whales youll see. Western australia s premier whale watch experience. We hope everyone had a wonderful mothers day download photos here. For an extraspecial whale experience, head to the waters of the northern great barrier reef in june or july to spot rare dwarf minke whales, which congregate annually at the ribbon reefs. An incredible last day for blue whale season 2019 and a very special season it has been not only for the blues but many special sightings of the unique and rare who call perth canyon home for a short time each year. Whaling was one of the first viable industries established in the swan river colony following the 1829 arrival of british settlers to western australia. The 2020 whale shark season has started in ningaloo. Early to mid may is usually the quietest time of the peak season, so if fewer people around floats your boat its a great time to visit the ningaloo. When is the best time to come to swim with a whale. Whale watch western australia 2020 all you need to know. For opening times and entry fees please visit the whale world website your entry fee helps to keep this wonderful historic site open as whale world is a nonprofit organisation and relies primarily on public support. The family business started in pearling on the remote pilbara and k. Ningaloo reef in western australia is an existing hot spot for swimming with whale sharks, and operators have now extended their seasons march july in exmouth, and march june in coral bay to accommodate for the humpback migration july october annually.
The park is also home to the critically endangered western ground parrot, of which there are only around 140 left in the wild. All along australia s coastline are fantastic spots to see whales. Its equally popular with the locals, too, and understandably so. Many boats offer airconditioned lounges and 360degree panoramic views through seattoceiling windows. Whale watching in perth whale watch western australia. The longest whale watching season follows the epic annual migration of humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whale, from the foodrich southern ocean in the south west to the warm breeding grounds on the north kimberley coast. The crew was very patient and always helped to keep their watchful eyes on my toddler. We have tours departing from perth, fremantle, augusta and bremer bay with a range of different whales such as orca whales, blue whales, humpback whales and southern right whales. Our first class service and your comfort onboard is our priority and we look forward to ensuring your experience from start to finish is one you will always cherish.
Many would claim the margaret river region is the best location to observe humpbacks, southern right whales, rare blue whales, pygmy whales and their. The chance to snorkel with these gentle giants is the opportunity of a lifetime and visitors from all over the world head to the ningaloo reef during whale shark season to do just this. Whale app app wild about whales nsw national parks. Season starts in coral bay from 1 july and exmouth from 1 august, both. A humpback whale was seen travelling north as early as march 21 off port macquarie. Whale watching tours in western australia legend charters. Swim with whale sharks exmouth 3 islands whale shark. Since then, the organisation for the rescue and research of cetaceans in australia orrca said there had been. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf. Ningaloo is one of the only places on the planet where these huge but completely harmless fish can be reliably located in large aggregations. Naturalists and biologists on board will share their knowledge and passion for western australia s marine wildlife. The typical western australian whale shark season runs from march to august, triggered by the annual coral spawning at a full moon. Whale watching tours whale watch western australia. Swimming with whale sharks in 2020 australias coral coast.
Whale sharks, rhincodon typus, seasonally aggregate in coastal waters off ningaloo reef, western australia. Whale watching in the margaret river region busselton. Blue whale watching day whale watch western australia. They can be found at various locations, albany, augusta, dunsburough. Perths whale watching season has almost come to a close for season 2019 as the very last of the mothers and their precious calves move down the coastline towards the summer feeding grounds of antarctica. Our local and experienced crew boast a fun, exciting, and adventurous environment of the highest standard. Or join one of the daily research expeditions to bremer canyon, where the largest known pod of killer whales in the southern hemisphere congregate each year. Whale watching season in augusta your margaret river region. Whale watching perth whale watch western australia. Nov 20, 2015 season 2015 has had some incredible moments and these are just a few of many that will stay with us forever. Whale watching season in australia is one of the best and most popular times to travel to the east, south or west coast, as the waters are filled with giant playful whales. Weather the region of western australia has a tropicalhotdesert climate.
They offer fullday tours and keep the groups very small with a maximum of ten guests, so all interactions with the whales are safe. Season 2015 has had some incredible moments and these are just a few of many that will stay with us forever. Best times for swimming with whale sharks essential information. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale watching globally in 2008. Whale watching western australia with geographe maritime charters our first season was amazing and we welcome you to board our vessel. Swim with australias marine life tourism australia. All you need to know about whale watching in australia. Jul 14, 2015 the 3,000 sq km of the fitz contain nearly 20% of western australias plant species, 62 found nowhere else. See southern right and humpback whales during australia s whale watching season between may and november. Today, the mere report of a sighting sends a thrill of excitement through the community. Here we outline some of the best ways to go whale watching in austr alia, where you can do each, and what operators offer these experiences. The 2020 bremer orca season finishes today and it was a very beautiful day to celebrate what has been a truely phenomenal season. Whale watching western australia naturaliste charters.
Its not uncommon for several of the giants to be cruising so close to shore that its possible to snorkel out to see them. Australia the best tips for whale watching in australia whaletrips. Whale watching perth season is underway and as each hour ticks by we start to see our humpback whale numbers increasing as the steady migration south begins. Here we outline some of the best ways to go whale watching in australia, where you can do each, and what operators offer these experiences. A perfect example of the different whale watching season perth that we experience every year as the increase of humpback whales in the resting ground leads to many opportunities for these whales to communicate and socialise while enjoying the. My husband and i brought our little 3 year old toddler who couldnt sit still. Naturaliste charters are the founders at the forefront of whale watching western australia in the region, with over 25 years experience navigating the pristine. The seasonal aggregation of whale sharks at ningaloo reef. Whale watch western australia is the largest and most luxurious purpose built whale watching vessel in western australia coupled with experts that will guide you through the cruise with indepth knowledge of the whales in their natural habitat an unforgettable experience. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various. Whale watch western australia operates one of the longest whale watch seasons in the world and is the only company in australia offering whale watch experiences all year.
Mar 16, 2020 this discreet bay, tucked neatly at the western end of the gulf of tadjoura, is one of the most dependable places in the world to swim with whale sharks. May 03, 2017 be it from above or below, whichever way you choose to experience this incredible spectacle, youll be blown away by the sheer size and inquisitive nature of these giant sea creatures. Mr hill, of albany in western australia, is a whale spotter every day in whale season he grabs his binoculars and drives up mt adelaide and parks his car at the top. Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Whale watching is one of the most exciting, fascinating and thrilling activities beautiful western australia has to offer. In australia, ningaloo reef currently holds the worlds highest interaction rate of whale shark numbers and accessibility boasting a 97% interaction rate in 2016, 94% rate in 2017 and 97% in 2018. Whaling in australia took place from 1788 to 1978 and was once commercially successful. Naturaliste charters are the founders at the forefront of whale watching western australia in the region, with over 25 years experience navigating the pristine, cetaceanrich waters of was southwest coastline. Top spots for whale watching in austr alia tourism australia. See how the season progresses with the whale sightings counter. Join us for one of our western australian whale watching encounters of a lifetime. Seasons whale sharks humpback whales manta rays the more than 260 km.
Where to go whale watching in western australia explore tours. The industry had numerous ups and downs until the last whaling station closed in albany in 1978. Enjoy unique experiences with majestic animals both native to or visiting australia, whether its from inside a glass bottom boat, during one of our snorkelling tours, or while swimming with whale sharks. Whale watching season perth whale watch western australia. Whale shark and humpback whale swims with the best tour company in exmouth. In australia ningaloo reef is the only place guests can join a whale shark tour to swim and snorkel with whale sharks. Western australian whale whisperer busy now whaleseason is. Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia see southern right and humpback whales during australias whale watching season between may and november. The 2020 whale shark season has started in ningaloo western.
Welcome to one of the longest whale watching seasons in the world. Sir ap mccoy wichita lineman william hill trophy 2009. Whale watching in austr alia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts. Kings ningaloo reef tours the best whale shark tour in exmouth. For more comfort, allinclusive deep blue utila offers dedicated whale shark trips in season. A spectacular whale watching season perth is unfolding as we sighted surface active mums and calves who were communicating the language of the whales with each other and we had a front row seat. If youre looking to have a whale of a time this whale watching season, here are 10 of the best whale watching locations around australia.
The jewel in this crown of marine life, however, is the whale shark. Organised by whale watch western australia, it was truly a great exper. Join a cruise to see the whales as the migrate around the coast of australia s south west. Western australias south west has australias longest whalewatching season taking place at flinders bay, augusta, from june to august, and geographe bay from september to early december. Tour around the islands and picturesque southern coast and see the wonders this region has to offer all year round. Blue whale watching expedition van fremantle getyourguide. Perths whale watching season whale watch western australia. Whale shark tours and the whale shark season in exmouth and ningaloo is from march to august every year. Essential information for your whale shark dive when are the best times to swim with whale sharks.
Whale world is working on a new exhibit called discovery bay that is expected to open later in 20. Ningaloo reef western australia humpback whale double breach. Over in western australia, your best whale watching spots are the coastal towns of albany, augusta, busselton, fremantle and broome. It isnt only a popular activity among visitors to the region. So, depending on the area, the main season for whale watching is earlier or later in the year. Unlike other whale tours we have done, orcas are constantly on the move hunting, eating, playing, which lends to a much different type of interaction than you have with humpback whales, or whale. Each year the whale sharks visit ningaloo reef in australia. They leave their feeding grounds in the southern ocean to breed in the warm waters of northwest australia. Your whale watch experience offers the opportunity of watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat in one of the most majestic regions in the world. With a 6month season, from june to early december, your margaret river region is one of the best places to whale watch in australia. We are so confident you will see the whale of your tour, we offer a 100% guaranteed return tour for free.
Flying offshore bottlenose dolphins, the worlds largest animal the blue whale, unique risso dolphins and our very first humpback for season 2019. A beautiful morning as a gentle, warm breeze greeted us as we cruised out to the sighting grounds. May 03, 2017 as a result, australia is home to a cavalcade of excellent whale watching locations both from vantage points on land and via cruises and tours out to sea. In australia, particularly in western australia whalesharks are found on ningaloo reef wa each year between march and midaugust september. Whale watching in australia has grown tremendously over the last decade.
Swim with whale shark snorkeling diving tours coral bay. Albany whale tours whale watching albany western australia. The longest whale watching season follows the epic annual migration of humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whale, from the foodrich southern ocean in the south west to the warm breeding grounds on the north kimberley coast between may and december, humpback, southern right and blue whales make their way along western. Here on our beautiful west coast, from may december the humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whales, can be seen on their epic migration, from the foodrich southern ocean, as they hug the. Blue whale season 2020 is underway as hundreds of the worlds largest creatures gracefully make their way towards the perth canyon to find a buffet. Top whale watching spots in western australia western. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet.
Western australia whale watching in western australia. This means tourists are almost guaranteed to successfully swim with a whale. Western australian whale whisperer busy now whaleseason. The chance to snorkel with these gentle giants is the opportunity of a lifetime and visitors from all over the world head to the ningaloo reef during whale shark season to. In western australia, whales are watched near cape naturaliste in the. Whale sharks are found in other parts of australia but ningaloo is the only place in australia where whale sharks are found in large numbers at predictable times and. Whale watching from the shore, esperance, australia this is whale watching at its best.
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