On the Water
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$95
per adult
Naturaliste Charters
Naturaliste Charters
5
Boat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Naturaliste Charters are the longest running whale watching company in the Southwest and have been operating professional whale watching tours out of Augusta, Dunsborough and Busselton for more than 25 years, we are also the founders Killer Whale Expedition's out of Bremer Bay, operating expeditions since 2015. Our state of the art luxury vessel 'Alison Maree' is one of the fastest, safest, most spacious whale watching vessels designed for the Southern ocean. Our tours provide visitors with the opportunity to view Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, and the rare Blue and Minke Whales on both their northern and southern migrations. As you watch these majestic creatures breach and frolic, we guarantee you’ll be mesmerised by their agility. Other marine life you might encounter during your whale watching tour include: New Zealand Fur Seals, Bottlenose & Common Dolphins & Sea Birds. Creating world-class expedition experiences isn't just our job, it's everything that we are!
Dunsborough, Western Australia, Australia
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Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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(43 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
793 reviews
Excellent
706
Very good
59
Average
13
Poor
6
Terrible
9
Karen M
1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Solo
The tour was amazing and something I’ve now ticket of my bucket list
Seeing a mum and young calf having a little play as they just cruised their way down the coast was fantastic
The staff Kyle and Emma where amazing answering questions and informing everyone not just about the humpback whales but all the whales that make the voyage up north and back again
Seeing a mum and young calf having a little play as they just cruised their way down the coast was fantastic
The staff Kyle and Emma where amazing answering questions and informing everyone not just about the humpback whales but all the whales that make the voyage up north and back again
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven Kerr
Singapore14 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Had a great time out on the water with Naturaliste Charters and their friendly crew. Chloe and Kyle were great fun, helpful and informative. The departure point is a little tricky to find as is further down road than signs would make you believe and I hadn't realized would depart from beach - was on lookout for a pier. We headed out and saw some dolphins fairly quickly, but it was a struggle to find whales in this tail end of the season. But various boats were in communication and the skipper tried his hardest to catch up with a humpback whale and it's calf seeing their water spouts and fins, though they were not particularly playful (but this is nature). We stayed out probably past our time slot, but no luck on seeing anything spectacular. We headed back to base, thinking a distant encounter was our best view when suddenly we found another mum and calf in the bay. This time mum was teaching her calf to breach with a few spectacular leaps out the water which was an absolute joy to watch. You need a bit of luck on these things, but the crew at Naturaliste Charters worked hard and their efforts paid off in the end for us patient whale watchers.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
Thank you for your review! We are so happy that your trip ended with some spectacular displays from the whales traversing the bay. We hope to see you onboard again soon.
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sheilaef2014
4 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Disappointing. We saw one mother and one calf but as it didn’t fall into the “no whale policy” we weren't offered a free return trip. I wrote suggesting it would be good for their business if they offered half price return trips when so few whales were sighted as I doubt anyone on this trip would recommend going in November. They replied offering this, and said "They felt just as disappointed, it’s been an amazing season but yesterday was hard, the weather wasn’t great and the whale sightings were low." It would have been nice if they had offered it without having to be prompted. I don't recommend going in November.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
Thank you for your review and suggestion.
We are just as disappointed as you that the whales did not want to play on the day you visited the bay with us. We hope that you will be able to join us again next season.
We really do appreciate your honest feedback.
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica S
4 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Friendly crew, well maintained and clean vessel. Would recommend this activity. It was fun and the whales were cute.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
Thanks so much for your review Jessica. We are happy you enjoyed your trip with us.
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
will1thing
Singapore, Singapore64 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
The views were amazing and the crew was really professional. We were really able to see the whales! They had a marine biologist onboard to answer any science questions.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
Thank you for reviewing our whale watching tour. It's so helpful to have professional and knowledgable people onboard a tour, it makes for such an interesting trip.
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan F
1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Family
Awesome morning aboard a beautiful boat with friendly and informative crew, but best of all we got to see a gorgeous mum and baby humpback. Will definitely be back and even keener now to go and see the killer whales next. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be able to see these amazing animals. 🐋🐳
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
Thank you for joining us on a Dunsborough Whale Watching Tour, we are so pleased you enjoyed your time on board with us, thank you for coming along!
Written 12 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
debmickarcher
Burnie, Australia13 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
It was just the best time and the staff were great very friendly. Would highly recommend this whale watching tour . Would do it again .
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
Thank you for your lovely feedback Deb. We hope to see you again on board some day soon!
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jean K
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
This was a well organised tour and we saw some wonderful whale displays. Well worth the cost. The young people giving us useful information on the whales and our surroundings.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
It sounds like you had the best day with Naturaliste Charters. The whales we encounter each day are such marvellous creatures.
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jeadamsuk
St. Cyrus31 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
A great trip and very well organised. Trip started on-time and we found what we had come a long way to see; whales. Crew were very knowledgeable and cared about the environment the whales thrive in. Given our trip was organised entirely via the Naturaliste Charters website from or NE Scotland home, and we mailed the company for some additional info re meeting points, etc, the whole experience was excellent. Highly recommended.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
So happy to see your trip went so well and it's great to know your booking from so far away meant a seamless and exciting adventure! Come again soon!!
Written 15 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rebecca B
Didcot, UK22 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Our whale watching cruise was really good. We had some excellent views of humpback whale mothers and calves - there were a lot of them in the bay. The boat is spacious, quiet and comfortable. I liked the fact that they didn't use a PR system to speak to passengers - there were three staff on board so enough people to point out things and explain. All staff were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommended
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
naturalistecharters
We are so glad you had such a great experience on your whale watching tour. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 8 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cremecolada
1 contribution
Hi, thinking of joining the tour next friday 29 November Can you advise if there will definitely be whales?also is thia tour suitable for 2 and 4 year old children or is it too long / far
Naturaliste Charters
Dunsborough, Australia2 contributions
Hello, Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately we have had to close off all whale watching tours for the rest of the season as the whales have completed their migration past our waters and we are no longer sighting them. We will re open our Dunsborough/Busselton Whale watching season in mid-late August next year. Hopefully you can come back and join us then.
Kind Regards
Naturaliste Charters Team
Rita K
singapore1 contribution
Hi I be in margaret river area from 23 to 26 Oct.. Where is good for whale watching during this period.? Will be travelling with 2 young kids so hoping they see nature at its best.. Thank you.
Naturaliste Charters
Dunsborough, Australia2 contributions
Hi Rita, October is a great month for whale watching in Geographe Bay, Dunsborough. We have tours departing daily at 10am & 2pm. It is a great experience for your family, we hope to see you on board. You can book direct on our website Naturaliste Charters. Thankyou
Joanne T
Singapore, Singapore
We will be there in Margaret river from June 6. What is a better location, Albany or Augusta to whale watch? And is the morning or afternoon timing better in general? In your experience, how long is the ride out before we will see whales and dolphins? What kind of boat will we be in? I have a 4 year old and not sure if the sea will be choppy and uncomfortable for her? Sorry a ton of questions there. Appreciate your advice. Thanks.
Naturaliste Charters
Dunsborough, Australia2 contributions
Good morning Joanne
Thank you for your enquiry. We would advise Augusta as the better location for your family to join us on a whale watching tour. Augusta is only a short 30 minute drive from Margaret River, whereas Albany is much further at around 4 hours one way.
The Vessel we operate out of Augusta is the Alison Maree, she is a very stable and large 20m Catamaran with lots of safe and comfortable viewing areas, as well as warm indoor saloon area in case of cooler conditions.
It can be choppy but we are unable to forecast weather conditions this far out. The tour only lasts 2.5 hours and we generally are on whales within the first 30mins, but again, as they are wild animals we cannot guarantee timings.
We can guarantee that if you don not sight whales on your tour you are welcome to join us again free.
With regard to timing, the morning or afternoon session are both successful in their sightings, conditions can vary morning to afternoon on a daily basis so this can affect your choice on tour times, also your own schedule for your family that you may need to factor in.
Hopefully this answers all your questions please don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards
Krysten
Naturaliste Charters
Joanne T
Singapore, Singapore
Hi,
We will be in Ausgusta from June 8th. Will there be whales to watch at this time?
Thanks!
Naturaliste Charters
Dunsborough, Australia2 contributions
Hi, yes there will be plenty of whales, we will have tours departing daily at 10am and 2pm, we hope to welcome you on board.
Thanks!
Kino9759
Penang Island, Malaysia15 contributions
Hi there,
what is your professional advisory for pregnant lady on the whale watching tour?
Naturaliste Charters
Dunsborough, Australia2 contributions
Hi, thank you for your question. It is fine to join us for a whale watching tour when pregnant, however we do always recommend to seek advice from your doctor. We can help you to choose the best tour to join in regards to the weather conditions so she can be as comfortable as possible. Thanks.
ShermenBoo
Singapore River, Singapore
“HI, I'm doing a self drive tour of Western Australia from the 4th Nov to 12th Nov. Would there be any whale watching activities at this time of the year? There are 7 of us on this trip and where can I check the fees for each person. Thanks ”
Naturaliste Charters
Dunsborough, Australia2 contributions
Hi there. The mentioned dates is a fantastic time to join us for a tour from Dunsborough. We will be departing daily at 10am and 2pm on the Alison Maree. For further information please see our website or call us on 08 9750 5500.
TFSS
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia26 contributions
HI, I'm doing a self drive tour of Western Australia from the 21/12 to the 30/12. Would there be any whale watching activities at this time of the year? There are 4 of us on this trip? What's the cost per person? Thanks
Naturaliste Charters
Dunsborough, Australia2 contributions
Hi there, thank you for your enquiry, unfortunately we will not have any whale watching tours to offer you at that time, our whale watching season finishes up here in Dunsborough in the first week of December. We do offer sunset eco cruises at that time if that interests you, head to our website for more information if you wish.
Thanking you!
Doris T
1 contribution
hi,
We have planned to do a self drive road trip from Perth to Albany between 22 to 30 Sep.
Would like to know is this the right period to watch any whales if we visit Augusta. We will probably
be driving down from Fremantle on 24 Sep.
Could you advise me how long is the boat trip (timing) & the price for for 4 adults.
Hope to hear from you soonest. Thanks !
Regards,
Doris
nomad46wherever
wherever50 contributions
Hello Doris,
According to web sites on Google the best time to whale watch from Augusta is from June to August. Suggest that you contact Augusta Whale Watching who will be able to provide more info. Dunsborough which is 90 kms north of Augusta also so has whale watching tours. These trips are usually a duration of 2 to 3 hours I believe. This is a great time to visit the Southwest also as as the native flowers are in bloom. Enjoy your holiday.