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 and Dunsborough for more than 30 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
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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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 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$95
per adult
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5.0
917 reviews
Excellent
825
Very good
64
Average
14
Poor
6
Terrible
9
Fiona F
Kununurra, Western Australia, Australia33 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Had a brilliant day, crew were so laid back but professional you could just tell they love their jobs. We had the opportunity to get up close and personal with both southern right and humpback whales who were obviously very happy with us being alongside them. They came up alongside us and breached right beside us, brilliant. Crew were careful to only be close to whales where they displayed signs of being happy with our presence, letting the whales come to us. Crew were more interested in telling us about the whales than serving coffee or selling photos🤣far cry from other seafaring experiences we’ve had previously. We stayed out longer than advertised because the whales were so engaging....loved it, Very happy with our experience, highly recommended
Written 13 October 2020
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.
We're stoked to know that you enjoyed your experience and that our staff were so informative! We hope to see you again soon so that we can provide you with a similar experience!
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
737Maxine
Adelaide, Australia44 contributions
Apr 2021
We travelled the world to see orcas, only to discover that they hang around Australian waters near Bremer Bay. On this trip on Easter Sunday we saw MANY orcas, big and small. They were on a hunting mission, and it was fascinating to see how they work together. Also saw several species of albatross, including the wandering albatross. Having a marine biologist and photographer on board made the trip extra special. The food was plentiful and super tasty. Our captain was the funniest, most competent skipper I have ever met - he was so energetic and enthusiastic and very happy to chat to guests up in his wheelhouse. The seas were rough and most of us were sea sick, but it was worth it!!!
Written 17 April 2021
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.
We're sorry to hear that the weather wasn't great, but we're thrilled to hear that it was worth it! It's great that you had the opportunity to see so many orcas and even albatross. Hopefully we can provide you with a similar service again soon!
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
anew63
Perth, Australia112 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
A great morning Whale Watching with the great crew from the boat Alison Maree from Naturaliste Charters.
We saw many humpback whales frolicking in the bay.
The Allison Maree is a very comfortable and stable boat with many viewing options.
Many thanks for the great experience.
Highly recommended tour
We saw many humpback whales frolicking in the bay.
The Allison Maree is a very comfortable and stable boat with many viewing options.
Many thanks for the great experience.
Highly recommended tour
Written 9 September 2021
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.
adrian M
7 contributions
Aug 2022
I highly recommend Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching Expeditions as your go to for whale watching. We were lucky enough to join the crew on beautiful Alison Maree a modern, spacious and luxurious 20m catamaran, very stable and appointed, perfect for whale watching. The crew had plenty of time to discuss the migration of the whales and their behavior, Pia the marine biologist she has a wealth of knowledge and has had numerous years working on the whale watching vessels. We had plenty of time to photograph the whales, fur seals and bird life. We cant wait to book our next adventure with Naturaliste Charters, hopefully from Bremer Bay to see the killer whales.
Written 1 August 2022
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.
Thank you for your review! We just love hearing how our guests have enjoyed their time on board. We would love to welcome you back on board, especially for a Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition!
Written 25 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Toapin Rise Farm
Quairading, Australia9 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
There are a number of businesses offering whale watching tours out of Augusta, but you can’t go wrong with Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching.
The boat was huge- which means you can move around and get different vantage points. The weather was glorious, the crew were friendly and the marine biologist on crew was full of interesting facts and information.
The tour went longer than 2hrs, we saw heaps of whale activity early on but the crew extended the tour by about an hour to make sure we ended on a night!
My husband is a sceptic, and thought we were going to spend 2hrs hunting around trying to find one whale, but he thoroughly enjoyed it when we saw whale, after whale, after whale for nearly 3hrs.
The crew were determined to give us a great morning and you could tell. Another tour operation who left the same time this one did- you had no room to move around the boat, the seats all looked pretty full and it arrived back in a lot early than us, although they charge the same.
If you want to go whale watching in Augusta, pick this company they were simply excellent.
The boat was huge- which means you can move around and get different vantage points. The weather was glorious, the crew were friendly and the marine biologist on crew was full of interesting facts and information.
The tour went longer than 2hrs, we saw heaps of whale activity early on but the crew extended the tour by about an hour to make sure we ended on a night!
My husband is a sceptic, and thought we were going to spend 2hrs hunting around trying to find one whale, but he thoroughly enjoyed it when we saw whale, after whale, after whale for nearly 3hrs.
The crew were determined to give us a great morning and you could tell. Another tour operation who left the same time this one did- you had no room to move around the boat, the seats all looked pretty full and it arrived back in a lot early than us, although they charge the same.
If you want to go whale watching in Augusta, pick this company they were simply excellent.
Written 3 July 2022
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.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and positive feedback on our boat and crew, we love passing on this feedback to our staff :) We are so glad that you enjoyed your Augusta Whale Watching Experience and hope to be able to welcome you on board again one day soon. Thanks again from all of the crew at Naturaliste Charters
Written 7 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark O
Perth, Australia9 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
My wife bought us a whale watching tour and it was a fabulous trip. We saw sever Blue Whales. I didn’t even know that Blue Whales were migrating along the Western Australian coast. At the beginning of our tour a breaching Humpback Whale was seen in the distance. All on board chose to sight the Blue Whales first. We set off after the Blue Whales to find the Humpbacks. They proved challenging to find but our crew didn’t give up and they were sighted. Today was the last day of this seasons tours and possibly we saw the last of migrating Humpbacks making their way south. We saw a mother and her calf which was a wonderful experience. Thank you for the opportunity.
Written 17 November 2020
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.
We're stoked to hear that you had a wonderful experience and learnt a thing or two about whales, and also got to view a couple different species. Hopefully your next trip with us will be just as good, if not better!
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alida G
Perth, Australia6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Wow what an amazing experience. The staff were really engaging and we were well looked after. They made the whole experience a thorough joy.
We got to see some whales and a couple of big turtles, and on the way back a young whale entertained us obligingly.
Highly recommend this !
We got to see some whales and a couple of big turtles, and on the way back a young whale entertained us obligingly.
Highly recommend this !
Written 15 October 2022
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.
Thanks so much for your review and recommendation :)
We are so happy to hear you had such a great time on board and what a bonus to see turtles as well as whales!
Written 28 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna L
Sydney, Australia43 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Thank you Dunsborough Whale Watching Crew, we had the BEST time & the performance of the whales was very impressive. No one could surpass our experience on this tour. The staff were all so friendly & accommodating. Very knowledgeable & only too happy to answer all of our questions no matter how silly they may have seemed to them. The patience I heard when children were asking ALOT of questions was so lovely to see, there was no dismissive or off handedness responses because they were kids questions.
Could not fault our experience & have already recommended to friends who were also travelling to Margaret River soon after us.
Well done Naturaliste Charters & thanks for a wonderful experience.
Could not fault our experience & have already recommended to friends who were also travelling to Margaret River soon after us.
Well done Naturaliste Charters & thanks for a wonderful experience.
Written 21 October 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.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Our staff are really passionate about what they do. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip and recommended us too!
Written 8 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TinaB6671
Secret Harbour, Australia38 contributions
July 2022
Absolutely loved our day out whale watching. What an amazing experience. This was my 3rd trip with Naturaliste Charters. Twice now at Augusta for the whales and we also did the Killer Whales in Bremer Bay. Each time has been amazing. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, the boat is awesome with lots of room to move around and have good viewing from anywhere.
I would highly recommend anyone to use this company for their whale watching experience.
I would highly recommend anyone to use this company for their whale watching experience.
Written 4 July 2022
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.
Thanks for the beautiful review Tina and we just loved being able to welcome you back on board our tours! Thanks again and we hope to see you for a 4th time some day soon! Cheers from all of the crew at Naturaliste Charters
Written 7 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ShellandWal
Western Australia, Australia131 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
A great day out! At first the weather looked grim, but on sailing the sun came out & it was lovely! Good safety brief by Billy, then some interesting whale facts from Brodee,the Marine Biologist, who has a wealth of knowledge.
Didn’t take long before we spotted a pod of Humpbacks, with Skipper Dundee keeping us close to the pod for a couple of hours. Then a rare, cheeky & nosy Antarctic Minke Whale popped up Astern for a look! To say Brodee was excited, was putting it mildly! The Minke circled the boat & gave great photo opportunities! Then off to the shallows looking for more & came across a pod of young Humpbacks doing a lot of tail slapping!
An outstanding day out with a very friendly,professional crew, gave us the experience of a lifetime! Highly recommended!
Didn’t take long before we spotted a pod of Humpbacks, with Skipper Dundee keeping us close to the pod for a couple of hours. Then a rare, cheeky & nosy Antarctic Minke Whale popped up Astern for a look! To say Brodee was excited, was putting it mildly! The Minke circled the boat & gave great photo opportunities! Then off to the shallows looking for more & came across a pod of young Humpbacks doing a lot of tail slapping!
An outstanding day out with a very friendly,professional crew, gave us the experience of a lifetime! Highly recommended!
Written 17 September 2020
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.
We're glad that you found our staff to be friendly and professional, and that they were able to assist you in having such a wonderful time. We hope to see you again soon! Thanks for recommending us.
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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
Written 22 November 2019
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
Written 23 November 2019
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.
Written 26 September 2019
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
Written 9 October 2019
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.
Written 15 May 2019
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
Written 16 May 2019
Hi,
We will be in Ausgusta from June 8th. Will there be whales to watch at this time?
Thanks!
Written 1 May 2019
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!
Written 2 May 2019
Hi there,
what is your professional advisory for pregnant lady on the whale watching tour?
Written 5 July 2017
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.
Written 6 July 2017
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 ”
Written 30 June 2017
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.
Written 2 July 2017
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
Written 13 November 2016
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!
Written 13 November 2016
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
Written 6 June 2016
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.
Written 7 June 2016
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