Whale Watching Dunsborough
2025 Season So Far
Published by Legend Charters
October 2025
A spectacular start to whale watching in Dunsborough
The 2025 whale watching season in Dunsborough has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the first splash to the latest sighting, Alison Maree has been right in the middle of the action. Calm seas, brilliant sunshine, and unforgettable encounters have created a season full of excitement and surprises for our passengers in Geographe Bay.
In mid-September, the first blue whale of the season graced the bay just off Old Dunsborough — a rare and thrilling moment for everyone onboard. The immense size and power of this gentle giant left guests in awe. Thought to be a pygmy blue whale, it surfaced just 400 metres from the jetty, a reminder of how close to shore these magnificent animals can come. Humpbacks soon joined the spectacle, breaching, tail-slapping, and rolling together in pods of up to ten whales.
Dunsborough’s incredible variety of visitors
The diversity of marine life this season has been truly impressive. Alongside the humpbacks, passengers have enjoyed visits from bottlenose dolphins, dwarf minke whales, and even the occasional loggerhead turtle — a rare sight this far south. The arrival of dwarf minkes in September added to the excitement. With their intricate colour patterns and playful nature, they were an unexpected delight for those aboard Alison Maree.
Southern right whales also made their mark in October, surprising everyone with their close passes and calm behaviour just outside the Dunsborough moorings. Their distinct white callosity patches and slow, graceful movements make them instantly recognisable. During one memorable encounter, a passenger called out for a tail, and the whale obliged — followed by an unexpected breach that drew gasps from everyone watching. It is rare to see southern rights so active, and it was a sight that few will forget.
Breaches, slaps, and spectacular shows
Humpback whales have dominated the season, delivering breathtaking surface activity day after day. Some mornings have begun with calm conditions and glassy waters, the perfect setting for tail-slapping and breaching displays that echoed across the bay. On other days, pods of humpbacks surrounded Alison Maree, surfacing close by and showing off their sheer power and playful curiosity.
In early October, guests were treated to a trio of humpbacks breaching together in unison — a true grand finale to the morning’s cruise. Not long after, three of these whales approached the boat so closely that passengers could see the detail on their tails and flippers. These moments, where whales choose to interact, are some of the most meaningful encounters we experience.
Even the rougher days have delivered surprises. During one windy morning, a humpback performed three spectacular launches in a row before showing off its massive pectoral fins in a flurry of splashes. Another day, two relaxed blue whales rested near the surface, perfectly at ease as the vessel drifted nearby.
Life in Geographe Bay
Geographe Bay continues to prove why it is one of Western Australia’s best whale watching locations. The calm, sheltered waters attract a range of species each spring, from migrating humpbacks and southern rights to the mighty blue whales that occasionally glide past our coastline. It is also home to playful dolphins and a rich variety of birdlife, all part of the unique marine ecosystem that makes this region so special.
The season runs from mid-August to the end of November, and as we move further into spring, activity is only increasing. Humpback mothers and calves are now making their way south through the bay, often spotted resting or teaching their young the first important skills they will need for the long journey ahead.
Join us aboard Alison Maree
There is still plenty more to come this season, and every tour offers something different. Whether it is a blue whale surfacing nearby, a calf practising its first breach, or dolphins riding our bow, each experience is a new connection to the ocean.
Departing daily from the Professional Fishermen’s Boat Ramp in Quindalup, Alison Maree offers front-row seats to the most exciting whale watching Dunsborough has to offer. With experienced crew, onboard commentary, and the calm beauty of Geographe Bay, it is the perfect way to experience Western Australia’s wild marine life up close.
Join us this spring and see why Dunsborough is one of the most extraordinary whale watching destinations in Australia.
