Tag: whale watching dunsborough

Two humpback whales tail slapping during a Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching Eco Tour from Dunsborough

Eco Magic in Dunsborough

Posted on | by Legend Charters

Dunsborough Eco Tours Reveal Incredible Blue Whale Encounters

The 2025 Dunsborough eco tour season has been nothing short of spectacular, delivering the kind of ocean encounters that stay with you long after the tour ends. Geographe Bay has a reputation for calm waters and extraordinary wildlife, and this year it truly lived up to its name. Passengers aboard our eco cruises enjoyed more pygmy blue whale sightings than usual, giving them front-row views of one of the planet’s most impressive marine species.

Each time one of these blue giants surfaced, the energy on the deck shifted. Guests would hurry to the rails as the long dark body rose slowly from the depths, gliding quietly beside the vessel. Their scale alone is astonishing, but it is their calm presence that leaves the biggest impression. These sightings were a standout feature of the season, offering both breathtaking moments and valuable opportunities for our crew to document rarely seen behaviours.

Humpback Highlights Throughout the Season

The humpback whales were equally determined to make this season unforgettable. From the first week of September, the momentum never stopped. Legend Charters proudly upheld its 98% whale sighting rate, giving guests an incredibly reliable chance to witness the southern migration as it passed the lee of Cape Naturaliste. Mothers with calves were a regular highlight, resting and nurturing their young in the calm, protected waters of the bay.

Our eco tours are designed to bring guests closer to nature, and this season delivered countless memorable moments. We saw energetic juvenile humpbacks breaching in open water, gentle mothers guiding calves along the coastline and adults communicating through blows, rolls and pectoral waves. Dolphins often joined the tours, bow-riding and adding a burst of excitement to already lively days. The bay is also a hotspot for bird activity, with gannets, shearwaters and albatrosses joining the spectacle.

Crew Photography Supports Ongoing Marine Monitoring

Throughout the season, our crew continued gathering behavioural observations for scientific monitoring programs, supported by onboard photography that helps identify individual whales and track returning animals across years. Our team capture images of dorsal fins, flukes and distinctive markings, which contribute to valuable long-term data sets and ongoing cetacean research in the region.

Legend Charters’ eco tours have always focused on education, connection, and respect for the marine environment. We take pride in welcoming passengers of all ages, many of whom return each year to experience the Dunsborough season with family and friends. Our guides share stories of whale biology, behaviour, conservation programs and the cultural significance of the region, creating a deeper appreciation for the wildlife encountered on each tour.

Wildlife Encounters Beyond the Whales

As the season approached its finale, interactions with large pods of dolphins, feeding seabirds and even the occasional seal added more variety. Guests described many mornings as “National Geographic moments”, where calm seas and active whales combined to create unforgettable magic on the water.

Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Season Returns

With the Dunsborough season approaching its finale, excitement builds for what comes next. The Alison Maree will soon travel south to Bremer Bay to begin the annual Killer Whale (Orca) season. The Bremer Canyon is unlike anywhere else in Australia—a deep offshore world filled with extraordinary wildlife, powerful interactions and dramatic encounters. From early December, guests can witness coordinated orca hunts, pilot whales travelling in impressive pods, rare sightings of beaked whales and even giant squid events that attract apex predators.

The canyon’s ecosystem is driven by nutrient-rich upwellings that fuel a dense marine food web. For visitors, this means experiencing ocean life at its most raw and natural. Guests onboard often describe it as stepping into a living documentary.

As we celebrate one of Dunsborough’s strongest eco seasons in recent years, we invite you to join us for the final tours of spring—or travel south to meet the orcas in their powerful offshore world.

Book your Dunsborough

Book Dunsborough Eco Tours:
https://naturalistecharters.com.au/dunsboroughwhalewatching/

Book Bremer Bay Killer Whale Expeditions:
https://naturalistecharters.com.au/bremercanyonkillerwhales/

A humpback whale breaches, eyeing the Alison Maree during a whale watching tour in Dunsborough WA

Dunsborough 2025 Season So Far

Posted on | by Helena

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.

Are You Ready for Whale Watching in Dunsborough?

Posted on | by Helena

Are You Ready for Whale Watching in Dunsborough?

Whale watching in Dunsborough is back for the 2025 season, and we could not be more excited! From mid-August through to the end of November, the calm, turquoise waters of Geographe Bay transform into a whale-filled paradise, making this one of the best places in Western Australia to get up close with some of the world’s most majestic marine creatures.

A Calm Bay with Big Visitors

Dunsborough’s location on the northern side of Cape Naturaliste offers calm, protected waters—perfect for relaxed whale watching. The tranquil setting of Geographe Bay becomes a welcome rest stop for humpback whales migrating south with their newborn calves. Southern right whales also make occasional appearances early in the season, often staying close to shore. And if you are lucky, you might even spot the largest animal to have ever lived—the mighty blue whale—gliding through the bay from October onwards.

What Can You Expect on a Tour?

Expect incredible sightings, expert commentary, and unforgettable memories. Our experienced crew and marine guides are passionate about whale conservation and sharing their knowledge with you. Whether it is the spectacular breach of a humpback or the soft spout of a blue whale on the horizon, every tour offers something special.

The Dunsborough season is also known for its variety. Alongside the whales, playful pods of bottlenose dolphins often join the fun, along with seabirds, seals, and the occasional sunbathing turtle or leaping fish.

Family-Friendly and Unforgettable

Legend Charters offers safe, stable, and family-friendly tours departing from the Dunsborough beachfront. Our smaller vessels allow for an intimate, personalised experience on the water—perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers seeking a close encounter with nature.

Whale watching in Dunsborough is suitable for all ages, and with calmer conditions than some open-water locations, it is a great choice for anyone new to marine tours.

The Best Time to Come

While whales can be seen throughout the season, October is often considered peak time. During this month, you may witness the greatest diversity of species in the bay, including blue whales, humpbacks with calves, and southern right whales.

Morning and afternoon tours are available, so you can plan your perfect day around your cruise. Whether you pair it with a winery lunch, a beach stroll, or a visit to nearby Meelup Regional Park, a Dunsborough whale watching tour is the highlight of any South West holiday.

Book Your Spot Today

The 2025 whale watching season in Dunsborough is shaping up to be one of the best yet. So if you are wondering when is it whale watching season—this is it! Mid-August through November is the time to go.

Spots fill fast during school holidays and weekends, so don’t miss your chance to witness these gentle giants in one of WA’s most beautiful coastal settings. Join us on the water by booking our mother ship at Naturaliste Charters—we can’t wait to share this experience with you.

Busselton Jetty became the visit site for a group of curious humpback whales

Epic season of inquisitive whales

Posted on | by Legend Charters

Sometimes it is a great reminder of how lucky we are here at Legend Charters when we find ourselves getting just as excited if not sometimes more excited about the beautiful gracious whales we encounter.

The Humpback migration through Geographe Bay is simply amazing! More than 35 thousand Humpbacks are expected to pass through here during the months of September – early December.  We often get asked do we need to bring binoculars, and it always provides us with great pleasure to say no, and it’s at that moment that we know that when that person steps on board Dhu Force they are going to experience a mind blowing tour!

Just recently we had three magnificent Humpbacks who would not leave us alone (much welcomed attention, don’t get me wrong!) We approached these Humpbacks at a safe distance and before we knew it these whales turned around and headed straight for us, providing some very awesome interactions.  These Humpbacks were showing off their head stand skills and ever so gracefully they would twirl their tail around out of the water providing us with 360 degree views, they would then proceed to show off their gorgeous white bellies, some mighty fine tail slapping skills and circled our vessel repeatedly, was just simply amazing!

As we were close to the Busselton Jetty we joked on board about how funny it would be if these whales swam past the underwater observatory at the end of the Busselton Jetty, unbelievably enough less than a hour after the tour there were postings all over social media about a Humpback swimming past the observatory giving guests on a tour there an awesome rare glimpse at this amazing inquisitive whale underwater!