Whale Watching Highlights from Dunsborough

A Season of Whale Wonders

Every year from late August through to November, Dunsborough becomes one of the best places in Australia to witness the southbound whale migration. The calm, sheltered waters of Geographe Bay provide a perfect resting stop for Humpback Whales on their long journey south. Southern Right Whales also make appearances with their young, and late in the season, the mighty Blue Whale can even be spotted. This unique mix of species, combined with the stunning coastal backdrop, makes Dunsborough a world-class whale watching destination.

As the season begins, the action has already been incredible. Here’s a look back at the highlights from our first few tours of spring.

1 September – Opening Day Fireworks

The new month began with a bang, or rather, with explosions of white water in every direction. On the morning tour, two sub-adult humpbacks entertained us with non-stop breaches and head lunges, while other groups joined in with pectoral slaps and tail slaps. The energy was electric, a rare treat to witness such behaviour continuously throughout an entire trip.

The afternoon carried on with the same spirit. A juvenile humpback gave us series after series of spectacular breaches, leaping as if spring had inspired it. Larger whales joined the display with enormous pectoral slaps and rolling breaches right towards the vessel. It was a thrilling way to welcome in the first day of spring, with over 100 breaches spotted between both tours.

2 September – Minke Magic

The following morning delivered a rare surprise — the sleek form of a Dwarf Minke whale darting around the boat. This elusive species only appears in Geographe Bay occasionally, and to see it circling us for half an hour was unforgettable. Another Minke kept its distance, while humpbacks and even a resting Southern Right whale completed a spectacular variety of sightings. The highlight came with six humpbacks socialising around the boat, four of which mugged us, swimming just beneath the surface and greeting our guests.

The afternoon tour brought calm glossy waters and sunshine, with humpbacks scattered across the bay. Some gave us deep fluke dives, while others put on breaching displays in the distance. A curious whale even rolled on its side beside Ali Maree, eyeing us before slipping back beneath the water. It was the perfect coastal cruise, framed by small groups of whales gracefully making their way south.

3 September – Mugging Mayhem

Morning brought calm seas and bright skies, the ideal stage for more action. After spotting pectoral slapping whales in the distance, we were delighted when four humpbacks broke away and swam right up to mug us. For an hour we watched spy hops, pec slaps, and close looks at the vessel before a pod of bottlenose dolphins escorted us back to Quindalup.

The afternoon was equally breathtaking. Five whales surrounded the boat, circling and rolling for nearly 40 minutes. Guests were treated to eye-level spy hops and friendly inspections as the pod competed for closest approach. On the way back, two sub-adults tail slapped powerfully, bringing the tour to a dramatic close. Mugging season had well and truly arrived.

4 September – Southern Right Surprise

Geographe Bay continued its run of incredible encounters. On the morning tour, tail slaps and pec slaps filled the horizon before a Southern Right whale surfaced beside a pair of humpbacks. We were spoiled with spy hops, close passes, and a synchronised display of pectoral slapping. Further out, more humpbacks added epic tail slaps to end an action-packed trip.

The afternoon tour was a relaxed spectacle of sunshine and playful whales. Small groups surrounded the boat, breaches erupted in the distance, and two cheeky juveniles swam alongside us. To cap it all off, a final massive breach erupted just as we turned for home — the perfect farewell before the cold front rolled in.

Plan Your Whale Watching Adventure

Dunsborough’s whale watching season runs from late August through to November, showcasing the southbound migration of Humpbacks, Southern Rights, and even the mighty Blue Whale. With mugging encounters, rare species, and playful displays already unfolding, this spring promises to be one to remember.

Join us on board for your chance to witness the magic of Geographe Bay this season. You can book your tour now through Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching.