- The Margaret River Region plays host to an estimated 35,000 whales migrating from the Antarctic to our warmer waters between June – December every year. Witness these astounding animals from the shore, the top of a lighthouse or on a whale watching tour.
Witnessing the enormity and grace of a whale is an experience that’s hard to beat. To encounter these creatures in considerable numbers, interacting with each other or nursing their young, is an experience like no other.
With a 6-month season, from June to early December, the Margaret River Region is one of the best places to whale watch in Australia.
Humpback, Southern Right, Minke and Blue Whales all make the epic journey. Their first port of call is Flinders Bay in Augusta, where the best time to see them is June to August. Augusta is one of the few places where you’ll see the Southern Right and Humpback whales interact. Humpbacks, renowned for their agility, gather in groups of males and engage in breaching, spy-hopping, lob-tailing and tail-slapping. Acrobatics play out during courtship. Southern Right whales will often calve in the bay and sometimes can be seen doing so in the shallows.
The Humpback whales then head directly up north, where the pregnant females who mated last year have their calves (babies). They then return to Geographe Bay near Busselton and Dunsborough where they rest and nurse their young from September to early December.
You can watch the action unfold on the horizon from the shore, along the Cape to Cape Track or from the top of a lighthouse, or get up close on a whale watching cruise departing from Augusta, Dunsborough and Busselton throughout the season.
WHALE WATCHING TOURS
Expert Tip from Richard, Local Expert
No day on the ocean is ever the same, but the captain and crew on these cruises are highly experienced at reading whale behaviour, so they will put you in the best position to have the most amazing view.
On your way out to open water, decide whether to cruise in comfort by relaxing inside on the comfy chairs or go out on deck and enjoy the sea breeze in your hair. The region has a variety of different tour operators, so you can choose from luxurious charters to purpose-built whale watching vessels – whatever suits you best. All serve on-board refreshments, offer expert commentary and years of experience on our seas. A number of the whale watching charters are fitted with hydrophones so you can listen to the fascinating sounds of whale song.
LEGEND CHARTERS WHALE WATCHING & DEEP SEA FISHING
Legend Charters are your local Whale Watching and Deep Sea Fishing Charter tour operator in the Margaret River region – family run and operated. Join them for the whale watching encounter of a lifetime. Their vessel ‘Dhu Force’ is a single-hulled 57ft (18m) Conquest, the perfect vessel to enhance your day on the water. Their knowledgeable marine commentary will keep you informed and their friendly staff are there to assist you.Humpback, Southern Right and Blue Whales use this little corner of the world as a nursery, playground and rest haven during their migration up and down the coast each year. They are often as curious about us as we are about them, coming close to the boat to check us out. Both Dolphins and Seals are also regularly sighted during our tours.
Their vessel ‘Dhu Force’ offers the BEST VIEWING of Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Blue Whales, Dolphins and so much more.
*Smaller group numbers means you receive personal attention from their experienced, friendly crew. *They keep group sizes small on their whale watching tours, so everyone gets a good view and have a huge covered viewing platform for your comfort * Family friendly tour * Join the captain on the flybridge (kids can have a turn of the wheel) * Life Jackets for children – peace of mind for parents * Open deck system with roll down protection for your comfort and BEST VIEWS * You may also see Southern Right, Minke and Blue Whales, Dolphins, Seals and bird life
They are proud of their growing reputation for providing quality service with generous hospitality.
Families and children are especially welcome on their whale watching tour and (weather permitting) children will be offered the opportunity to take a turn at the wheel on the fly-bridge on the way in!!
Join us for the whale watching eco-cruise of a lifetime!
MAY to AUG – Whale watching tours from Augusta Boat Harbour.
SEPT to NOV – Whale watching tours from Busselton Jetty, Beachfront (beach end of Queen Street), Busselton. DEC – APRIL – Deep Sea Fishing Charters departing from Dunsborough.
WHALE WATCHING – May – November, tour includes:
*2.5 hour cruise in the bay
*Commentary from their knowledgeable Ocean Safari Guide about local marine wildlife
*An morning or afternoon tea including Coffee, an assortment of black, green and herbal teas, Milo and biscuits.
*They also have available comfortable children’s life jackets for the peace of mind of parents.
DEEP SEA FISHING – December – April:
Boasting the highest catch rate on the coast, their experienced crew will put you right on top of the South West’s most prized species and teach you how to reel them in before cleaning your catch to take home. Shareline prices available with discounts for children (7-16).
YOUR 8 HOUR DAY INCLUDES: * Expert assistance in catch, clean and prepare – fish to take home
* Bacon and eggs for breakfast – lunch of roast chicken with salad and rolls.
Legend Charters Whale Watching & Deep Sea Fishing
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 8:30 AM until 2:30 PM
25 Dunn Bay Rd, Dunsborough WA 6281, Australia
