Western Australia delivers prime whale watching, with reliable seasonal sightings and excellent viewing conditions. The standout experiences include Bremer Canyon’s killer whale expeditions and the Ningaloo Reef’s humpback encounters. My favorite tours combine expert naturalist guides with comfortable vessels offering good viewing decks and onboard amenities. The best operators maintain strong safety records and limit group sizes for a more personal experience.
The full-day excursions that track humpback migrations consistently earn top marks for both whale sightings and passenger comfort. For the adventurous, swimming programs along Ningaloo Reef provide carefully managed whale encounters in crystal-clear waters.
Let’s explore the top whale watching tours in Western Australia.
Good To Know
- The Bremer Bay Orca Experience offers a full-day excursion with a professional guide, live commentary, and complimentary lunch, snacks, and beverages.
- The Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition provides a 97% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence for observing killer whales and other marine life.
- The Bremer Canyon Orca Experience aboard the luxury Steep Point vessel offers an opportunity to observe orcas through an underwater camera and hydrophone.
- The Western Australia: Swim With Humpback Whales tour allows participants to enter the water in groups of 7 to swim with humpback whales, turtles, and sharks.
- These whale watching experiences in Western Australia offer a range of options, from day-long excursions to swimming with humpback whales, catering to different traveler preferences.
Bremer Bay Orca Experience
While located in Western Australia, the Bremer Bay Orca Experience is a highly recommended whale watching tour, earning a 97% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence from Whale Watch Western Australia. This full-day excursion includes a professional guide, live commentary, and complimentary lunch, snacks, beverages, and even a glass of beer, wine, or champagne. Guests can also expect to have their photographs captured during the experience.
The tour departs from the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour at 8:00 am and returns to the same location at the end of the day. Participants should come prepared with appropriate clothing for the weather and motion sickness medication if needed. Dietary requirements can be accommodated, but breakfast and bottled water aren’t included. With a maximum of 50 travelers, the Bremer Bay Orca Experience offers a more intimate whale watching adventure, though it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with limited physical fitness.
Read our full review: Bremer Bay Orca Experience Review
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Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition
The Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic orcas in their natural feeding grounds. With a 97% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this expedition is a must-do for anyone visiting Western Australia.
The expedition departs from the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour at 8:30 am, with guests arriving at 7:45 am for boarding. The tour accommodates up to 90 travelers and includes a full-day experience with lunch, catering, refreshments, and snacks. Dietary accommodations are available, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day for all.
Participants can expect to see not only the awe-inspiring killer whales but also a variety of other marine life, including common dolphins, shearwaters, and sea lions. While the water conditions can be rough at times, the knowledgeable and helpful staff ensure the experience remains worthwhile and memorable for travelers of all ages who love adventure and marine life.
Read our full review: Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition Review
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Bremer Canyon Orca Experience From Bremer Bay
Bremer Canyon offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the largest congregation of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere. The 7-hour whale watching experience from Bremer Bay Boat Harbor promises a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these magnificent marine predators. Aboard the luxury purpose-built Steep Point vessel, guests can observe the orcas in their natural habitat through the vessel’s underwater camera and hydrophone.
The experience is enhanced by expert commentary, providing live educational information about the whales. Guests can relax in the heated interior saloon or explore the 5 viewing decks over 3 levels, taking in the stunning natural scenery. Refreshments, including morning and afternoon tea, lunch with a complimentary beverage, and unlimited tea, coffee, and water, are all included.
Priced from KR 6,007 per person, this Bremer Canyon Orca Experience offers a chance to witness the region’s incredible marine life. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
Read our full review: Bremer Canyon Orca Experience From Bremer Bay Review
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Western Australia: Swim With Humpback Whales
Visitors to Western Australia can embark on an unforgettable experience of swimming with humpback whales during their annual migration along the Ningaloo Reef. The 8-9 hour tour allows guests to explore the reef, snorkel at two different sites, and observe these majestic creatures up close. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and a buffet lunch, as well as morning and afternoon tea, a fruit platter, and champagne.
Participants can enter the water in groups of 7 to swim with the humpback whales, turtles, sharks, and other marine life. The tour is subject to minimum numbers and weather conditions, and smoking and pets aren’t allowed. Guests can reserve the tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This unique opportunity to interact with humpback whales in their natural habitat is a must-do for any visitor to Western Australia’s stunning Ningaloo Reef.
Read our full review: Western Australia: Swim With Humpback Whales Review
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The Sum Up
Western Australia offers some of the best whale watching experiences. Visitors can join expeditions to spot killer whales in the Bremer Canyon or swim with majestic humpback whales. These unique opportunities allow people to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Whether it’s observing from a boat or immersing oneself in the water, these whale watching experiences are truly unforgettable.