If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with the thrill of adventure, whale watching in Perth should be at the top of your bucket list.

Every year, from the end of August until mid-November, the pristine waters off the coast of Perth become a playground for majestic humpback whales as they migrate along the Western Australian coast. With Whale Watching Perth, a sister company of Rottnest Fast Ferries, you can enjoy the ultimate whale watching adventure on a 2-hour tour led by expert guides who know the best spots to see these magnificent creatures in action.

Tick Whale Watching in Perth off Your Bucket List

Whale watching in Perth is truly a bucket list adventure, Perth’s coastline, with its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, serves as the perfect backdrop for this breath-taking spectacle. The Indian Ocean, which hugs Perth’s shoreline, plays a crucial role in the annual migration of humpback whales, a journey affectionately known as the ‘Humpback Highway.’

What makes Perth one of the best whale watching spots in the world is how close these giants pass to our coastline, allowing whale watchers to see their majestic breaches, tail slaps and acrobatic displays up close. This proximity, combined with Perth’s stunning coastal scenery, makes whale watching here a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary journeys. Seeing these gentle giants up close as they glide along the coast on their annual voyage is a humbling experience and one that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list.

Meet the Giants – The Humpback Whales

Humpback whales embark on an extraordinary migration each year, travelling thousands of kilometres from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warmer northern waters where they give birth to their calves. After this incredible journey north, they make their way back to Antarctica with their new-borns. The return trip is particularly fascinating, as it’s during this time that mother humpback whales begin teaching their calves crucial survival skills through acrobatic displays and playful activities.

The mothers can often be seen teaching their calves how to breach, fluke, lobtail, fin slap and spy-hop. This activity is believed to be for various reasons, lobtailing, where a whale lifts its tail and slips it against the water’s surface, creates a sound that can heard over long distances underwater, possibly to communicate. Breaching, where whales leap out of the water, is believed to serve multiple purposes such as cleaning parasites from their bodies, communicating with other whales or displaying strength. These fascinating behaviours not only demonstrate the intelligence and strength of humpback whales but also offer an incredible display of nature during their annual migration.

What to Expect on a Tour

Renowned for providing top-notch experiences, Whale Watching Perth ensures that every tour offers a combination of comfort, education and awe-inspiring encounters with nature. The tours are conducted on Rottnest Fast Ferries’ Harbour Master, a state-of-the-art vessel designed with passengers' comfort in mind. With spacious viewing decks and modern amenities, it offers the perfect platform for whale watching, ensuring excellent sightlines as you observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Guided by expert marine biologists and an experienced crew, each tour provides fascinating insights into the behaviour of the whales and the unique local marine ecosystem. The knowledgeable guides share in-depth information about the whales' migratory patterns, their acrobatic displays and the significance of their movements, making every moment educational as well as exciting.

Don’t Miss Out, Book Your Whale Watching Perth Tour Today!

Tour Duration: Whale watching tours typically last around 2 hours, giving you ample time to experience the magic of the whales and their awe-inspiring behaviours.
Departure Location: Tours depart from Hillarys Boat Harbour, just a short drive from Perth city, making it easy to join in on this unforgettable adventure.
- Whale Watching Perth also offer a courtesy coach that can collect you from select pick up points in the Perth CBD, Northbridge and along the Sunset Coast. Pick ups must be booked in advance.
What to Bring: Be sure to pack warm clothes, as it can get chilly on the water even on sunny days. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, as well as a camera to capture those incredible moments.

Ready to tick whale watching off your bucket list? Booking your adventure with Whale Watching Perth is simple—just visit www.whalewatchingperth.com or contact their friendly reservations team on +61 08 6270 6002 or reservations@rottnestfastferries.com.au to secure your spot.

With the whale season running until mid-November, now is the perfect time to book your tour with Whale Watching Perth!