As we explore Flinders Bay off Augusta in the early morning hours, it is immediately apparent why this region is one of the most underrated hotspots for humpback whale encounters worldwide: Within minutes, the first blow fountains break the calm water surface – a clear sign of the high density of migrating animals at this stage of migration. The whale watching season in Augusta, Western Australia, runs primarily from May to August. During this period, numerous humpback whales stop over in Flinders Bay near Augusta, pausing there during their long migration. From the end of July onwards, you also have a good chance of seeing southern right whales while whale watching in Augusta.
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Humpback whales, Blas Augusta Whale Watch WA Australia
Personal experience Whale Watching Augusta Western Australia
Magazine.Travel documented the humpback whale migration in Flinders Bay off Augusta at the end of June during a two-hour whale watching tour. Right at the start of the tour, we saw a group of bottlenose dolphins, followed by plenty of humpback whale activity.
Humpback whale head close-up Augusta Australia
Favorite moment: Mouth opening above water & whistling whale call
Suddenly, two humpback whales swim diagonally towards the ship and, in a uniform, sweeping motion, lift their heads out of the waves. Wow! Their entire mouths are visible. The spectacle lasts only a few seconds, but the sight is truly special. Although we witnessed a whale breaching just a few minutes earlier, this moment is the highlight of my day. It resonates deep within me. And as if nature were sending an echo, the shrill, clear cry of a whale suddenly rings out through the ship's hydrophone. Fascinated, I listen to the waves, trying to capture the intensity of this moment.
Detailed travel report: Dolphins & humpback whales in Flinders Bay
Since the weather had been very rainy and, above all, very windy for several days, we were overjoyed by the change in the weather and the confirmation that our whale watching tour could take place. Right on time at 8:40 a.m., we arrived at the port of Augusta, the logistical starting point for whale watching tours in Flinders Bay. The marina offers plenty of free parking. Fleece, windbreakers, and sunscreen were essential, as was the baby carrier for our 14-month-old daughter, who was accompanying us on board a ship for the very first time. As part of our 10-month 4WD expedition through Australia, this was a real milestone for our two-generation adventure.
Arrival in Flinders Bay
There's plenty of seating on board. We opt for two seats on the second deck at the stern. Our little daughter watches with interest as the ship departs from the harbor. Then we put her in the baby carrier. Partly to keep her safe in rough seas, and partly to allow us more freedom of movement. We're not a second too soon: shortly after departure, we see the first whales spouting in Flinders Bay. It's quite a scene! All around us, jets of water from various groups of whales shoot into the sky. Dozens of whales are here.
Dolphins and a rainbow
Suddenly, a group of dolphins appears alongside the ship and accompanies us for a while as we approach a pod of whales. What a way to start the day! Once the playful dolphins have left us, we turn our attention to the humpback whales. Again and again, fins, gray backs, and flukes break the surface of the water. We are so engrossed that we don't notice the light drizzle until a rainbow arches over Flinders Bay. Together with the humpback whales, the interplay of light is a truly unique sight.
School of dolphins accompanies boat tour in Augusta, Western Australia
Behavioral biology live: Humpback whales in Augusta
A humpback whale clearly finds us interesting and approaches the ship. Before it can completely close the distance, a second whale abruptly surfaces and powerfully slaps its tail fluke against the water several times. The curious whale is a female, the troublemaker a male trying to protect his companion, the crew explains. He doesn't like her approaching – especially since several bachelors are now also swimming towards us. Meanwhile, we've moved to the observation platform near the ocean at the bow and are witnessing the whales' lively surface communication: tail slapping, pectoral slapping, rolling around their own axis, and finally, a complete breach. We see the whole repertoire.
Of Waves and Whales
While we stare intently at the whales, our little one sleeps peacefully in the carrier. She's been rocked to sleep by the waves. I feel the waves too – though not in a good way. I really should have taken my seasickness medication. The crew immediately notices that I'm not feeling quite right and offers me ginger and water. Sitting down might not be a bad idea. Against the team's friendly advice, I stay at the bow. A good decision for me: when two whales rise head to head, revealing their mouths one after the other, I jump up again in excitement. During our trip, we observed several times how individual animals deliberately sought the boat's proximity – a behavior that occurs more frequently in areas with low disturbance pressure and suggests an overall respectful interaction between the operator and the wildlife.
Humpback whale dorsal fin Whale watching Western Australia
Humpback whale pectoral fin waving WA Australia
Humpback whale fluke protrudes vertically from the water. Whale watching in Augusta.
Whale watching tours in Flinders Bay are offered by several providers.
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The approximately 25-meter-long catamaran was specifically designed for whale watching: Five freely accessible viewing platforms on three levels offer a 360° panoramic view. Up to 70 people can participate in a whale-watching tour. The vessel has also been optimized to reduce noise pollution. Another advantage is the onboard hydrophone, which makes the whales' live communication audible to passengers. This acoustic dimension of the encounter provides a crucial element for not only seeing the animals but also understanding their behavior.
Western Australia offers whale watching tours all year round: from January to April, orcas are observed in Bremer Bay, in April and May the focus is on blue whales near Perth, from May to August humpback whales frolic off Augusta and from September to November humpback whales can be seen off Perth.
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Humpback whale fluke detail, whale watching, Augusta, Australia
Whale Watching Procedure in Augusta, Western Australia
Before the whale watching tour begins, all passengers gather at the port in Augusta and then board the ship together. Depending on your preference, you can choose a seat on deck or in the comfortable interior of the vessel. The journey to the whale watching area doesn't take very long, however, so you'll soon be leaving your seat again.
During the tour you can move freely around the ship: at the stern there are elevated seats and a lower observation platform, at the front a large ocean-closed observation area with benches awaits you.
During the season, several humpback whale pods frequent Flinders Bay, making a sighting almost guaranteed. However, how close the animals come, how many you'll see on any given day, and what activities you might observe are unpredictable. Please remember that whale watching is always a matter of luck and a unique gift of nature.
Good to know: Whale Watch Western Australia has a photographer on board and posts the best photos of the day online afterwards.
Logbook of our 2-hour whale watching tour in Augusta, WA
Logbook (mid-June): Leaving the harbor – several blowholes, humpback whales everywhere in the distance – cautious approach – group of playful dolphins accompanies the boat – blowholes, fins, dorsal and tail flukes visible several times – rainbow over Flinders Bay – two whales approach the boat – tail slapping, fin slapping and occasional rolls around their own axis – breaching: whale at medium distance suddenly leaps – finale: mouth gape of two whales visible & shrill whale call heard – return trip.
More travel reports for Western Australia will soon be available via [link/website/etc.]. Orca tours in Bremerhaven and Blue whale tours in Perth.
The whales are staying in Flinders Bay, a sheltered bay located just off Augusta. The small town of Augusta has fewer than 2000 inhabitants and is situated on the southwest coast of Western Australia, about 3,5 hours south of Perth.
The meeting point for whale watching tours is the Augusta, and in Western Australia it is the Boat Harbour Car Park.
From the end of May to the end of August, thousands of humpback whales congregate in Flinders Bay near Augusta. From the end of July to the end of November, with a bit of luck, you can also spot southern right whales there.
Whale watching tours in Augusta, Western Australia depart at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, or 3:00 PM (as of 2026). For the most up-to-date information, please visit the website of your chosen whale watching tour operator.
When is the perfect time for whale watching in Augusta?
July and August. July is considered an excellent month for peak humpback whale activity, and August also promises very good sightings. Furthermore, the chances of spotting a southern right whale increase significantly from July onwards, as this species is most frequently observed with its calves in August and September. However, the chances of seeing humpback whales decrease considerably in September.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours in total. The boat trip from the port in Augusta to the whales' habitat in Flinders Bay is short, leaving plenty of time to observe these fascinating marine mammals.
There is no age restriction for whale watching in Augusta, Western Australia. The two-hour boat tour is also suitable for families with young children. Our 14-month-old daughter watched the tour with interest at first and then slept peacefully in the baby carrier.
Sighting guarantee: Is there a money-back guarantee if no whales are seen?
During the season, it is very unlikely not to see whales in Augusta. However, should this happen, some whale watching operators in Western Australia promise a free repeat tour.
Just nine kilometers from Augusta lies the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Cape Leeuwin is the southwesternmost point of Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. A visit to Hamelin Bay (approximately 16 km away) can also be easily combined with a tour in August. Those traveling from Perth will also pass through the renowned Margaret River wine region.
Where is Augusta Wa? Australia map & route planning [su_gmap width=”400″ height=”300″ responsive=”yes” address=”Augusta, Western Australia” zoom=”5″ title=”” class=””]
Magazine.Travel Dual Expertise: Wildlife Behavior, Ethics and Photography
Our assessments are based on multi-year expeditions and documented encounters with large whales in regions such as Iceland, Mexico, Tonga, Norway, and Antarctica. The observations in Augusta consistently fit into known behavioral patterns and confirm the exceptional quality of this location. Crucial factors include controlled approach distances, reduced noise levels, and an understanding of behavioral patterns – factors that not only enhance the experience but, above all, ensure the long-term protection of the animals.
Authors: Uschi and Andreas
We are frequent travelers and have been traveling as a threesome since 2024. We are happy with a backpack on our backs and the wind in our faces. But we are also fond of nature expeditions (e.g. to Antarctica). Let yourself be inspired on Magazine.Travel by animal encounters, unique nature experiences and cultural highlights of our very personal part-time world trip.
After their long journey from Antarctica, the whales use the sheltered bay of Flinders Bay off Augusta, WA, to rest and find mates before continuing their migration to the warmer northern waters where their calves are born. In so-called "competition pods," the males compete for females, making Flinders Bay an excellent place to observe the fascinating interactions between humpback whales.
It is particularly important to us that the tour operator does not disturb the whales' social interaction. The captain's practice of letting the whales decide for themselves how close they want to approach perfectly aligns with our ethical principles of maintaining distance. The quality of a whale watching experience depends entirely on the operator's conduct.
Andreas aka PLATUX (photographer & artist): Photography & expedition logisticsHumpback whales Augusta
For our whale watching tours, we use modern vessels whose design significantly reduces engine vibrations. This not only protects the whales' hearing but is also advantageous for photography. The various observation platforms are also a great benefit to photographers: everything from bird's-eye views to close-up shots is possible.
Ultimately, the success of a photograph depends on the animal encounters themselves, the waves, weather and lighting conditions, as well as speed and the luck of looking in the right direction at the right moment. Continuous shooting and, if necessary, a polarizing filter to reduce reflections on the water are always advantageous when whale watching.
Soon you will also find our experiences with orcas in Bremer Bay and blue whales off Perth on Magazine.Travel.
Whale Watching in Western Australia: Your Seasonal Guide
Whale Watching in Western Australia: Most travelers associate whale watching with Australia's east coast, but Western Australia is every bit as good. In fact, it's even better. In Western Australia, you can see humpback whales, southern right whales, orcas, and even blue whales. Swimming with whales is also possible. Western Australia is a fantastic year-round destination for whale enthusiasts! It's one of the few regions in the world where various large whale species can be observed throughout the year. The clear seasonal pattern is particularly noteworthy: orcas dominate the summer months in Bremer Bay, while the humpback whale migration takes place between May and November along the coast, reaching one of its densest passages in Augusta.
Month
Whale watching opportunities in Western Australia
January – April:
Several orca families gather in Bremerbay and with a bit of luck you can even watch the killer whales hunting.
April & May:
There's actually a whale watching tour with a blue whale sighting guarantee in Western Australia. These giants of the sea swim off the coast of Perth!
May – August:
Humpback whale season is beginning in Western Australia. Numerous locations, such as Augusta, Coral Bay, and Broome, offer whale watching tours to see these charismatic whales. In Coral Bay and Exmouth, you can even observe migrating whales through a snorkel or mask. You also have a good chance of spotting these marine mammals independently along the west coast.
August & September:
Southern right whales give birth to their young. They can be observed, for example, in Flinders Bay near Augusta or off the coast of Albany.
September – November:
Humpback whales swim right off the coast of Perth. You can also spot them near Busselton (with luck from Busselton Jetty) or near Albany.
All year round:
In Shark Bay near Monkey Mia you can see Bottle Nose Dolphins and in Broome a boat tour is worthwhile for the rare Snubfin Dolphins.
Please always make sure you use responsible providers who do not endanger the whales and respect the animals at all times.
The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliaeThe humpback whale is a baleen whale. While it can reach lengths of up to 15 meters, observers are less concerned with its sheer size than with its behavior. In the waters off Augusta, these animals exhibit remarkably frequent surface activity during migration – from fluking to full-scale breaches – making this region particularly attractive for sightings. Our photos showcase the unusually large pectoral fins and the individual underside of the tail, which is used to identify individual whales. Humpback whales are popular with tourists because this species is often very lively and regularly breaches, especially in its breeding grounds.
The humpback whale's blow reaches a height of up to three meters. When descending, the colossus almost always raises its tail fin, giving it momentum for the dive. Typically, a humpback whale takes 3-4 breaths before diving. Its typical dive time is 5 to 10 minutes, with times of up to 45 minutes being easily possible.
Transparency Notice & Disclosure: Parts of this expedition were originally documented as part of an evaluated operator tour, for which Magazine.Travel received logistical support (media status). In accordance with our strict journalistic guidelines and press code, Magazine.Travel operates 100% independently. Due to operational differences regarding the reliability of B2B agreements for subsequent expeditions, we are currently no longer recommending this specific provider. This article reflects solely our isolated logistical experiences as well as zoological and photographic observations of the ecosystem. The press code applies: research and reporting must not be influenced, hindered, or prevented by accepting gifts, invitations, or discounts. Publishers and journalists insist that information be provided regardless of whether a gift or invitation is accepted. When journalists report on press trips to which they have been invited, they disclose this funding.
Text and photos are protected by copyright. The copyright of this article in word and image is held entirely by Magazine.Travel. All rights reserved. Content can be licensed for print/online media upon request.
The content of this article has been carefully researched and is based on personal experience. We assume no liability for any misleading or inaccurate information. Should our experience not match your personal experience, we assume no liability. Since nature is unpredictable, a similar experience on a subsequent trip cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, circumstances may change. Magazine.Travel does not guarantee the timeliness or completeness of the information.
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Local information and personal experiences from whale watching in Augusta, WA in June 2025.
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