You Can Spot Whales Every Day of the Year Along Australia’s West Coast

Where can you spot whales 365 days a year? Look no further than Western Australia, a beautiful region of the country where family travelers, no matter the time of year, can witness these gentle giants of the seas.

But where to begin the search?

© Tourism Western Australia

Bremer Bay

Head to Bremer Bay between January and April to see the Southern Hemisphere’s largest pod of orcas at Bremer Bay Canyon. Located five hours from Perth, this bay is known for its beaches, diving and snorkeling, and whale sightings. Two hundred orcas flock to this ocean every year. Join marine biologist-led charters such as Naturaliste Charters and Whale Watch Western Australia. And keep an eye out for other whales too, like sperm, pilot and southern right.

Ningaloo Reef (Exmouth & Coral Bay)

Ningaloo Reef is the only spot in Australia where visitors can swim with the “Marine Big 3” — whale sharks (April–August), manta rays (year-round) and humpback whales (June–November). About 40,000 humpback whales migrate annually along Western Australia’s coastline each year. Take a small-group tour from Coral Bay and Exmouth for an up-close experience. Last July, a very rare albino humpback whale calf was seen swimming the waters by passengers aboard Ocean Eco Adventures. This June, Off the Beaten Track offers a new, five-day adventure tour for visitors to swim with whale sharks in the area, too.

© Tourism Western Australia

Perth

Thirty miles offshore Perth, Whale Watch Western Australia offers the only dedicated tour for blue whales in Australia. This endangered species can be spotted between March and May as they feed on krill at Perth Canyon. This underwater canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! And, between September and mid-November, take part in some parasailing whale watching, a new experience to see the humpback whale migration from above.