Naturaliste Charters Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tours

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A whale watching cruise from Dunsborough with Naturaliste Charters, the longest running whale watching company in the South West, on the 23 metre catamaran Alison Maree.

Days

About 2 hours (allow up to 3)

Age

All ages

Group size

Max 90

Start / finish

Quindalup, Dunsborough / Quindalup, Dunsborough

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Tender from the beach, then the 23 metre catamaran Alison Maree

Meals

Complimentary morning or afternoon tea with biscuits

Route

Map of Naturaliste Charters Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tours

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Included experiences

Geographe Bay — humpback and southern right whales
Rare blue and minke whale sightings
Fur seals, dolphins and seabirds
Marine science commentary on board

Naturaliste Charters Dunsborough Whale Watching Eco Tours

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING AT QUINDALUP

Your cruise starts on the sand at Quindalup, just east of Dunsborough, where the boats launch straight off the beach at the Professional Fishermans Boat Ramp. There's no jetty here, so a small tender, the Indi Maree, runs you out from a ramp with handrails to the Alison Maree, a 23 metre catamaran built in Western Australia for these waters. Your feet stay dry. On board you have an indoor cabin, three outdoor decks and access to the Captain's Lounge, and children's life jackets are carried for the youngest whale spotters.

OUT ON GEOGRAPHE BAY

The catamaran heads out across Geographe Bay, named in 1801 by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin after his ship Géographe. The bay is sheltered water close to the whales' migration route, which is why the boats from this side of the bay reach them quickly. Humpbacks are the regulars, and many mothers rest here with their calves on the way south. Southern right whales and minke whales turn up too, and the bay is one of the few places in Australia where blue whales are seen from a tour boat. At up to 30 metres, they are the largest animals that have ever lived.

WHALES, DOLPHINS AND SEALS

The crew are trained in marine science, and they talk you through what you're watching, from a humpback's breach to the way the whales feed and travel. Keep an eye beyond the whales as well: bottlenose and common dolphins often ride alongside, New Zealand fur seals roll at the surface, and seabirds work the bay. Step-down platforms bring you closer to the water when something surfaces nearby. Between sightings there's morning or afternoon tea, with coffee, tea, Milo and biscuits.

BACK TO THE BEACH

After about two hours, longer when the whales are close and putting on a show, the Alison Maree turns for Quindalup and the tender brings you back to the sand. Dunsborough's cafés are a few minutes away, and your booking gets you 15% off lunch or dinner at Occy's on the same day.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Professional Fishermans Boat Ramp, 306 Geographe Bay Rd, Quindalup WA 6281. Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before departure.
Departure time: 10am and 2pm daily, weather depending.
Suits: All ages, including young families.
Please note: Boarding is from the beach by tender. To use the Occy's discount, show your confirmation on the day of the tour; pre-booking the restaurant is recommended, and it can't be combined with other specials.

What is included

About 2 hour whale watching cruise on the Alison Maree
Tender transfer from the beach to the boat
Expert commentary from a marine science-trained crew
Complimentary morning or afternoon tea (tea, coffee, Milo, green tea, filtered water, biscuits)
Access to the Captain's Lounge
Children's life jackets
15% off lunch or dinner at Occy's Dunsborough on the day of your tour (food only)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.