WHALE WATCHING IN ALBANY
Albany Whale Watching
Western Australia’s oldest town plays host to the Humpback & Southern Right migration every year from late May to early October. It is a magnet for West Australians and both national and international visitors. There are fantastic beaches and Capes to discover but most visitors come for the annual Humpback & Southern Right Whale migration. King George Sound is a resting area for the southern migration of the Humpback Whale and the calving grounds of the Southern Right Whale and an incredible natural harbour for our much loved Western Australian Whales.
Whale Species in Albany
King George Sound in Albany is one of very few places in Australia where we have the opportunity to see both Humpback Whales and Southern Right Whales visiting during the same season and sharing the same water space. We find that both whale species get on very well with no aggression between each other and they will mostly stick to their own areas of the bay. We have sighted on rare occasions interactions between these two baleen whale species with much curiosity throughout tower interaction. There is also the possibility each season on rare occasions to discover the Southern Right Whales interacting with Dolphins in the shallow waters which is an incredible sight.
Southern Right Whales
The nursery grounds located in King George Sound for the still endangered Southern Right Whale is a vital part of this beautiful species recovery from near extinction. Every season we see numbers slowly increasing as more females arrive to give birth to the next generation of Australian Southern Rights in the protected and sheltered waters found in Albany waters. Meeting one of these magnificent whales is a privilege and very special encounters can be had as curious juveniles and calves approach our vessel to interact with everyone onboard.
Humpback Whales
The acrobatic, graceful Humpback Whales are a favourite amongst whale watchers of the world due to their energetic and acrobatic displays as they communicate the Language of the Whales™. During the winter months they are migrating northward to give birth or find a mate along the migration route to the Kimberly’s. We sight such energetic behaviour on the northern migration in Albany as all age groups, both male and female, young and old, congregate for a quick rest and to socialise before they continue their long journey north.
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Whale Watching Season in Albany
The whale watching southern migration season in Albany begins in late May every year and is available until early October. The season changes slightly with different activity levels and as the Humpback migration passes through King George Sound while the Southern Right Whales start to depart the area in October with their calves.
Late May – Early October
The epic southern Humpback migration reaches a peak during this time as the Humpback Whales arrive in King George Sound on their way to the warmer waters of the Kimberly’s to calve. During this time of year we can sight much activity amongst the Humpbacks. Our Southern Right Whales come into the Sound to calve in colder waters due to an increased blubber layer and their anatomy is more designed to shorter migration routes. They are twice the size in weight of a Humpback and one of the most inquisitive of Cetaceans. You will be delighted with their behaviours including intimate mother & calf interactions as the new generation is taught the Language of the Whales™.
ALBANY
September – December
Albany Waterfront Marina
5D Toll Place,
Albany WA 6330
