WHALE WATCHING IN AUGUSTA
Augusta Whale Watching
The best place in winter to be watching whales is Flinders Bay, Augusta.The picturesque town of Augusta in Western Australia is a sanctuary and meeting place for two of the greatest whale species found in Australian waters, the Humpback and Southern Right Whales. The arrival of winter signals the beginning of an epic migration as the largest population of Humpbacks in the world leave Antarctica and begin their long migration to warmer, northern waters to reach important calving grounds.
Whale Species in Augusta
Flinders Bay in Augusta 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 bay. 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.
Humpback Whales
The big, boisterous and 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 towards the top of Western Australia where they will reach their nursery grounds for their newborn calves. We sight much competitive behaviour in Flinders Bay as all age groups, both male and female, congregate for a quick rest and to socialise before they continue their journey north.
Southern Right Whales
The emerging nursery ground located in Flinders Bay 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 Augusta. Meeting one of these magnificent whales is a privilege and very special encounters can be had in Flinders Bay as curious juveniles and calves approach our vessel to interact with everyone onboard.
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Whale Watching Season in Augusta
The whale watching season in Augusta begins from late May every year and is available until the end of August. The season changes slightly with different activity levels and as the Humpback migration passes through Flinders Bay while the pregnant Southern Right Whales stay and use Augusta as their nursery ground for newborn calves.
Late May – Mid July
The epic northern Humpback migration reaches a peak during this time as the boisterous male Humpback Whales arrive in Flinders Bay on their journey north for the opportunity to meet female Humpbacks. During this time of year we can sight much activity amongst the Humpbacks including intense competition pods as up to twenty male compete for the right to court a female on her migration north.
July – August
The arrival of the endangered Southern Right Whales is anticipated every year and we often find the very first heavily pregnant females arriving in July. The peak of the Southern Right Whale season is in August as the bay enjoys the arrival of dozens of mother and newborn calves enjoying the sheltered waters of Flinders Bay. Humpback Whales will also be regularly sighted during the month of August but not in the same intense numbers earlier on in the season. This time of year provides the perfect opportunity to see both species in one day if we are fortunate.
AUGUSTA BOAT HARBOUR
May – August
Leeuwin Rd, Augusta
Western Australia
3 hours south of Perth is the majestic Flinders Bay and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.Where the great Indian & Southern Oceans meet.Safe, easy access from the brand new Augusta Boat Harbour.1
