Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Looking for the best whale watching tours in Perth? You’ve come to the right place. I recently went whale watching in Perth and had the coolest time. Whales are graceful giants and seeing them swimming by is exciting, especially when on a boat when you can get up close.
Perth, situated on the beautiful western coast of Australia, offers incredible opportunities to catch a glimpse of whales in their natural surroundings. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, ocean lover, or simply looking for an amazing experience, whale watching in Perth is a must-do.
With a variety of Perth whale watching tour options available, you can embark on a tour that will take you out into the bay to watch these peaceful giants. From the exciting sight of humpback whales breaching to the calm presence of southern right whales, Perth offers a front-row seat to one of Australia’s favourite visitors.
Join us as we detail the best whale watching tours in Perth, highlighting the top locations for sightings. I have used my own personal experience to write this post so I hope it gives you a ton of information to book your trip.
So grab your camera, sunscreen, and whale watching binoculars as we delve into the best Perth whale watching tours.
My Pick for the Best Perth Whale Watching Tour
My pick for the best tour is also the simplest, this 2 hour Perth whale watching tour is relatively cheap and has great reviews. The tour runs in September, October and November, and onboard the catamaran you’ll get to visit up to three areas to view humpback whales.
On this whale watching tour from Perth you have a good chance of spotting whales as they swim past the coast. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, with a certified guide who can give you information about the whales and their migration.
This whale watching tour from Perth offers free pickup from some areas, but otherwise you can either catch public transport or a taxi to Hilary’s boat harbour to start the tour. Additionally, if you don’t see any whales on the tour you can join a tour the next day for free.
Where Can You See Whales in Perth?
If you’re living in or visiting in Perth and want to see whales, you’ve got a few choices. There are several spots where you can catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures.
One popular departure point for whale watching tours in Perth is Hillarys Boat Harbour, located about 20 kilometers north of the city center. Here, you can join a whale watching tour and experience the excitement of spotting whales from the boat.
The tours usually run from September to December, which is the peak season for whale sightings in the area.
Another great spot for whale watching is Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Perth. The island is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy whale watching.
From June to November, you can witness the annual migration of humpback and southern right whales as they swim by the island. The best spots are at Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh where there are viewing platforms.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in Dunsborough is a fantastic option for whale watching near Perth. Located about 250 kilometers south of Perth, this lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.
From May to December, you can often spot whales swimming around in the waters below, but are more common near the end of the year.
Lastly, if you’re willing to venture a bit further for whale watching, Augusta is worth considering. Situated at the southern tip of Western Australia, Augusta offers brilliant whale watching opportunities. From June to September, you can watch southern right whales as they make their way along the coastline.
No matter which spot you choose, remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay cool during your whale watching adventure while visiting Perth.
What is the Best Time of Year for Whale Watching in Perth?
The best time of year to go on a whale watching tour in Perth is from June to December. During this half of the year, you have a higher chance of spotting whales as they travel along the coast of Western Australia.
The peak season for whale watching is usually from September to November, so if you want the best chances of sightings, plan your trip around that time.
In June and July, the weather in Perth is relatively mild, with cooler temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. This is actually Australia’s winter, and luckily, winter isn’t too cold here.
As the months progress towards spring, the weather starts to warm up, but it’s still not scorching hot like in the peak summer months in you visit mid year. This means you can enjoy whale watching in Perth without feeling uncomfortable from the heat.
However its best to visit September to November if you want a stronger chance of a sighting.
By November, the temperature begins to rise, but the coastal areas of Perth often have a refreshing sea breeze that helps keep things comfortable. Staying near the ocean provides an additional advantage of being able to take a dip in the water to cool off after a day of whale watching.
Whales are commonly sighted during this time, so it’s a good time to go whale watching if you don’t mind the warmer weather.
Overall, planning your Perth whale watching trip between June and November allows you cooler weather to make for a more comfortable trip.
What are the Best Whale Watching Tours in Perth
Rottnest Island + Boat Tour
This tour involves a bit of everything including the chance to see whales; ferry transfers, a boat tour around the island and then free time to spend on the island itself. It’s a great option if you are short on time and want to visit Rottnest island and have a chance of seeing whales.
The included wildlife watching boat tour lasts for 1.5 hours and you will have the chance to see humpback whales (September to November) as well as visiting the fur seals that call Cathedral Rocks home
After the boat tour you have the rest of the time to enjoy just being on Rottnest, where you can go swimming, sunbathing or hire a bike to make the most of your remaining time here.
Rottnest Island Ferry Ticket
For those short on time and who wont be massively let down if they don’t see a whale, a good option is to buy this ferry ticket + hotel pickup tour to Rottnest Island between September to November. Once on the island you can head to the lookout point at Cape Vlamingh to try and spot whales and other marine life.
Fingers crossed you’ll see some frolicking off the coast your trusty pair of binoculars, and then you can spend the rest of your time exploring Rottnest Island. The island is known for its stunning beaches and ofcourse, the Quokkas.
I recommend choosing the early option for this Perth tour, which departs from Hilary’s boat harbour. This way you get to have more time on the island, ofcourse though, it is your holiday and you can sleep in and catch the later departure if you want to.
At time of writing, the departures are 7.30 and 10am, but double check this on this page before you book.
Rottnest Island Bike Hire & Ferry Tickets
Going one step further from the above tour, this Perth tour is a great option if you want to add bike hire to get around the island. This tour will allow you to spot whales from the land in different spots, as well as seeing the other sights of the island as you cycle around.
As mentioned above, you’re not guaranteed a sighting but to give yourself the best chance, pack some binoculars and visit later in the year.
If you don’t see whales you may still get to see other wildlife around Rottnest island such as the famous quokkas. Not to mention, the island is gorgeous so the scenery won’t let your trip turn into a dud.
Whale Watching from Rottnest Island (with airconditioned bus tour)
Another great option to see whales if you want to visit Rottnest Island from Perth is to take this island tour which includes a 4 bus tour of the island’s main sights.
While the tour is not focused on whales, it does include a stop at the whale lookout point at Cathedral Rocks (at time of writing). This will mean searching for whales from a distance, which has a lesser chance of seeing them, so weigh up whether this is the right choice for you.
To give yourself the best chance of spotting whales off the coast, visit September to November. Also pack a pair of binoculars (or at the very least your glasses) so you wont be squinting at something off in the distance.
This tour also stops at other points on Rottnest Island such as the lighthouse and Henrietta Rocks. You also get to go on the Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnel tour and they give you a light lunch.
The tour goes from Freemantle or Perth, so make sure you select the right option when booking.
Geographe Bay Whale Watching Tour (From Dunsborough)
This whale watching tour is actually from Dunsborough which is just over 2 hours south of Perth, but is a good option if you have your own rental car and want to visit the Margaret River area in the same day.
For a two and a half hour tour in Geographe Bay, you’ll hop on a luxury boat with snacks to go whale spotting. While humpback whales are most commonly seen, you may also see Blue whales in the months of October and November.
As mentioned above, this is a great tour to do in the morning before driving off to explore the nearby Margaret River area afterwards.
In conclusion, these whale watching tours in Perth offer an exciting experience to witness the migration of different types of whales. My pick is this 2 hour Perth whale watching tour, which is great if you are on a budget and want a straight forward whale watching experience.
I loved my time whale watching in Perth and I hope you have a great time too.
With a range of tour options available, you can choose the one that suits your preferences and budget. Whether it’s the impressive sight of humpback whales breaching, or the gentle presence of blue and southern right whales, Perth provides a front-row seat to one of nature’s coolest migrations.
From the stunning coastline to the backdrop of the vast Indian Ocean, the tours mentioned above will make sure you have an epic whale watching tour experience.
So, get ready to capture breathtaking moments with your camera, immerse yourself on WA’s beautiful coastline, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a new to seeing whales or a returning tour going, these whale watching tours in Perth will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of our oceans.
Don’t miss out on this hopping on one of these tours if you’re in Perth during whale season.