Augusta: Whale Watching Tour

Whales feel close when you’re cruising the sheltered bays of Augusta. I love how quickly you get out on the water and start scanning Flinders Bay, and I also like that an on board marine biologist explains what you’re seeing, not just where to look. This tour’s one of the rare whale trips where you can come away feeling like you understood the behavior, not only spotted the spout.

I also like the extra creature comforts. You sail on the Alison Maree, a purpose built whale watching vessel, and everyone gets a VIP style experience including access to the skippers lounge plus morning or afternoon tea with hot drinks and biscuits. One thing to consider is that sound can be an issue at times, so if you are sensitive to audio, you may want to sit where you can hear the commentary best.

Key things to know before you go

• High odds of a sighting: the operator quotes a 99 percent success rating for seeing whales
• Real expert talk on board: an on board marine biologist shares whale history and movement patterns
• Protected cruising in Flinders Bay: you spend about 2 hours in sheltered water, which helps with comfort
• Multiple species, not just one: humpbacks, southern right whales, blue whales, plus dolphins can show up
• Comfort and viewing options: the vessel has viewing platforms, and the front of the boat is good for learning and spotting
• If no whales, you can rebook free: if your trip does not deliver whales, you can join again for free

Flinders Bay whale watching from Augusta, where two waters meet

Augusta is a smart base for whale watching because the action happens close to town. Your cruise heads out from Augusta Harbour and typically does not take long before whales are spotted, with plenty of humpbacks migrating through the region.

Flinders Bay is the star. It is a resting place for whales while they move along their northern migration, and it is also described as where two oceans meet. That combination of meeting waters and sheltered conditions is part of why this area works so well for spotting whales on a short cruise.

Alison Maree: a purpose built vessel and a VIP style feel

This tour is not on a tiny skiff. You cruise on the Alison Maree, described as the sturdiest charter vessel in the South West and a 2.5 million dollar purpose built whale watching boat.

On board, you are treated like a VIP. You get complimentary access to the skippers lounge, and you can also choose to hang near the front of the vessel where the marine biologist’s whale talk tends to be most useful. There are viewing areas and the layout matters, because you will likely want to shift your position as whales surface in different spots.

Practical note: one review flagged that there can be a lot of people, and it can feel a bit tight if you like to move side to side. If you prefer elbow room or you need to avoid lots of foot traffic, try to arrive a touch earlier and pick your viewing spot early.

What you can spot: humpbacks, southern right whales, blue whales, and dolphins

This is a multi species whale watching trip, and that is a big part of why it feels exciting even on day one. You may see humpback whales, southern right whales, blue whales, and dolphins during the cruise.

Humpbacks are the most common target. The tour information mentions over 35,000 humpbacks migrating, and this is consistent with the idea that you are cruising in a place where whales are present in meaningful numbers. With that kind of movement, you get the best chance at multiple sightings rather than waiting for one dramatic moment.

Southern right whales are often a highlight too. The team explains they were almost extinct due to historical whaling, and the current recovery has been slower than humpbacks partly because of gestation timing. In plain terms, you may see southern rights as fewer than you want, but when they appear they tend to feel special because of what their recovery represents.

Blue whales are also on the radar for this region. You might not see one on every trip, but the fact that the tour explicitly targets them is useful. You go in knowing the goal is not just humpbacks and you are scanning for the full cast.

Then there are dolphins. Dolphins can turn a calm cruise into a lively one because they move quickly and often keep showing up around the boat. Even when whale sightings are the main event, dolphins tend to be the fun bonus that keeps kids and adults excited.

The 2-hour cruise in Flinders Bay: what the timing really means

You are out for about 2 hours on the water in the sheltered waters of Flinders Bay. That time window is long enough to watch behavior, not only catch a quick surface.

In the real world, whale watching is never perfectly scripted. One review mentioned the cruise ran longer than the stated 2 hours when whales kept engaging with the boat. That is a good sign: the crew is not in a rush to stop watching, which means you benefit if whales choose to put on a show.

Here is how to think about the timing for your day. A 2-hour cruise is short enough to fit into either a morning or afternoon outing, and you get back to Augusta Harbour without needing a full day commitment. It is also a smart choice if you want to do one whale tour and still have time to explore other parts of the Margaret River region later.

Also, sheltered waters matter. You are not braving open ocean conditions based on what the tour describes for Flinders Bay. If you get even mildly seasick, this setup generally gives you better odds of staying comfortable.

On board guidance: how the marine biologist and skippers shape the experience

The biggest difference between a good whale tour and a memorable one is what happens while you’re waiting. Here, the trip is structured around commentary from an on board marine biologist and stories from the skippers.

You can ask questions as much as you want, and you are encouraged to learn the history and movements of the whales rather than just look for spouts. The marine biologist teaching angle is valuable because whale behavior is nuanced. When you understand what you’re watching, the moment where a whale surfaces becomes more than a sighting, it becomes a lesson in how these animals move through their migration.

The skippers also help you read the water. The crew stories and local knowledge can help you understand why you might be cruising in one area versus another. If you are the type who likes to know what the captain is thinking, this is a nice fit.

One practical issue came up in feedback. A review noted that a central public address system would be useful since it was hard to hear commentary from the crew at times. So if audio clarity matters to you, choose your spot early and stay attentive to where the marine biologist is speaking from.

Booking value: $74 for tea, expert talk, and a free rebook if whales do not show

At $74 per person for a 2-hour guided cruise, this is priced like a serious whale watching product, not a casual sightseeing ride. The value comes from the combination of things you get, not just the view.

You get:

• guided whale watching with expert commentary
• morning or afternoon tea, including hot drinks and biscuits
• a quoted 99 percent sighting success rating
• a guarantee that if you do not see whales, you can join again for free

That free rebook guarantee changes the risk profile. Whale sightings are wildlife, so some randomness is always part of the equation. But a stated guarantee plus the high sighting rating means your money is tied to a real outcome, not only a marketing promise.

There is also a small local perk: a 10 percent meal discount at local restaurants on the day of your tour. That helps if you plan to eat in Augusta after your cruise, and it nudges this toward being a full half day experience rather than a stand-alone ticket.

What to bring and how to stay comfortable

You do not need fancy gear, but you do want to show up ready for a day on the water. The tour specifically suggests comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a reusable water bottle.

Warm clothing matters even if the day looks mild on land. Wind on the water can change the feel quickly, and you will be standing or sitting around watching for longer stretches than you might expect.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring sea sickness preventatives if required. The cruise is in sheltered waters, which helps, but it still counts as a boat outing. If you plan ahead, you keep the day focused on whales instead of nausea.

And remember the binoculars situation. The tour information says binoculars are not required because there is plenty to see. That is good for convenience. You can still bring binoculars if you love using them, but you will not feel stuck without them.

Who should book this Augusta whale watching tour

I think this is a great fit if you want a whale trip that mixes spotting with meaning. If you like learning why animals behave the way they do, the on board marine biologist component makes the experience feel richer in a practical way.

It also works well for families. The tour is family friendly and suitable for all ages, and the combination of dolphins, whale movement, and guided commentary can keep attention without turning it into a lecture.

If you have mobility needs, there is wheelchair accessibility listed. That matters because whale tours often have uneven movement on boats. You may still want to plan your boarding and where you sit for best access.

One reality check: the boat can have a lot of people. If you hate crowds or you want to move constantly for the perfect view, you may find it a bit harder. Pick your viewing spot early and accept that you will likely do more watching where you are, rather than constantly repositioning.

Should you book it

Book this tour if you want a strong chance of seeing whales without turning your schedule into a full day project. The 99 percent sighting success rating, plus the free rebook guarantee, gives you confidence that you are paying for an outcome, not just a ride.

Book it if you value guided learning, not only wildlife spotting. The marine biologist talks plus the skippers stories make it easier to understand what you’re seeing while you’re still on the water.

Pass or consider a different option if audio clarity is a deal breaker for you, or if you absolutely need lots of open space on the boat to move around. This experience is great, but it is still a shared vessel where other people will be watching right alongside you.

If you are in Augusta and you want whales with a side of real education, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the whale watching cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2 hours in Flinders Bay.

Where does the tour start?

You meet the crew at the supplier’s desk at the undercover area, Augusta Boat Harbour, Leeuwin Rd, Western Australia.

What wildlife might I see on this tour?

You may see humpback whales, southern right whales, blue whales, and dolphins.

Is there a guarantee if I do not see whales?

Yes. The tour offers a guarantee, and if you do not see whales you can join another tour for free.

Is the tour guided?

Yes. You get expert commentary from an on board marine biologist, plus stories from the skippers.

Is morning or afternoon tea included?

Yes. Morning or afternoon tea is included with a hot drink or water and biscuits.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a reusable water bottle. If you get seasick, consider sea sickness preventatives if required.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessibility is listed for this activity.

What language is the live tour guide?

The live tour guide provides commentary in English.

Can I cancel, and do I have to pay right away?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book and pay nothing today.