Dunsborough: Whale Watching Tour & Marine Life Encounters

Summary

Humpbacks breaching near Dunsborough wild dolphins seals and sea birds

You’ll feel the ocean’s energy on this Dunsborough whale watching tour—spotting humpback whales breaching nearby, hearing local guides share stories, sipping hot tea as dolphins race alongside. Even if luck isn’t on your side with sightings, you’re invited back for free—so every trip feels like an honest adventure.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s actually like to see a humpback whale up close? I didn’t think much about it until we boarded that Naturaliste Charters boat in Dunsborough — it was August, a bit chilly but not uncomfortable, the kind of cold that wakes you up. Our guide, Sarah, handed out mugs of hot milo (which I haven’t had since I was a kid) and pointed out the first plume of spray way off near the horizon. There were maybe fifteen of us, all quietly scanning the water, trying not to jinx it by being too eager.

The first breach happened so fast I almost missed it — just this massive grey shape exploding out of nowhere. Everyone gasped at once. You could smell salt and something faintly fishy in the air, and when the wind shifted you’d catch a whiff of someone’s thermos coffee. Sarah started telling us about the migration routes — apparently these humpbacks travel thousands of kilometers between Antarctica and the warm waters up north. She knew every fact but never made it sound like a lecture. At one point she laughed when I mixed up “Southern Right” with “right whale” (honestly, who names these things?).

We also spotted a pod of bottlenose dolphins weaving around the bow — they seemed as curious about us as we were about them. Some New Zealand fur seals lounged on rocks further along; one lifted its head lazily when we drifted past. The sky kept changing from blue to cloudy and back again, which made everything look different every few minutes. There were seabirds everywhere too — I still think about how quiet everyone got whenever another whale surfaced, like nobody wanted to break whatever spell was happening out there.

I guess what surprised me most wasn’t just seeing whales (though that’s wild enough), but how much you end up noticing—the way people huddle together for warmth or lean over to share binoculars with strangers. And if you don’t see any whales? They just invite you back for another try, no fuss. That felt pretty fair to me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale watching tour from Dunsborough

• Depart from Dunsborough
• View Humpback and Southern Right Whales
• Spot dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals
• Enjoy expert marine science commentary
• Have complimentary morning or afternoon tea
• Photograph marine and ocean life
• Return to Dunsborough

Top questions

What months can you do whale watching in Dunsborough?

Dunsborough whale watching tours run from August to November each year.

Which animals can you see on this tour?

You might see humpback whales, southern right whales, blue whales (rarely), bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and sea birds.

Is morning or afternoon tea included?

Yes, complimentary morning or afternoon tea is included with coffee, tea, milo, green tea and biscuits.

What happens if no whales are sighted?

If no whales are seen during your tour, you’ll get a free return ticket valid for another day within one year (subject to availability).

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on board.

Who leads the tour?

The crew are trained in marine science and provide expert commentary throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary morning or afternoon tea with hot drinks and biscuits served on board while local marine science guides share stories and help spot whales; if weather cancels your trip or no whales appear you’ll be offered a free return tour within a year—no extra cost or hassle involved.