Southern Right Whales
Gentle, endangered and mammoth in size weighing in at 80-90 ton
Tragically their name was coined because they were very inquisitive and occupied waters close to the beach to give birth to their young so they were the right whale to hunt in the southern ocean and a favourite amongst whalers.
Today they still approach vessels to investigate and are still the gentle giants of the ocean but thankfully are now a protected species. Southern Right Whales will give birth and nurture their young extremely close to the coastline using the shallow waters and the surf break noise to mask the communications between mother and calf. This sound footprint is utilised by most cetaceans as a way to protect their young from predation.
Southern Right Whale Migration
The waters of Flinders Bay are a nursery ground for this endangered species as mothers come to raise the next generation each year.
Recovering after many years of extensive whaling the Southern Right Whale population in Australia only numbers between three to four and thousand individuals. The good news is that the population is growing by about six percent every year with females having one precious calf every three to four years on average. The nursery grounds found in Flinders Bay, Augusta are a vital part of the future of this species and a fantastic location to meet these gentle giants.
Similar to the Humpback Whale migration, the Southern Right Whales will travel north during the winter before returning back south in the late spring to waters off Antarctica to feed during the summer months. Due to their immense size of 16-18 meters in length and 80 tons in weigh these impressive whales don’t need to migrate as far north when in search of suitable nursery grounds. Their blubber reserve is up to thirty centimetres thick so keeps them well insulated and not in need of tropical waters during the winter. Our research is to continue adding to our catalogue of the Southern Right Whales who visit Augusta each year and document the frequency of calf birthing rates amongst the female population to monitor their recovery.
How to Prepare For Your Experience
- We recommend taking motion sickness medication the night prior and on the morning of your tour if you are susceptible. (Please consult your Doctor)
- Book your seats prior to travel recommended
- Warm jacket in all weather conditions is advisable.
- Tours are weather dependent so when possible be flexible in planning your travel date.
- Personal camera if required (Professional photographer is onboard).
Departure Time is 10:00am & 2:00pm Daily
- Augusta Boat Harbour, Leeuwin Road, Augusta
- Please check departure pickup points and times.
- Please arrive 30 mins prior to departure time
- Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to departure.
- Boarding Gate closes 5 minutes prior to departure (No Exceptions)
- Child 10 – 17 years, Infant 0-4 FREE
- Concession 65+ years, Military, Police, SES, Fire, Ambulance personnel
- *PLEASE NOTE: 7.30am TOUR IS GROUP OFFER WITH A MINIMUM GROUP SIZE OF 10 ADULTS per booking
