Albany Whale Watching
Your guide to Whale Watching in Albany
Western Australia’s oldest town plays host to the Humpback & Southern Right migration every year from late May to early October. It is a magnet for West Australians and both national and international visitors. There are fantastic beaches and Capes to discover but most visitors come for the annual Humpback & Southern Right Whale migration. King George Sound is a resting area for the southern migration of the Humpback Whale and the calving grounds of the Southern Right Whale and an incredible natural harbour for our much loved Western Australian Whales.
Whale Watching Season in Albany
The whale watching southern migration season in Albany begins in late May every year and is available until early October. The season changes slightly with different activity levels and as the Humpback migration passes through King George Sound while the Southern Right Whales start to depart the area in October with their calves.
Late May – Early October
The epic southern Humpback migration reaches a peak during this time as the Humpback Whales arrive in King George Sound on their way to the warmer waters of the Kimberly’s to calve. During this time of year we can sight much activity amongst the Humpbacks. Our Southern Right Whales come into the Sound to calve in colder waters due to an increased blubber layer and their anatomy is more designed to shorter migration routes. They are twice the size in weight of a Humpback and one of the most inquisitive of Cetaceans. You will be delighted with their behaviours including intimate mother & calf interactions as the new generation is taught the Language of the Whales™.
The Experience
Whale Watch Western Australia has teamed up with Albany Whale Tours to offer guest a completely different Whale Watch experience aboard Sail-a-Way, a 42 seat luxury, quiet catamaran with excellent low to water viewing platforms and low motor noise (or none at all under sail).
Perfect for families and all age groups, come and see some of the very best the Great Southern has to offer.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of King George Sound you will experience a peaceful and dramatic environment from the very place whaling commenced and thankfully finished in 1978.
The same water space that our Anzac legends departed our shores in the World War and Western Australia’s oldest town, steeped in history awaits you on this exhilarating experience.
Boarding is from the very modern Albany Waterfront Marina with 5 star accommodations and excellent coffee shops close by the marina.
There is so much more to Whale Watching in Albany, Join the Pod today and experience something very special.
Whale Species in Albany
King George Sound in Albany 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 water space. 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. There is also the possibility each season on rare occasions to discover the Southern Right Whales interacting with Dolphins in the shallow waters which is an incredible sight.
Southern Right Whales
The nursery grounds located in King George Sound 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 Albany waters. Meeting one of these magnificent whales is a privilege and very special encounters can be had as curious juveniles and calves approach our vessel to interact with everyone onboard.
Humpback Whales
The acrobatic, 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 tm. During the spring months they are migrating back towards the feeding grounds of Antarctica with their new generation of calves. We sight such intimate behaviour on the southern migration in Dunsborough as all age groups, both male and female, young and old, congregate for a quick rest and to socialise before they continue their journey south.
Getting to Albany
Albany is a 4 hour drive south from the city of Perth, Western Australia. The best way to travel to Albany is with our Day Tour luxury bus with beautiful scenery and comfortable roads throughout the journey. Should you choose to drive yourself the journey is an easy drive from Perth. The TransWA bus also departs from Perth to Albany regularly throughout the week should public transport be a suitable option for your travel plans. Rex Airlines also flies ex Perth to Albany daily.
Weather in Albany
The peak whale watching season in Albany is during the Australian winter months with an average temperature of 18°C. We advise dressing warmly and it is recommended to dress to conditions. The Sail Boat is quiet and comfortable with secure seating. Weather conditions during winter can be pleasant with sunny days and clear, crisp conditions perfect for whale watching. We do recommend if possible allowing flexibility in your itinerary so you have the option of transferring your tour should there be better weather conditions during your time in the region.
What to do in Albany
After joining your whale watch experience and seeing the beautiful King George Sound it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Albany. You can visit the National Anzac Centre which pays tribute to those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today, journey out to the historic whale museum and learn more about the whaling years that decimated the whale numbers right up until 1978 when it finally and thankfully closed, enjoy a beer at WA’s oldest pub, beachcomb & BBQ along some of the beautiful beaches or get some photography opportunities at Marine Drive Lookout. You can hit the surf at Middle Beach or visit Emu Point for some delicious Fish & Chips, Albany is one of the best places in the world to discover.
