About Naturaliste Charters
Naturaliste Charters is the longest-running whale watching company in Western Australia's South West, operating eco-certified tours from three departure points across the Margaret River region — Dunsborough, Augusta, and Busselton. With over two decades of experience on these waters, they've built an unmatched understanding of local whale behaviour and migration patterns, translating into some of the highest sighting success rates in the country.
Their tour calendar follows the seasonal whale migrations: humpback and southern right whales from May through December, with blue whales — the largest animals on Earth — visible in the Perth Canyon from February to April. Daily departures run at 10am and 2pm, with sunset tours added from mid-September through November. Beyond whale watching, Naturaliste Charters offers wildlife cruises spotting dolphins, fur seals, sea lions, and seabirds along the dramatic Cape Naturaliste coastline. All tours are led by qualified marine biologists and experienced skippers.
What sets Naturaliste Charters apart is their genuine commitment to marine conservation and research. They actively contribute sighting data to scientific studies, and their onboard naturalists provide educational commentary that goes well beyond entertainment. The vessels are purpose-built for viewing comfort with wide decks and elevated platforms. For anyone visiting the Margaret River region during whale season, this is hands-down the most reputable operator on the water.
