The Best Ways to Have a Successful Dunsborough Whale Watching Trip

This beautiful coastal town is located in the famous Margaret River region. In addition to being a place where two oceans converge, Dunsborough is the ideal place to see Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales as they migrate north.

It might be exciting to go watch and observe some of the biggest animals on Earth. Making the most of your trip can be accomplished by being ready for your whale watch and understanding what to anticipate. To make the most of your experience, follow these tips.

8 Tips for a Great Whale Watching Dunsborough

To help you get the most out of your cruise, here are some of our best whale-watching suggestions:

Select a Reputable Company to Book Your Travel

It can be a thrilling experience to go whale watching. It may also be a protracted, costly trip, particularly if you have kids. If you’re going whale watching Dunsborough, spend some time investigating the tour companies to ensure a successful and enjoyable trip.

Observe the company’s instructions on the time to come for boat boarding. Make sure you come early enough to queue up for tickets and board the aircraft. Rushing around at the onset makes for a too frenetic start to your day; whale watching Dunsborough should be a joyful, peaceful activity.

Check the Marine Forecast and Weather

Maybe you enjoy adventure and think that sailing across choppy waters while getting splashed by waves will be fun. While most crew and captains don’t get seasick, whale watch operators won’t set sail if the seas are dangerous.

You should probably go Dunsborough whale watching on the calmest day possible if you’re unsure about the stormy waves or whether you’ll become seasick. For more information about the conditions on the sea, check both the marine forecast and the weather. You probably won’t have a smooth cruise if heavy winds or rough waves are in the forecast.

Explore the Sightings

Due to the fact that whales are wild animals, sightings are never actually assured. Some firms “guarantee” sightings, although this usually only means that if no whales are spotted, they’ll give you a free ticket to come back another day.

To find out what species have been close recently and how many whales have been spotted, you might want to look into the most recent sightings in the region.

This information is available on the websites of numerous businesses. Check the website of any local whale research organisations, if there are any, since they would be better able to provide an unbiased report of recent sightings.

Enjoy the entire experience rather than concentrating on how many whales you have seen or what they are up to or not doing. Get everything in. Watch the birds and all the other aquatic creatures you encounter while travelling, and take in the fresh ocean air’s aroma.

Prepare for the Trip

Keep in mind that the temperature can be 10-15 degrees lower on the water and that it may rain while you’re travelling. If there is even the remotest possibility of rain in the forecast, it is best to dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes with rubber soles, and pack a rain jacket.

Make sure you cover up with plenty of sunblocks and a windproof hat. When out on the water, it’s always an excellent idea to use an eyeglass lanyard if you wear glasses. You don’t want to take a chance with your glasses going overboard.

Consider Using Motion Sickness Medication

​​Consider taking motion sickness medication if you are unsure of how you will respond to ocean motion. If you’re feeling under the weather, several-hour whale watches can seem like an eternity. To avoid falling asleep the entire voyage, take motion sickness medication before getting on the boat (often 30 to 60 minutes prior). Make sure to choose the non-drowsy variety.

Take Your Camera

Take a camera so you can capture the moment. Additionally, ensure that you have plenty of batteries and a clean memory card or film in case the sightings are amazing.

Especially if the business is adhering to whale watch regulations that require they view whales from a distance, keep in mind that the common point-and-shoot camera might not have the speed and magnification required to acquire the greatest photographs.

A 200-300mm lens on a 35mm camera offers the most zoom and steadiness for whale viewing. Don’t forget to take some amusing photos of you and your family engaging with the crew or the naturalist while the ocean is in the background.

Pack the Right Equipment

The outside decks are always the greatest area to see whales. We strongly advise layering your clothing and having waterproof gear in order to maximise your comfort during whale watching.

We always recommend being ready for any weather because the whales will show up in good or bad weather. You may always stay warm by relaxing in one of our heated cabins or sipping on a hot beverage.

Always Be Patient

The majority of the time, whale activity is unpredictable, but if you understand a particular whale’s behaviour, you can better predict what it will do next. Being patient is key because the humpback whales we encounter typically rest for 3 to 8 minutes. The whales typically reappear the moment you decide to return to the cabin.

Keep an eye out for which direction the whale was travelling when you last saw it and make note of it. Selecting a viewing point and remaining there will pay off since the captain will manoeuvre the boat so that each side of the boat receives the finest sights. The captain and aboard naturalists will also contribute by offering their guesses for the whale’s next location.

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