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Book Whale Watching Cruises in Perth
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
FIRST DEPARTUREOnboard Activities
LAST DEPARTUREOnboard Activities
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
Onboard Activities
Enjoy a 1-hour Mandurah cruise with guaranteed dolphin sightings, live commentary & special offers.
- Everything you get: Take a 1-hour cruise, spotting bottlenose dolphins and learning about the region's rich marine ecosystem from local guides. Get access to the engine room, marine controls, captain’s steering wheel & giant binoculars, and exclusive offers.
- Why choose this: Unlike typical marine tours, this cruise offers guaranteed dolphin spotting in their natural habitat. With expert guides onboard, interactive features, and exclusive discounts, the cruise combines wildlife watching, learning, and relaxation in one experience.
Enjoy a 1-hour Mandurah cruise with guaranteed dolphin sightings, live commentary & special offers.
- Everything you get: Take a 1-hour cruise, spotting bottlenose dolphins and learning about the region's rich marine ecosystem from local guides. Get access to the engine room, marine controls, captain’s steering wheel & giant binoculars, and exclusive offers.
- Why choose this: Unlike typical marine tours, this cruise offers guaranteed dolphin spotting in their natural habitat. With expert guides onboard, interactive features, and exclusive discounts, the cruise combines wildlife watching, learning, and relaxation in one experience.
Inclusions
- 1-hour Mandurah cruise
- Dolphin sightings
- Live commentary by local expert
- Friendly, expert crew
- Access to engine room, marine controls, captain’s steering wheel & giant binoculars
- Buy 1 get 1 free churros at San Churros Mandurah
- 10% discount in Mandurah Cruises Gift Store
- 10% loyalty discount for any Mandurah Cruises’ experience
- Tip: Keep an eye out for rare birds such as ospreys and black swans on your cruise.
- This experience is wheelchair and walking frame accessible.
- Your guide dog is welcome on the cruise.
- Please note that guests can purchase lunch, snacks and drinks on the cruise at an additional cost.
- The Dolphin Guarantee ensures that a guest can make a free booking within 12 months of their original tour date if they do not see any dolphins during their visit and if this is confirmed by the crew.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Itinerary
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
The Bell Tower
Swan Brewery
Kings Park
Royal Perth Yacht Club
Point Walter
The Blue Boat House
Make a day of it—cruise the Swan River and enjoy free time to explore Fremantle’s vibrant port city.
- Starting point: Perth Barrack Street Jetty, right in the heart of the city
- Everything you get: Swan River cruise (Perth–Fremantle–Perth), expert Captain’s live commentary, access to a full bar on board, and unreserved seating.
- Sights covered: Swan River’s scenic waterfront, Perth skyline, historic Fremantle port, and iconic riverside landmarks
- Why choose this: Combines a relaxing river cruise with the freedom to discover Fremantle’s cafes, museums, and harbourside charm—no rush, just pure exploration.
- Upgrades: Choose a round-trip cruise for double the river views, or add free time in Fremantle to explore the historic port city before returning.
Make a day of it—cruise the Swan River and enjoy free time to explore Fremantle’s vibrant port city.
- Starting point: Perth Barrack Street Jetty, right in the heart of the city
- Everything you get: Swan River cruise (Perth–Fremantle–Perth), expert Captain’s live commentary, access to a full bar on board, and unreserved seating.
- Sights covered: Swan River’s scenic waterfront, Perth skyline, historic Fremantle port, and iconic riverside landmarks
- Why choose this: Combines a relaxing river cruise with the freedom to discover Fremantle’s cafes, museums, and harbourside charm—no rush, just pure exploration.
- Upgrades: Choose a round-trip cruise for double the river views, or add free time in Fremantle to explore the historic port city before returning.
Inclusions
- One-way cruise from Perth
- Round-trip cruise from Perth (as per option selected)
- Captain’s commentary
- Free time in Fremantle (as per option selected)
- Tip: Keep an eye out for black swans and stingrays often seen swimming in the river.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- The one-way cruise lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, while the round-trip cruise lasts 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Both the one-way cruise and the round-trip cruise depart at 11:15am and 2:15pm.
- If you opt for the round-trip cruise + Fremantle explorer, please note that the cruise departs from Perth at 11:15am. After spending some free time in Fremantle, the return cruise departs from Fremantle at 3:45pm.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
The Bell Tower
Swan Brewery
Kings Park
Royal Perth Yacht Club
Point Walter
The Blue Boat House
Relaxing Swan River cruise from Fremantle to Perth with live captain’s commentary and city views.
- Starting point: Fremantle pier, with easy access to the Swan River cruise vessels
- Everything you get: One-way scenic river cruise to Perth (1 hr 15 mins), entertaining captain’s commentary, full bar facilities on board, and unreserved seating for a casual, social atmosphere.
- Sights covered: Perth city skyline, Black Wall Reach cliffs, Point Walter Spit, Crawley Edge Boatshed (“Blue Boat House”), upscale suburbs, and yacht clubs
- Why choose this: Effortless way to travel between Fremantle and Perth while soaking up iconic riverside sights and local stories
- Upgrades: Opt for a 2.5-hour round-trip cruise for uninterrupted views and to get dropped off back where you started.
Relaxing Swan River cruise from Fremantle to Perth with live captain’s commentary and city views.
- Starting point: Fremantle pier, with easy access to the Swan River cruise vessels
- Everything you get: One-way scenic river cruise to Perth (1 hr 15 mins), entertaining captain’s commentary, full bar facilities on board, and unreserved seating for a casual, social atmosphere.
- Sights covered: Perth city skyline, Black Wall Reach cliffs, Point Walter Spit, Crawley Edge Boatshed (“Blue Boat House”), upscale suburbs, and yacht clubs
- Why choose this: Effortless way to travel between Fremantle and Perth while soaking up iconic riverside sights and local stories
- Upgrades: Opt for a 2.5-hour round-trip cruise for uninterrupted views and to get dropped off back where you started.
Inclusions
- One-way cruise from Fremantle
- Round-trip cruise from Fremantle (as per option selected)
- Captain’s commentary commentary
- Tip: Keep an eye out for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins often seen swimming in the river.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- The one-way cruise lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, while the round-trip cruise lasts 2 hours 45 minutes.
- The one-way cruise departs at 12.45pm and 3.45pm, whereas the round-trip cruise departs at 12.45pm only.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION2 hours
FIRST DEPARTUREOnboard Activities
LAST DEPARTUREOnboard Activities
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
Onboard Activities
Sail aboard a 17-metre catamaran with full deck access, refreshments, & expert commentary.
- Starting point: Arrive at Dunsborough Boat Ramp, then hop aboard a 17-metre catamaran to cruise into the sheltered waters of Geographe Bay.
- Everything you get: 2-hour whale-watching cruise, live commentary by a marine scientist, tea & coffee, sighting guarantee (Get a free return voucher, if no whales spotted).
- Sights covered: Humpback whales in Geographe Bay, Bunker Bay, Southern Right whales, dolphins, seals.
- Why choose this: It’s more than just a cruise—see whales up close on a custom-designed vessel, with uninterrupted views and a marine scientist sharing real-time facts.
Sail aboard a 17-metre catamaran with full deck access, refreshments, & expert commentary.
- Starting point: Arrive at Dunsborough Boat Ramp, then hop aboard a 17-metre catamaran to cruise into the sheltered waters of Geographe Bay.
- Everything you get: 2-hour whale-watching cruise, live commentary by a marine scientist, tea & coffee, sighting guarantee (Get a free return voucher, if no whales spotted).
- Sights covered: Humpback whales in Geographe Bay, Bunker Bay, Southern Right whales, dolphins, seals.
- Why choose this: It’s more than just a cruise—see whales up close on a custom-designed vessel, with uninterrupted views and a marine scientist sharing real-time facts.
Inclusions
- 2-hour whale-watching cruise
- Live commentary by a marine scientist
- Tea & coffee
- Sighting guarantee (Get a free return voucher, if no whales spotted)
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- This experience is for pregnant women. However, guests with motion sickness must consult a doctor before going on this tour.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- The boat is a 17-metre catamaran with wide open decks and can accommodate a maximum of 72 people.
- The cruise departs from Dunsborough Boat Ramp.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
- Be the captain of your own eco-friendly boat, cruising through Mandurah's award-winning Ocean Marina and Venetian Canal.
- The boats are designed with a central barbecue and circular picnic table, along with eco-friendly disposable tableware perfect for socializing.
- Set sail without needing a skipper's license or prior experience while vibing to your favorite tunes on the music system.
- Marvel at luxurious waterfront homes, the bustling Indian Ocean, and the vast Peel-Harvey Estuary as you glide past Mandurah's serpentine channels.
- With 2 ticket options catering to groups of 6 and 10, this experience is perfect for a family outing or a small party. Plus you can bring your own food and drinks.
- Be the captain of your own eco-friendly boat, cruising through Mandurah's award-winning Ocean Marina and Venetian Canal.
- The boats are designed with a central barbecue and circular picnic table, along with eco-friendly disposable tableware perfect for socializing.
- Set sail without needing a skipper's license or prior experience while vibing to your favorite tunes on the music system.
- Marvel at luxurious waterfront homes, the bustling Indian Ocean, and the vast Peel-Harvey Estuary as you glide past Mandurah's serpentine channels.
- With 2 ticket options catering to groups of 6 and 10, this experience is perfect for a family outing or a small party. Plus you can bring your own food and drinks.
Inclusions
- 1.5/2-hr BBQ boat private rental (based on option selected)
- Group of 6 or 10 people (based on option selected)
- 20-min safety instruction briefing
- Charcoal barbeque (available at extra cost)
- Bluetooth speaker music system
- Disposable tableware
Exclusions
- Food & beverages
- Tip: Keep your camera handy, the Dolphin Pool inlet offers a unique chance to click pictures of playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Facilities: Parking, Space for 50L/70L ice box.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Note that the following are not allowed: tripod, flash photography.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
FIRST DEPARTURESeba's Song
LAST DEPARTURESeba's Song
1 Boarding point
Sights covered
Seba's Song
Peel-Harvey Estuary
Mandjar Bay
Kwilena Gabi Pool
See dolphins & Seba’s Song on a 2.25-hr cruise with a friendly guide & special discounts.
- Starting point: Meet at Mandurah Cruises Jetty, where you’ll meet your friendly crew and get a safety briefing before setting off.
- Everything you get: Explore Mandurah’s waterways aboSong sculpture, enjoy live narration by a marine biologist, and benefit from exclusive discounts at local shops.
- Sights covered: Enjoy views of Mandurah Estuary, Peel-Harvey Estuary, Seba’s Song, and local wildlife including dolphins and birdlife.
- Why choose this: Experience Mandurah’s waterways differently—spot dolphins, explore Seba’s Song, all while learning cool facts from your marine biologist.
See dolphins & Seba’s Song on a 2.25-hr cruise with a friendly guide & special discounts.
- Starting point: Meet at Mandurah Cruises Jetty, where you’ll meet your friendly crew and get a safety briefing before setting off.
- Everything you get: Explore Mandurah’s waterways aboSong sculpture, enjoy live narration by a marine biologist, and benefit from exclusive discounts at local shops.
- Sights covered: Enjoy views of Mandurah Estuary, Peel-Harvey Estuary, Seba’s Song, and local wildlife including dolphins and birdlife.
- Why choose this: Experience Mandurah’s waterways differently—spot dolphins, explore Seba’s Song, all while learning cool facts from your marine biologist.
Inclusions
- 2.25-hour Mandurah sightseeing cruise
- View of the 4th Giant, Seba’s Song
- Dolphin sightings
- Live commentary by marine biologist
- Friendly, expert crew
- Buy 1 get 1 free churros at San Churros Mandurah
- 10% discount in Mandurah Cruises Gift Store
- 10% loyalty discount for any Mandurah Cruises’ experience
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Please note that guests can purchase lunch, snacks and drinks on the cruise at an additional cost.
- The Dolphin Guarantee ensures that a guest can make a free booking within 12 months of their original tour date if they do not see any dolphins during their visit and if this is confirmed by the crew.
- Please note the itinerary is indicative and may be subject to change.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
PerthWhale Watching in Perth
Compare Perth whale-watching cruises: Find the one that suits you
Tour Name
Price
Departure Point
Duration
Wildlife
Commentary
Vessel & Features
Accessibility
Extras
From Mandurah: Scenic View Dolphin Cruise
From AU$42
Mandurah Cruises Jetty
1 hour
Dolphins, birds, ospreys, black swans
Live local expert
Engine room access, marine controls, giant binoculars
Yes
BOGO churros, 10% store discount, dolphin guarantee
From Perth: Swan River Scenic Cruise
From AU$45
Barrack St Jetty (Perth)
1 hr 15 min (one-way) / 2 hr 45 min (round trip)
Stingrays, black swans (occasional)
Captain's live commentary
Riverside views, relaxed deck seating, full bar
No
Free time in Fremantle (optional)
From Fremantle: Swan River Scenic Cruise
From AU$45
E Shed, Victoria Quay
1 hr 15 min (one-way) / 2 hr 45 min (round trip)
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, riverside wildlife
Captain's live commentary
Casual cruisers with indoor/outdoor seating
No
Return ride optional
From Dunsborough: Whale Watching Cruise
From AU$95
Dunsborough Boat Ramp
2 hours
Humpback whales, Southern Right whales, dolphins, seals
Marine scientist
17m catamaran with open decks
No
Whale sighting guarantee, tea & coffee
From Augusta: Whale Watching Cruise
From AU$95
Augusta Boat Harbour
2 hours
Humpback whales, Southern Right whales
Marine scientist
Open-air viewing deck
No
Whale sighting guarantee, tea & coffee
Giant & Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise
From AU$69
Mandurah Cruises Jetty
2 hr 15 min
Dolphins, estuary birds
Marine biologist
Views of Seba’s Song (Giant), Peel-Harvey Estuary
No
Churros offer, art trail, dolphin guarantee
Where to board from?
Mandurah Cruises Jetty
Located on the Mandurah waterfront, this jetty is the launch point for many dolphin and sightseeing cruises. You’ll find it just a 5-min walk from the Mandurah Train Station. From Perth, take a direct train on the Mandurah Line (~50 mins), then hop on a local bus or walk to the jetty.
Barrack Street Jetty (Perth)
This central jetty sits on the Swan River, right next to Elizabeth Quay and the Bell Tower. It’s an easy stroll from Perth CBD, and well connected by public transport. Just take any train to Elizabeth Quay Station or a Blue CAT bus to the riverfront.
E Shed, Victoria Quay (Fremantle)
Tucked inside the Fremantle port precinct, the E Shed terminal is a short 10-min walk from Fremantle Train Station. If you're driving, parking is available at the Victoria Quay car park nearby.
Dunsborough Boat Ramp
This small but scenic boat ramp on Geographe Bay is where your whale watching cruise begins. Located just 5 minutes from Dunsborough town centre, it’s best accessed by car. Free parking is available nearby, and tour staff will direct you to your vessel on arrival.
Augusta Boat Harbour
Augusta’s modern harbour is the southern gateway to Flinders Bay whale watching. It’s around a 40-minute drive south of Margaret River, with plenty of parking on-site. The harbour is clearly signposted and easy to reach by car or local taxi from Augusta town centre.
Plan your visit
Timings
Best time to visit for Whale Watching in Perth
What to bring
Accessibility
Safety guidelines
Tips
Most cruises kick off in the morning around 11am. Since most tours last just 1.5 to 2.5 hours, you’ll often be back by lunchtime. Some are one-way, others offer return trips, so double-check before you book. Morning slots fill quickly, especially during whale migration season.
Season-wise, the best time to go whale watching in Perth is from late August to mid-November. This is when Humpback Whales migrate south, often with their calves. For Blue Whale sightings, aim for April to May, especially if you're heading to Perth Canyon. Dolphins can be seen year-round, particularly on Mandurah cruises.
The best time of the day would be in the morning. The waters are calmer, visibility is better, and marine life tends to be more active. Most cruises depart in the first half of the day, which gives you the best chance of spotting whales, dolphins, and birdlife before the winds pick up in the afternoon.
Read more about the whale watching season in Perth.
- Layered clothing is key. Mornings can be chilly on the water, even if it’s sunny on land. A windbreaker or light jacket is always a smart call.
- Flat, closed-toe shoes will keep you steady on deck (and your feet warm). Skip the sandals unless it’s a super calm day.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves. Even on overcast days, the glare off the ocean can sneak up on you.
- Binoculars are optional, but if you want a close-up look at distant blows or breaching whales, bring a pair along.
- Motion sickness bands or tablets might come in handy, especially if you're unsure how you handle the swell.
- A camera or phone with a zoom lens is great but hang on tight when you're on deck.
- Water and snacks are allowed on some tours, but many boats offer tea, coffee, or refreshments onboard.
- If you’re joining a Mandurah cruise, don’t forget the perks like discounts at local stores. So carry your voucher or e-ticket.
- Lastly, bring a sense of curiosity. These tours are guided by marine biologists or local experts, so it’s a great chance to ask questions and learn something new.
- Mandurah dolphin cruises are among the most accessible options. It’s wheelchair and walking frame friendly, and guide dogs are allowed on board.
- Seating is generally first-come, first-served but crews are friendly and happy to assist where they can, especially for families or older travelers.
- Toilets are available on most vessels, though they may be compact and not suited for wheelchair users.
- Strollers/prams may not fit comfortably on smaller boats. So bring a carrier if you're traveling with toddlers.
- Parking at most departure points (like Augusta Boat Harbour and Dunsborough Ramp) is convenient and close to boarding areas.
- Always listen to the crew’s safety briefing before departure. It covers everything from life jacket locations to what to do in case of rough seas.
- Stay seated or hold the rails when moving around the deck, especially when the boat is in motion or if the water gets choppy.
- Children under 16 must be supervised at all times on most tours. This is especially important on open-deck vessels like those in Dunsborough and Augusta.
- If you're prone to seasickness, take motion sickness medication at least 30 minutes before boarding.
- Follow all instructions during sightings. Don’t crowd the railings or lean too far out, no matter how tempting the photo opportunity.
- Don’t bring large bags or gear unless specified. Space can be limited, and anything unsecured may slide around on deck.
- Book early in the season if you're after whale sightings, they’re mostly seen between August to November.
- Choose a morning tour for calmer waters, better visibility, and a higher chance of spotting active whales and dolphins.
- If you’re short on time, go for the Swan River Scenic Cruise. It's under 2 hours and still offers fantastic views and commentary.
- Stay alert during the cruise, look out for tell-tale signs like spouts or breaching in the distance, especially in calmer seas.
- Ask the crew questions. Many tours include marine biologists or expert guides who love to share facts and whale trivia.
- Don’t worry if you miss a sighting. Some tours offer a free return voucher if no whales are spotted, so check the guarantee before booking.
FAQs
What’s the best tour if I’m short on time?
Go for the Swan River Scenic Cruise from Perth, it’s just 1 hour 15 minutes and gives you great views of the city skyline. You’ll also have the option to return by ferry or explore Fremantle on your own.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially during peak whale watching season (August–November). Tours can fill up quickly, and some offer flexible cancellation, so there’s no downside to locking in your spot early.
How do I choose the right departure point?
If you're staying in Perth, Barrack Street Jetty is your most convenient option. If you’re closer to Fremantle or Mandurah, there are excellent cruises from E Shed and Mandurah Jetty.
Are there any whale sightings guarantees?
Yes! Tours from Dunsborough, Augusta, and Mandurah often include a “sighting guarantee”. This means if you don’t see whales or dolphins, you can rebook for free within 12 months.
What kind of vessel should I expect?
Expect modern catamarans and cruisers with open decks, some offering marine control room access or live commentary by marine scientists. The Dunsborough and Augusta cruises, in particular, are meant for optimal whale viewing.
Can I bring kids on board?
Absolutely. All tours are family-friendly, though kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Some boats even have interactive elements like giant binoculars and access to the steering wheel.
Will I see anything besides whales?
Yes. You’ll see dolphins, seals, seabirds, and sometimes even orcas. You’ll also catch stunning coastline views, estuaries, and local landmarks depending on your route.
Are meals or drinks included on the cruise?
Most tours offer tea, coffee, or snacks onboard, but not full meals. You can purchase food on board or grab a bite at nearby cafés before or after your cruise.
Is the cruise accessible for wheelchair users?
Only select tours like the Mandurah Dolphin Cruise are wheelchair-accessible. Swan River and Augusta cruises are not. It’s better to double-check accessibility details before booking.