Whale season kicks off!

There’s a particular kind of thrill that comes with being out on the water on a crisp winter morning. The salt air is fresh, the sea birds wheel overhead, and the boat hums gently beneath your feet as it cuts across the water. Eyes scan the horizon. You feel it in the air — that buzz of anticipation, the sense that at any moment, something incredible might surface. Everyone on deck waits for those tell-tail signs of a whale – a blow, a fluke or a breach.

Ten days into our whale season and we have sighted humpback whales on all but one cruise. With 42 whales sighted so far, we have the highest number of whales by mid June of all previous. years. Whilst we have an 80% guarantee of seeing whales on our cruises during their migration season, they are wild animals, and finding them involves a few key factors.

We have very experienced captains and crew on board, and an extensive network of whale spotters on land. Despite their massive size (up to 16 metres long), humpback whales can sometimes be hard to find, and everyone’s help on board is also crucial!

These whales move with surprising grace; they use their huge, wing-like pectoral fins — the longest of any whale species — to steer and roll, and their powerful tails to propel themselves through the water. They can swim at speeds up to 8 km/h during migration but often slow down to rest, socialise or feed along the way.

Humpbacks typically surface every 5 to 15 minutes to breathe, though they can hold their breath for over 30 minutes if needed. Most humpbacks travel solo or in pairs, but they sometimes form temporary pods of up to 15 whales, especially around feeding grounds or when courting. They’re also incredibly active and curious — known for breaching (leaping out of the water), tail slapping, and waving their enormous fins.

Winter is the prime time to see whales in Bass Strait, and our cruises are designed to bring you as close to the action as possible — safely and respectfully. Alongside whales, you might also spot common dolphins, Australian fur seals, and seabirds like shy albatrosses and gannets.

So rug up, bring your camera, and join us for a truly unforgettable experience on the water!

Bookings are open now at Wildlife Coast Cruises. We’ll see you on deck!