Have you ever dreamed of enjoying a nature tour exploring the diverse wildlife experiences across Western Australia?
Or delving and diving amongst the paradise of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. All whilst helping nature through conservation. Well, now you can.
Become a citizen scientist during an oceanic tour run by expert guides. Be it a wild whale expedition to discovering water life snorkelling above untouched corals and with hundreds of species of tropical fish. These six immersive adventures, where nature meets the nurture of our natural planet, offer breathtaking experiences of Western Australia and Australia’s Indian Ocean Islands that you’ll never forget.
Naturaliste Charters
Naturaliste Charters has run spectacular eco-adventures in southwest Western Australia for over 20 years. The team is actively engaged with scientific projects that improve the environment. With innovative nature tour programs, you can be part of exploring the waters and meeting some of the ocean’s rarest and most spectacular creatures.
Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition
The Bremer Canyon has become one of the most sought-after whale watching expeditions across the globe, with over 100 Killer Whales (Orcas) returning to the submarine canyon each year. From January to late April, it’s the only place in Australia where you can regularly encounter Killer Whales in the wild.
Naturaliste Charter’s long-range expedition vessel is purpose-built for the Southern Ocean. Departing Bremer Bay, an expert crew take guests into the Killer Whale’s remote world, 60 kilometres off the coast. It’s here a submarine canyon, positioned at the edge of the Australian continental shelf, supports one of the most astonishing collections of marine life anywhere on the planet.
On board, expert marine biologists share information about the Killer Whales in their natural habitat, along with other facts about the local marine ecology. Bottlenose, Striped and Common Dolphins, Long-finned Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales, Australian Sea-lions, Giant Squid, Oceanic Sunfish and even rare beaked whale species often make an appearance.
From Humpbacks to Dwarf Minke – Whale Watching in season
Naturaliste Charters also offer shorter yet equally thrilling 2-hour whale-watching adventures along the pristine coastlines of Augusta or Dunsborough. This provides the picture-perfect backdrop to observe Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Dwarf Minke Whales and to spot the largest creature on earth, the Blue Whale.
From mid-May to late August, Humpback Whales make their way north as part of their annual migration. This is the time that male whales compete for the attention of females by putting on a boisterous show. This part of Western Australia is a critical calving area for the endangered Southern Right Whale in July and August, acting as a safe resting stop before they migrate to the feeding grounds in Antarctica in the Spring. From September to late November, expect to see the great whales with many calves in tow. This is the perfect opportunity to spot massive Blue Whales in the calm waters of Geographe Bay.
Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo
Heading north along Western Australia’s coastline, World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef Marine Park is one of the world’s largest and most magnificent fringing coral reefs ripe for a nature tour. This intricate reef system stretches for more than 260 kilometres and offers beautiful secluded sandy beaches. As the region’s original eco-tourism operation, Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo has been taking guests to experience the aquatic treasures of Ningaloo Reef for more than 20 years. They specialises in small group tours to swim with Whale Sharks or Humpback Whales plus scuba diving and snorkelling.
Deluxe Whaleshark Swim
Ningaloo Reef’s unique ecosystem attracts hundreds of Whale Sharks with its coral reef system. It’s here whale sharks gather en masse to take advantage of an abundance of naturally occurring food.
On a Deluxe Whaleshark Swim, spend the day with one of the world’s leading Whale Shark teams who use light aircraft to fly overhead to direct the team to the locations of the Whale Sharks for the best opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures in the wild. A fully qualified crew will then take you on a safe swim with these gentle giants. You’ll be awestruck by their size and beauty.
An onboard marine biologist shares their expert knowledge of the Whale Sharks, their typical behaviours and feeding patterns. Meanwhile guests are often entertained by Bottlenose and Australian Humpback Dolphins.
Humpback Whale Swim
A staggering 30,000 west coast Humpback Whales migrate to the Ningaloo region after their long journey from the Antarctic each season. On this nature tour, start with a snorkel on the reef surrounded by unique tropical fish, rays, turtles and corals. Then, under the careful watch of expert guides, swim with Humpback Whales. You will be mesmerised by the whale song and close-up views of these majestic creatures. Using a unique sea vessel that has special permission to approach Humpback Whales within 50 metres, small groups of only seven along with a guide can frolic in the whale’s natural habitat. To be with such a gentle giant in an unforgettable close encounter is a once in a lifetime experience not to miss.
Indian Ocean Experiences
Indian Ocean Experiences have been offering expertly guided land experiences across Christmas Island since 2011. Their tours are centred around sustainability and conservation. From witnessing the Christmas Island Red Crab Migration to viewing some of the rarest seabirds on the planet. Or swim amongst 30,000 Green and Hawksbill Turtles that call the azure waters of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands lagoon home. This region is world-renowned by nature lovers and for a good reason.
Christmas Island Ultimate Wildlife
This 7-night inclusive package features a range of tours designed to immerse you in Christmas Island’s incredible landscapes, history, culture, and wildlife. Christmas Island’s geographic isolation and minimal human disturbance have produced an astonishing level of biodiversity. Leading to the label the ‘Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’. Discover Jurassic style rainforests, jagged cliffs, coral beaches, and pristine tropical reefs. Christmas Island boasts 88 species of coral and 650 fish. And such is recognised as one of Australia’s premier dive sites.
For the diving enthusiasts
Explore stunning coral gardens, diverse marine life, incredible vistas and welcoming locals – all things that Christmas & Cocos (Keeling) Islands offer in abundance. Whilst the islands share many similarities – the dive experience is entirely different on each island. So combining Dive Cocos (Keeling) Islands with Dive Christmas Island into a 14-night inclusive package is one for diving enthusiasts.
Christmas Island has over 60 dive sites and is regarded as one of Australia’s best diving regions. It offers sensational visibility of up to 50 metres showcasing an abundant fish life. With surgeonfish, wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, groupers, parrotfish and reef sharks, and dolphins and turtles. Meanwhile, the clear waters of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are famous for their corals, including delicate Gorgonian Fans. And with regular visits from friendly Manta Rays and dolphins. The islands are home to an incredible 30,000 Green and Hawksbill Turtles that glide through the azure blue waters.
Australian Wildlife Journeys
Australian Wildlife Journeys is a collective of 13 independently operated wildlife tourism operators across Australia. Their focus is experiencing wildlife in the wild, supporting the responsible travel movement, supporting local and regional communities, and creating a better future for Australia’s wildlife through conservation actions and nature tours.
This article was produced with content supplied by Australian Wildlife Journeys and is a Signature Luxury Travel & Style digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter.
