If you ask for recommendations for top things to do in Broome, you can bet “Whale Watching” will be something everyone mentions!
We’ve put together a guide to whale watching in and around Broome, so you can learn about when whale watching is in Broome and the different whale charters offered.
What Whales Can You See in Broome?
As home to the largest population of humpback whales, the Kimberley is notorious for its world-class whale watching.
These ocean giants can grow up to 16 metres long and weigh a staggering 45 tonnes!
Viewing humpback whales up close truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that your entire family will remember forever.
As migratory animals, humpback whales journey up to the warmer Indian Ocean waters from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic. They migrate to mate and calve mainly during July, August, and September.
Visitors may also be lucky enough to spot Blue Whales or Southern Right Whales during whale season in Broome.
What Is Whale-Watching Season in Broome?
What is the best time for whale watching in Broome?
This is a great question, and we hear it often.
The Whale watching season can vary by several weeks each year. The whale watching season in Broome is typically considered to be June to September. Occasionally, the whale season extends into early October.
Beginning around January each year, around 60,000 humpback whales head out of the frigid Antarctica waters and venture thousands of kilometres over several months.
Around 35,000 of these whales travel through Broome from June to September each year, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to witness these astounding creatures in their natural habitat.
If catching a glimpse of one of these massive, majestic creatures is at the top of your holiday list, you’ll want to schedule your Broome visit sometime during the height of humpback whale activity. This typically occurs between July and September.
The whale watching season in Broome coincides with the beautiful weather of the dry season, which happens to be the best time to visit Broome.
Where to Whale Watch Along the Broome Coast
While a whale-watching charter offers your best chance of spotting a humpback whale, there are certain areas along the Broome coast where you may be able to spot whales.
Occasionally, beachgoers are lucky enough to see a humpback whale slapping its tail or breaching not far from shore.
If you’re hoping to see a humpback whale from shore, you may want to try heading to Roebuck Bay or finding a good overlook set high above the ocean.
Tips for Spotting Humpback Whales
Whether you are trying to whale watch from shore or head out on a charter, here are some tips for spotting humpback whales:
- On calm days, watch for disturbances or any breaks in the surface of the water
- Keep an eye out for vertical spray (also known as a whale’s spout) which occurs when the whale exhales at the surface
- Watch and listen for big splashes — this most likely indicates a whale breach!
- Find a spot with a higher elevation to give you a better vantage point
- Notice several boats stopped in one spot? Keep watching them — they may have spotted a whale!
- Consider heading out to whale watch in the later afternoon hours when there is less glare from the sun
Areas with deeper water offer your best chance of seeing a whale breach. To get enough momentum to launch their enormous bodies out of the water, they need plenty of depth.
Types of Broome Whale Watching Tours
There is a wide range of excellent whale-watching charters in Broome, which we’ll cover below.
Or, you can view this free guide to whale-watching tours in Broome from the Broome Visitor Centre to learn more.
Karma IV Whale-Watching Charters
We highly recommend Karma IV Whale Watching Charters for a unique chance to view humpback whales up close.
With a spacious, luxurious setup, multiple shaded decks, an assortment of ice-cold beverages and snacks, and a friendly, knowledgeable crew, the Karma tour is a spectacular experience all around.
They even offer guaranteed whale sightings or your money back! Book a 4-hour sunset whale-watching cruise with them and make your Broome holiday a trip your family will remember forever.
Absolute Ocean Charters
With over 3 decades of experience exploring the pristine Broome waters, Absolute Ocean Charters offers a family-friendly whale-watching cruise.
With a large shaded deck and plenty of room onboard to roam, their cruise offers comfort and relaxation in one.
As the only charter operating with a marine biologist on board, you’ll learn interesting facts about humpback whales and get a chance to satisfy your curiosity about these awe-inspiring creatures.
With free children’s activities on all of their tours, this is an extremely family-friendly option.
Their whale-watching cruises also include:
- An assortment of hot and cold appetisers
- Beverages and cocktails
- Comfortable daybeds for lounging
- Complimentary sunscreen.
- Complimentary return transfer service — with air conditioning!
- A state-of-the-art hydrophone for a chance to hear the whales singing to each other
- Options for an afternoon cruise or sunset cruise
- Guaranteed whale sightings or your money back!
Broome Whale Watching
Broome Whale Watching, an award-winning marine tourism operator, offers a ½ day sunset cruise and the chance to see humpback whales up close.
With over two decades of experience, their qualified, friendly crew offers a truly memorable experience for the entire family.
Board the “Orcaella”, a custom 50-foot catamaran, and get ready to view humpback whales and a variety of marine wildlife.
Their interactive whale-watching tour includes:
- Delicious canapes and fruit
- Coffee and tea
- Licenced Bar or BYO welcome (no red wine, bottle spirits, or homemade drinks are permitted)
- A hydrophone to listen to the whales singing to each other
- A fun, free whale workshop for kids
Broome Tours Sunset Whale Watching Cruises
Broome Tours offers sunset whale watching cruises aboard the‘Ballena’. With a friendly crew, spectacular sunset views, and the unique chance to cool off in the boom net when conditions permit, this tour is an amazing option to consider.
Their relaxing 3-hour sunset cruise includes:
- Courtesy bus transfers to and from your accommodation so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of transportation
- Complimentary bite-size canapés and a fruit platter
- A fully serviced floating cocktail bar
- Boom net swimming, conditions permitting, between April and early October
What to Bring on Whale-Watching Charters in Broome
If you’re heading out on a whale-watching charter in Broome, you may be wondering what to bring along.
Most whale-watching charters have a list of items to bring, but here are some general ideas:
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing (including a lightweight jacket)
- Sun hat
- Comfortable footwear
- Sun protection
The ability to bring your snacks, water bottles, or beverages depends on the charter. Some charters allow carry-ons, while others do not. Be sure to check the policy of the specific whale-watching charter you book.
Have More Questions About Whale Watching in Broome?
If you have more questions about whale watching in Broome or want more ideas for what to do in Broome, please feel free to reach out to our friendly team! We love sharing holiday ideas to make sure your Broome getaway is unforgettable.
