Sunset Whale Watch, No Swim

Two and a half to three hour sunset whale watching cruise from Exmouth (not a swim) with pickup available; recent reviews mention humpbacks and a manta.

Overview

This evening cruise out of Exmouth goes in search of humpback whales resting in the Exmouth Gulf, timed so the sunset forms a backdrop to the watching. From early August to November, adult whales and calves pause in the gulf before continuing their migration down the West Coast toward Antarctica, and the boat heads out among them. It runs between two and a half and three hours aboard Latitude 22, a vessel with multiple viewing platforms and a PA system for the guide's commentary.

The format is watch-only: no swimming, snorkeling or diving is allowed, and touching marine life is off limits. Instead, passengers eat while they look. The crew serves gourmet platters of cheese, cold meats, breads and homemade dips, plus canapes and locally caught, sustainably fished Exmouth prawns. Filtered water, cordial, teas and premium coffee are provided, and there is an ice box for anyone bringing their own drinks, including alcohol, which is neither sold nor supplied on board.

A guide gives commentary on the whales, the area and other wildlife spotted along the way, and an onboard photographer takes pictures that passengers can access online afterwards at no extra charge. Transfers to and from accommodation are included but seats are limited, so early booking is wise. The tour suits travellers who want whales and a sunset without getting in the water, and one reviewer called it a highlight of their trip to Exmouth.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupA complimentary transfer service runs to and from accommodation, but seats are limited. Booking ahead is recommended to secure a place.
2. Meet at the jettyPark in the carpark in front of the Exmouth Game Fishing Club and wait at the top of the jetty for an Ocean Eco Adventures guide to check you in. Follow the interim road and whale watching signs, as the end of Madaffari Drive is under construction.
3. Board Latitude 22Walk down to the luxury vessel, which has multiple viewing platforms and a PA system.
4. Cruise the Exmouth GulfThe cruise runs two and a half to three hours, searching for humpback whales while a guide gives commentary on the whales, the area and wildlife seen en route.
5. Eat and drink on boardGourmet platters, canapes and Exmouth prawns are served, with water, cordial, teas and coffee included. An ice box is available for BYO drinks.
6. Sunset viewingThe cruise is timed around the sunset over the Exmouth Gulf.
7. Return and transfer backThe boat returns to the jetty and the transfer service drops passengers back at their accommodation.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points make the evening smoother, from what to wear to how the photos work.

• What to bring. The listing recommends a hat, camera, sunscreen, jacket and a reusable water bottle. High-heeled shoes are not allowed on board.
• No swimming. This is a watching cruise only. Swimming, snorkeling, diving and fishing are all prohibited, as is touching marine life, so travellers wanting to get in the water need a different tour.
• Food and drink. Platters of cheese, cold meats, breads and dips, plus canapes and Exmouth prawns, are all included, and several reviewers described the food as plentiful and tasty. Alcohol is neither sold nor provided, but BYO is welcome and an ice box with glassware is supplied.
• Photos included. An onboard photographer shoots the cruise, and the images are free to access online afterwards. One reviewer was grateful for the whale photos they received, so there is no need to watch the whales only through a viewfinder.
• Whale sightings vary. Several reviewers reported seeing plenty of whales. One noted the crew said sightings were lower than usual on their night.
• Book the transfer early. The complimentary bus transfer has limited seats, and the listing advises booking in advance to get one. Without it, travellers make their own way to the jetty meeting point near the Exmouth Game Fishing Club.

Common issues. One reviewer was told by the crew that whales were fewer than normal that evening, though they still saw some. The cruise only operates from early August to November, and smoking, vaping and drones are all banned on board. Transfer seats are limited, so late bookers may need to arrange their own transport to the jetty. Construction at the end of Madaffari Drive currently requires following a temporary road and fencing to reach the floating jetty.

Choosing A Tour