Whale watching season is upon us once again!
There’s something awe-inspiring about watching those huge creatures migrating over our beautiful oceans—and we want to help you witness the glorious sight for yourself.
Southern Right whales return to SA’s shoreline from June until September, so here are the best places to catch a glimpse of the ocean giants (which are mammals, not fish)!
Victor Harbor, Fleurieu Peninsula
Only an hour drive from Adelaide, Victor Harbor is one of the most convenient and lovely places to see the whales.
Head on down to The Bluff or Encounter Bay to see the whales, along with seals, sea lions and dolphins! You can also try watching from Port Elliot and Middleton.
Need a little guidance? The Big Duck Boat Tours offer a Winter Whale Watching tour and will take you past all the good watching spots, saving you the hard work.
Kangaroo Island
One of South Australia’s prettiest holiday spots also happens to be home to some of the best whale watching areas! Visit Penneshaw, the outskirts of Kingscote, or Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to catch a glimpse.
Kangaroo Island is half an hour away from Adelaide by plane or a two-hour drive and ferry trip from Adelaide (maybe you’ll even spot whales on the way there!).
You can also join a tour hosted by Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari that’ll take you to the best whale watching places while you sit back and relax!
Eyre Peninsula
Keen for a road trip? The Eyre Peninsula is an hour and a half plane trip from Adelaide or for more of an adventure, it’s an eight-hour drive from Adelaide. If you opt for the drive, you can stop along the way and check out some of the largest, most amazing silo art in South Australia on your way there!
Once you arrive, your first stop should be the Head of Blight viewing platform, where you can watch a variety of whales migrate along the coast. Gorgeous!
Looking for something even more spectacular? Consider taking a scentic flight with Chinta Air—the views are sure to blow you away, so hold on tight!
Fowler’s Bay, Eyre Peninsula
During winter each year, for the months of July, August and September, South Australia’s Fowlers Bay lights up with the magical presence of the Southern Right Whale.
Join Rod and Simone, from EP Cruises, onboard their 50ft passenger vessel “Asherah” for an up close and personal experience amongst these gentle giants of the deep.
Departing daily from the Fowlers Bay Jetty, each tour lasts approximately two hours and includes possible sightings and up close interactions with Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, Australian Sea Lions and Long Nosed Fur Seals, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Albatross, Little Penguins, Cliffs and so much more!
Sunrise and sunset guided kayak tours are also available at this time
Recognised as a Southern Right Whale Aggregation Area and small nursing area – Fowlers Bay is a truely magnificent sight to see in Winter.
Bookings are essential. Find out more details here.
Whale Spotting Updates
Want to know where the latest whales have been spotted? This website is regularly updated to keep you in the loop!
https://www.sawhalecentre.com.au/whale-sightings/sightings-log/