Watch whales, spot snubbies

Spot a snubbie or get up close with a breathtaking humpback whale with Broome Whale Watching.

For many years, the acrobatic displays of humpback whales and their incredible migration to the Kimberley had been kept a secret… until Broome Whale Watching was established in 2007.

For researchers and conservationists, Camden Sound Marine Park, located 400km north of Broome, has primarily been the leading regional focus — known as the ‘maternity ward’ or ‘humpback nursery’. From late June to early September, close to 30,000 whales embark on a long journey from Antarctica. Searching for warmer waters and an ideal place to mate, give birth and socialise, humpback whales spend their winter holidays in Broome each year.

In the early days, little information had been shared about the astonishing playful whales right on our state’s doorstep. Cameron Birch, owner and skipper of Broome Whale Watching, spent the last

20 years exploring WA’s coast. He was committed to sharing and developing this amazingly accessible marine experience with the community, building a new tourism industry in Broome.

Having worked in Coral Bay along the Ningaloo Reef in the early 2000s, Cameron encountered numerous whales. “I was keen to investigate where these friendly giants were going next on their great journey,” says Cameron.

His curiosity coincided with the purchase of Sentosa Fishing Charters in 2007. With a fresh start in Broome, Cameron hit the ground running and discovered an incredible surprise — WA is home to the world’s largest group of humpback whales. It was time to introduce the Kimberley’s first whale watching vessel, Observer.

In 2008, Observer, a purpose-built whale watching vessel, was put to work offering whale watching and sunset experiences three times per week. Broome Whale Watching has evolved from this fast-paced adrenaline hit aboard, Observer, to a modern firstclass personalised service on the newly acquired Orcaella, a 50-foot catamaran. With breathtaking views from the top deck, guests are wowed in more ways than one. Whale watching and sunset cruises are now offered daily between the months of late June until early September. It’s no surprise that Broome Whale Watching has been voted the number one boat experience in Broome on TripAdvisor, for the past five years, a real highlight of any visit to the region.

Not only is Broome the destination for whale watching, it is also the home to our rare Australian snubfin dolphin. With his love for marine life, Cameron recognised some time ago, another unique opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of this amazing destination, Broome. The rare Australian snubfin dolphin is another hidden gem, found in Roebuck Bay.

“Only seen in the northern coasts of Australia, these strange looking dolphins with a melon shaped head form tight-knit social groups,” says Cameron. “They’re playful but at times shy and are a real favourite among our guests.”

“With its incredibly diverse ecosystem, Roebuck Bay is also a sanctuary for numerous marine life from bottlenose dolphins, turtles and dugongs to manta rays, sea snakes and juvenile leopard sharks,” explains Cameron. “It is a nature lover’s playground giving spectators opportunities to spot Broome’s spectacular wildlife.”

Recently, Broome Whale Watching introduced a new 42-foot vessel, Zenysis to its fleet; available for small group exclusive charters of up to 14 people, with catering options from canapes through to an exclusive onboard chef experience. Whether it is a day trip to Eco Beach, an afternoon sunset whale watch or an intimate private dinner cruise for small groups, Zenysis is an ideal choice for exclusive charter hire for any special occasion.

Providing wildlife interactions and unforgettable sunset cruises is just one aspect of a Broome Whale Watching experience. “As an ecotourism company, we do our absolute best to educate guests about our environment, contribute to local conservation efforts and helping local communities,” says Cameron.

“Working closely with Animal Native Rescue: Broome has given our guests and staff an opportunity to aid in the rehabilitation of turtles and be involved in their subsequent release into the wild.”

Broome Whale Watching has developed a holistic approach to ecotourism in the region.

“We believe this approach will leave a positive lasting impression for future generations to safeguard the whales and dolphins and protect our backyard,” says Cameron. Book online at visitbroome.com.au/members/ broome-whale-watching-charters