2 Hour Whale-Watching Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour
Perth, Australia
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This whale-watching cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbor gives you the chance to get out on the Indian Ocean and look for humpback whales during their yearly migration along the coast of Western Australia. Choose to self-drive and enjoy time to explore the area to enjoy family-friendly attractions on your own, such as restaurants, shops, bars, and a beach. Or, upgrade to include round-trip transfers from your Perth hotel.
- Enjoy live commentary from the onboard marine biologist
- Spot humpback whales and dolphins on the Indian Ocean
- Upgrade to include round-trip transport from your Perth hotel
- Free time to explore Hillarys' shops, eateries, and attractions
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Transport by air-conditioned coach (if option selected)
- 2-hour whale-watching cruise
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Additional activities at Hillarys
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Depending on the option selected when booking, your Hillarys experience starts with pickup in Perth for the 15-mile (25-km) drive north of the city to Hillarys Boat Harbour, which boasts a prime location on the Indian Ocean. If you do not select the transport option, you must make your own way to and from Hillarys.
When you arrive at this popular family destination, enjoy its array of family-friendly attractions during free time before your whale-watching cruise departs. There are many ways to keep yourself and your kids entertained, from open-air restaurants to shopping, waterslides, a beach, a playground, and much more (all food and activities are at your own expense).
Head to the south side of Hillarys in time to catch your whale-watching tour, which coincides with the annual whale migration along the coast of Western Australia. Set off across the ocean, keeping your eyes peeled for humpback whales and other marine life like dolphins. Your cruise returns to Hillarys in the early afternoon and return transport to Perth in the early evening (if option selected).
When you arrive at this popular family destination, enjoy its array of family-friendly attractions during free time before your whale-watching cruise departs. There are many ways to keep yourself and your kids entertained, from open-air restaurants to shopping, waterslides, a beach, a playground, and much more (all food and activities are at your own expense).
Head to the south side of Hillarys in time to catch your whale-watching tour, which coincides with the annual whale migration along the coast of Western Australia. Set off across the ocean, keeping your eyes peeled for humpback whales and other marine life like dolphins. Your cruise returns to Hillarys in the early afternoon and return transport to Perth in the early evening (if option selected).
1
Hillarys Boat Harbour
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Rottnest Fast Ferries - Day Tours
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- It is recommended that you bring a swimsuit and other appropriate swimming needs if you wish to take advantage of Hillarys' additional attractions such as the waterslides or beach (own expense)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.1
based on 57 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Judith_H, Nov 2025
Even though we were at the end of the season the crew still put us on a pod of whales.
The marine biologist onboard was absolutely brilliant. Incredibly knowledgeable. The crew were really friendly and helpful.
Jody_B, Nov 2025
Our tour actually stayed out an extra half hour because there was a lot of whale activity. So nice they have that flexibility. Boat ride was a little rough, but expected. Once we were out and seeing activity they opened up the outside decks. There were quite a few people on this tour, but it didn’t seem overly crowded. I was able to get to a railing and get some great pictures. The pick up and drop off in Perth went smoothly too.
Glen_S, Nov 2025
Awesome experience saw lots of whales well worth it. Seeing the whales awesome and the crew and staff were amazing.
s_w, Nov 2025
Staff goes all the way out to help us see the whales! Also shared lots of marine biology knowledge which was very interesting.
Do prep for sea sickness because even seemingly calm seas can rock the ferry quite a bit!
Andrew_M, Nov 2025
Bring warm clothing and don't have a massive breakfast. Was a good experience. And there were heaps of whales to see put on a show.
Umer, Oct 2025
On time start and finish, good commentary, friendly staff.
A good experience made great through professional and friendly staff.
Phyllis_G, Oct 2025
Educational expertise on the whales.
Friendly and helpful crew. Bar and amenities satisfactory. Plenty of opportunities for seeing the whales.
Gillian_Y, Oct 2025
The staff were amazing 🤩 But the weather was so rough many people were very sea sick.
Try to book in a day the weather isn’t choppy.
Lawrence_O, Oct 2025
They do not communicate the pickup time until after the pickup time for the tour. We tried to contact this vendor TWICE days earlier to confirm pickup time and NEVER received any response until AFTER the pickup time. This is a shell game by Viator to collect fees but not ensure any service.
Nikki_C, Oct 2025
Boat suitable and big enough for the trip.
Would have been better if sighting of whales were considered for everyone on board and not just aiming for views from everyone to see from front of boat.
We followed one pod but would have been too to move in and see others.
Jenae_K, Oct 2025
Whale watching was super cool! The lady speaking that studied marine biology was super knowledgeable and helpful. Was a really cool experience to see the beautiful sea animals even some dolphins too!
Also very easy to navigate around & simple process
Christina_N, Sep 2025
Had a great close encounter with the gentle giant of the sea. Friendly staff. its worth to see the whales.
Keith_T, Sep 2025
The trip was most enjoyable. Vessel was modern & fast , crew were very personable and we did indeed find some whales ! 😎👏👏👍
Sue_D, Sep 2025
Amazing trip & so lucky with our sightings, crew were very professional & contributed to the experience.
Layla_A, Sep 2025
It was lovely and nicely organised. We eventually saw few whales, but they are really shy and probably the noise from our boat did not help.
Susan_M, Sep 2025
For the start of the whale watching session, we were lucky to get 5 sightings in the distance and then a sightings unclosed ( a goodbye).
STANLEY_T, Aug 2025
Since it was first day of the season we were not able to spot any whales. The crew members tried their best. However this company was professional enough to let us re-book for another date without any additional charges. Overall the arrangement was good and would recommend trying with them.
Daryl_H, Nov 2024
great trip would go a little earlier next time as whales were near end of migration in wa but still amazing seeing the whales thanks
Bernadette_M, Nov 2024
Nice day out on the water. Migrating whales are hard to find, but we did see a couple of mom-calf pods. Naturalist provided good explanations of observed behaviors. Captain was respectful of the whales, did not approach too closely or stay with a single pod too long.
Joseph_N, Nov 2024
Saw lots of whale activity, great guides and plenty of time to stop and watch close up!
However, the boat was a lot bigger than expected and you have to compete with others for good views.
Main problem though was the meeting instructions! So unclear through Viator, you need to collect tickets from Rottnest Fast Ferries but they don’t tell you this!! They give you a random address for meeting point that is in the middle of the car park?
SaravanaPrabhu_R, Oct 2024
Excellent and worth for money.Must do activity. Seen lot of whales breaches back flips .We have visited in 18 October 2024.
Rachel_M, Sep 2024
Seeing 3 different species of whales. The humpbacks came so close to the boat! They even tapped the side with their tale, incredible!
Deborah_A, Jun 2024
Sharing with my dear friend an experience of a life time the crew were great helping me with my mobility issues and my four wheeled walker. Everybody should see these beautiful creatures as nature intended
Andrew_M, Nov 2023
The guide was well informed and helped us to identify where the whales were and what their actions meant. Seeing the whales themselves was a very profound experience.
Debra_H, Oct 2023
Fantastic time saw some whales and visited the Aquarium. Would recommend this tour and how easy to book.
Mark_M, Oct 2023
Our clients are very happy after saw whales 🐋 😄 so lovely whales 🐋 😊 awesome ferry as big boat.lots of relaxing .. love it
Jarrod_R, Sep 2023
The Boat Skipper and crew were very helpful. The Mother and calf Humpback were amazing as they put on a fantabulous show for us.
GhulamMubashar_H, Sep 2023
It was all good except Parking. Lucky to got it on time otherwise we would have missed the boat. Overall whale watching experience was amazing.
AnneSally_L, Sep 2023
nothing memorable as my head was buried in the bag throughout the journey. The nausea was hopeless. All 4 of us on the vessel experienced extreme nausea.
Pritinder_K, Oct 2022
Fabulous trip - especially enjoyed having a knowledgeable marine biologist on board. So many whales and amazing to see them frolic just metres away!
From $55.53
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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2 Hour Whale-Watching Cruise from Hillarys Boat Harbour
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