10-NIGHT WHALES & TAILS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA CRUISE

Explore Western Australia’s marine wildlife on the 10-night Whales & Tails expedition aboard Coral Geographer. Discover whale migrations, Ningaloo Reef and remote coastal wilderness by small ship.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA AT ITS WILDEST

Some cruises are about destinations but not this 10-Night Whales & Tails of Western Australiat Cruise.

This one is about movement.

The migration of humpback whales along the Western Australian coastline.
The shifting ecosystems of Ningaloo Reef.
Sea lions hauled across empty islands.
Dolphins carving through the wake at sunrise.

The 10-night Whales & Tails expedition aboard Coral Geographer follows one of the most wildlife-rich stretches of ocean anywhere in Australia — and does it the way expedition cruising should be done:
slowly, quietly and with remarkably few people around you.

No floating theme park.
No crowded whale-watching boats.
No rushing between ports.

Just small ship exploration through one of the planet’s great marine environments.

This Isn't A Whale Watching Cruise

That phrase undersells it badly.

Because while humpback whales are absolutely central to the experience, this expedition is really about Western Australia’s entire coastal ecosystem:

Ningaloo Reef
Shark Bay
remote islands
marine sanctuaries
coral systems
seabird colonies
and the immense migration routes threading along the Coral Coast

And the beauty of doing this by expedition ship is that wildlife encounters stop feeling scheduled.

You don’t rush out for a two-hour boat tour.

You live inside the environment for ten days.

Which changes everything.

The Humpback Migration - Nature On An Absurd Scale

Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the Western Australian coastline in one of the largest marine movements on Earth.

And seeing that from a small expedition ship is difficult to overstate properly.

Some days it’s distant breaches on the horizon.
Other days whales surface beside the ship unexpectedly, their scale almost impossible to process at close range.

The experience feels less like tourism and more like temporarily entering an active wildlife corridor.

And because the expedition unfolds over multiple days rather than isolated excursions, encounters often feel calmer, more natural and infinitely less commercialised than standard whale watching operations.

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Ningaloo Reef Without The Resort Crowd

Then comes Ningaloo Reef.

One of the world’s great reef systems — and somehow still vastly less developed than many international reef destinations.

Which is part of its charm.

Exploring Ningaloo aboard Coral Geographer feels refreshingly disconnected from mass tourism:

remote snorkelling sites
quiet anchorages
marine wildlife encounters
reef exploration without the infrastructure overload

And because guest numbers onboard remain small, excursions feel personal rather than processed.

Exactly how reef exploration should feel.

Why Coral Geographer Works So Well For This Cruise

Coral Geographer hits a very specific sweet spot.

Large enough to feel comfortable on longer coastal voyages.
Small enough to access remote anchorages and expedition locations properly.

Purpose-built for Australian expedition cruising, the ship combines:

expansive open decks
multiple observation areas
Zodiac operations
expert expedition teams
and a relaxed onboard atmosphere that suits this style of travel perfectly

And on wildlife-focused itineraries, those open decks become the centre of everything.

Coffee in hand.
Whales somewhere off the bow.
Nobody in a hurry.

2026 - WHALES & TAILS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (10 NIGHTS)

FREMANTLE to FREMANTLE on the CORAL GEOGRAPHER

Please see the dates and prices below for the Coral Geographer, which are always subject to change without notice. For live availability, call us on 1300 799 758,

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VIEW ALL KIMBERLEY CRUISES

2027 - WHALES & TAILS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (10 NIGHTS)

FREMANTLE to FREMANTLE on the CORAL GEOGRAPHER

Please see the dates and prices below for the Coral Geographer, which are always subject to change without notice. For live availability, call us on 1300 799 758,

VIEW MAP

VIEW ALL KIMBERLEY CRUISES

The Coastline Between The Headlines

One of the best parts of this expedition is the coastline itself.

Not just the famous names.

The empty stretches in between.

Western Australia’s Coral Coast feels enormous from the water:

ochre cliffs
turquoise bays
remote beaches
islands scattered offshore like forgotten outposts

You spend long periods without another ship in sight.

And increasingly, that kind of quiet feels like luxury in its own right.

The Ship Experience - Life Onboard

Life onboard settles into a remarkably easy rhythm.

Morning wildlife sightings from the deck.
Expedition excursions through the day.
Long lunches while the coastline drifts past outside.
Evening briefings and conversations over drinks as the ship repositions overnight.

The atmosphere onboard is distinctly expedition-focused:

relaxed
social without being intrusive
outdoors-oriented
and refreshingly free of cruise ship theatrics

No casinos.
No production shows.
No synthetic “fun.”

Just people who genuinely enjoy travel, wildlife and being somewhere extraordinary.

Who This Expedtion Cruise Is Really For

This voyage is ideal for travellers who:

love marine wildlife
prefer smaller ships
enjoy nature and photography
value experience over entertainment
want a quieter, more immersive style of cruising

It’s particularly good for:

wildlife enthusiasts
photographers
repeat cruisers looking for something less mainstream
travellers who have already “done” traditional cruising

Itinerary -10 Night Whales & Tails of Western Australia Cruise

Day 1: Depart Fremantle | Walyalup

Arrive at Fremantle Berth C for boarding at 4:00pm, with time to settle into your stateroom. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard. As dusk falls join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.

Rottnest Island | Wadjemup

Meet the Whadjuk Noongar people, who have been on this land for over 30,000 years and join a guided walk to learn about seasonal life, culture, and welcome ceremony. Join a guided walk on the Wadjemup Bidi trails. Whale-watching hotspots on this stop include Cape Vlamingh and West End (conditions permitting).

Eagle Bay

Enjoy flexible exploration of Eagle Bay with two full days to walk Cape-to-Cape trail, with several opportunities to walk short, medium and long trails. In the afternoon, relax with sunset drinks as we cruise past Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

Optional Extra: Whale-watching charter from Dunsborough (additional cost) offers closer and additional encounters.

Sea Day

Unwind after busy days ashore with time to relax on deck or in your stateroom. Join guest lectures from regional experts, enjoy a hosted wine tasting, and watch for whales from the ship as we cruise along the coast. Evenings bring good company, fine food, and the chance to slow down.

Albany | Kinjarling

Discover Western Australia’s oldest colonial town, rich with Minang Noongar heritage and maritime history. Learn how whaling shaped Albany’s past, then in free time explore bicentenary exhibitions, galleries, and cultural events. Stroll through wildflower displays and uncover stories linking land, sea, and community.

Point Ann & Whalebone Point

Walk the Point Ann Heritage Trail, or hike Mamang Trail and watch for whales from ashore and Xplorer tenders. Southern right whales are known to frequent in the area due to the sheltered bay. Enjoy snorkelling or kayak if conditions allow.

Cheynes Beach

Cheynes Beach is another hub for southern right whales, as well as various other marine species from early winter to late spring. Here, learn about groundbreaking whale migration research and the Mirnong Maat tagging project. On land, search for rare birdlife like the elusive noisy scrub-bird and join a coastal walk into the Arpenteur Nature Reserve.

Augusta

Wander beneath towering karri trees, the third tallest in the world on a guided loop walk through the Boranup Forest. During Kambarang, the ‘season of rebirth’, the forest bursts to life with wildflowers.

Busselton | Undalup

As one of Western Australia’s oldest settlements, Busselton is a hub for food, wines and spirits. Ride the small train or walk the iconic 1.8km jetty, explore heritage trails, art, and markets, or enjoy local produce at a cafe. With free time to wander, discover a vibrant coastal hub rich in culture and history.

Day 11: Arrive Fremantle | Walyalup

This morning we arrive into the Port of Fremantle, C Berth, at 7:00am before disembarking at 8:00am. Post-cruise transfers will be provided to Perth Airport and CBD hotels in Fremantle and Perth.

Call BlueSun Travel - Australia's Leading Expedition Cruise Specialists

While The Kimberley Gets All The Headlines

Wildlife-focused expedition cruising is heavily shaped by timing.

Migration windows matter.
Seasonality matters.
Departure selection matters.

BlueSun Cruises helps travellers navigate:

the best wildlife periods
cabin categories
itinerary differences
flight logistics
pre and post-cruise planning

More importantly, we’ll give you realistic advice about what this expedition is actually like — not simply brochure marketing. We've been doing it for nearly 30 years, which is why we are viewed as Australia's most award-nominatead, leading small ship expedition cruise specialist.

Request live availability and best cabin options for upcoming departures.

Call us now for live availability for upcoming 8-night departures: 1300 799 758

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Whales & Tails of Western Australia cruise?

The 10-night Whales & Tails expedition is a small ship voyage exploring Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Ningaloo Reef and marine wildlife regions aboard Coral Geographer.

The itinerary focuses heavily on whale migration activity, marine ecosystems and coastal exploration.

What whales might I see on this cruise?

Humpback whales are the primary focus during migration season.

Depending on conditions and timing, other marine wildlife encounters may also occur throughout the voyage.

Is this cruise only for whale lovers?

Not at all.

While whale encounters are a major highlight, the expedition also includes:

reef systems
island exploration
marine wildlife
coastal scenery
Zodiac excursions
and the broader Coral Coast experience

Do I need to snorkel?

No.

Snorkelling opportunities may be available, but many guests simply enjoy wildlife viewing, expedition excursions and the overall coastal experience.

How many guests are onboard Coral Geographer?

Coral Geographer carries approximately 120 guests, creating a much more personal expedition atmosphere than traditional large cruise ships.

Is this suitable for first-time expedition cruisers?

Yes — especially for travellers interested in wildlife, photography and nature-based travel experiences.

The relaxed pace and coastal scenery make it a very approachable expedition style.

Why do these cruises sell out early?

Wildlife-focused departures often attract strong repeat demand, and expedition capacity along Western Australia’s coastline remains relatively limited.

Preferred cabin categories can disappear well in advance.

Western Australia’s Greatest Wildlife Show Happens Offshore

Not in stadiums.
Not behind fences.
And definitely not from crowded tour boats.

This expedition places you directly inside one of Australia’s great marine migrations — slowly enough to actually experience it properly.

👉 Request live availability and best cabin options for upcoming Whales & Tails departures aboard Coral Geographer.

Top West Australian & New Zealand Coral Expeditions Cruises

As a quick guide, here is a list of the top Coral Expeditions cruises:

KIMBERLEY	View here: Kimberley cruise departure dates
RAJA AMPAT & SPICE ISLANDS	View here: Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands
PAPUA NEW GUINEA	View here: PNG Cruises
	* 12-night Frontier Lands cruise
	* 12-night Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea
	* 14-night Passage Through the Melanesian Arc
GREAT BARRIER REEF	View here: Great Barrier Reef
THE GREAT BIGHT	View here: Australia's South cruises
NEW ZEALAND	View here: New Zealand cruises
	* 8-night New Zealand Sounds & Stewart Island cruise
	* 10-night South Islands & Fiordland Cruise
AUSTRALIA'S WEST COAST	View here: Australia's West Coast Cruises
	* 12-night Abrolhos Islands Coral Coast Cruise
	* 10-night Whales & Tails of Western Australia
	* 6-night Short Coastal Adventures of Western Australia
TASMANIA EXPEDITIONS	View here: Tasmania Cruises
CAPE YORK & ARNHEIM LAND	View here: Cape York & Arnheim Land cruises

For more information on our 10-Night Whales & Tails of Western Australiat Cruise or get the latest prices and availability

Call 1300 799 758 now.

Available to chat - 7 days a week!