FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL BOAT QUESTIONS
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Orcaella is a 50foot catamaran. It is surveyed to carry 46 passengers; however, we limit numbers depending on the cruise you have booked.
Whale Cruises: Approximately 38 passengers
Eco Dolphin Cruises: Approximately 38 passengers
Aboriginal Cultural Cruise: Approximately 20 passengers
Private Charters: Approximately 40 passengers
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No. It is advised if you are prone to seasickness to take tablets before boarding.
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Yes. There is a toilet on board.
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We provide comfortable cushioned seating on all our cruises. You have the option to sit in full shade in 2 areas of the boat or out the front on the bow in the sunshine.
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As Broome does not have a marina for boarding passengers, Broome Whale Watching uses an amphibious transfer vessel that loads passengers from the beach. Some level of agility is required when boarding. If you are unsure about boarding the two vessels, please contact us to discuss options or suitability of these tours.
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Sunglasses, hat, drink bottle. Wear shoes that come off easily, thongs or sandals are suitable too.
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We at Broome Whale Watching are all about our guests so we do our very best to meet the dietary needs of our passengers. We can easily accommodate for gluten free, vegetarians, vegans. For any other requests please contact us to discuss options.
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Yes. There is shade on the back deck and top deck of the vessel. The front of the boat is in sun for most parts of the year.
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Unfortunately, there is no room for a stroller on board.
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Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access on board. If you require specific support on the day, please contact us to discuss options.
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Broome Whale Watching reserves the right to cancel or postpone cruises due to weather, unforeseen circumstances or insufficient passenger numbers. Should we need to cancel, you will be offered an alternative departure time or issued a full refund. We kindly request a minimum of 48 hours notice of cancellation of reservations made for two or less guests. No refund will be given to customers if less than 48 hours notice of withdrawal is received. No-shows will be charged the full price. Refunds will be received through the same payment method as the original booking. Please review our terms and conditions for more details on COVID 19 related cancellations.
WHALE QUESTIONS
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Humpback whales.
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No, it is usually based on weather conditions. During the months of July- end of August, the afternoon conditions are ideal for whale watching cruises off Cable Beach. On occasions, we offer morning cruises when the Indian Ocean is suitable for boat activities.
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Broome has very calm conditions, however, at times it can be windy. Please contact us closer to your travel date if you are worried about the weather conditions.
Generally, most whale interactions are within 6 nautical miles of the coast.
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We expect over 35,000 whales each year, so the short answer is: plenty, for most part of the season! At the beginning and end of the whale watching season in Broome (late June and early September), whale numbers are less. We can see anywhere from 2 whales to 20 in one day!
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Based on previous years of experience (but not guaranteed) – Usually from late August till mid-September. Mothers and calves aren’t always to keen to come up close to the boat. On days, when they do, it is a real treat.
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- Customer Service and an informative commentary
- Experience & Success of sightings
- Deck space where you can see all around the boat and especially ahead of the boat.
- Time spent spotting and interacting with whales
- Protection from the sun
- Respectful whale interactions where welfare of marine life is considered paramount
- Noise of boat motors and the eco friendliness of the vessel
DOLPHIN QUESTIONS
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Snubfin Dolphins are the main specie of dolphin we search for on our eco dolphin cruises. Quite often we will also spot bottlenose dolphins in Roebuck Bay. We have had occasional sightings of Australian Humpback dolphins
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There are no guarantees of seeing dugongs. Dugongs are known to be elusive creatures. With the vast seagrass meadows in Roebuck Bay there is however a good chance of seeing them. You have got to be quick at spotting them though. At times, they will casually swim past and give you a good look at them.
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Mornings are generally the best part of the day to spot marine life in Roebuck Bay.
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No. We only travel within Roebuck Bay on the eco dolphin cruises.
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If you do not see a whale or snubfin dolphin on our Broome Whale Watching cruises, you are able to come back out again on the next available cruise. Vouchers are given out to each customer and the validity is extended over 12 months. Vouchers can be redeemed by family or friends as well.
In the unlikely event you do not see a whale or dolphin on your second cruise, you are welcome to keep coming back until you do.

