Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes we do. Please contact our office to discuss the specific requirements of your travel companion so we are able to give them the most out of their day.

No. It is advised if you are prone to seasickness to take tablets before boarding.

Yes. There is a toilet on board.

Our sound system and microphone on board is new and a beaut! You will not miss out on the amazing commentary provided by our skipper. If you happen to miss something important, do let the crew know. They are well versed in all things about our ocean creatures. We also have a hydrophone on board usually used on our whale cruises.

We provide comfortable cushioned seating on all our cruises. You have the option to sit in full shade in 3 areas of the boat or out the front on the bow in the sunshine. For guests who have concerns climbing a ladder to access the top viewing deck and seating area, downstairs offers a full walk around platform with 2 viewing areas and comfy seating for you to consider.

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.

Sunglasses, hat, drink bottle. Wear shoes that come off easily, thongs or sandals are suitable too.

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. Please let us know if you have any food allergies, we will do our best to make sure you are well looked after. For any other requests please contact us to discuss options. 

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.

Unfortunately, there is no room for a stroller on board.

Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access on board or at the beach.  We have had a number of people with various physical limitations able to access our cruises. If you require specific support on the day, please contact us to discuss options.

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.

Humpback whales.

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.

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.

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!

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.

• 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

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

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.

Mornings are generally the best part of the day to spot marine life in Roebuck Bay. 

No. We only travel within Roebuck Bay on the eco dolphin cruises.