19/08/2026
Give Whales Space – Safe Whale Watching in the Dampier Archipelago
We’ve been lucky enough to have had some amazing humpback whale encounters in the Dampier Archipelago recently. Seeing these incredible animals in their natural environment and sharing the experience with our guests is pretty special.
Fortunately, most boaties do the right thing and give whales the space and respect they deserve.
However, we’ve also been saddened to see some boaters doing the wrong thing - including a boat travelling at speed directly towards a whale and calf resting on the surface, stopping extremely close to them, having a look, then speeding away.
While it might seem exciting to get close, this can disturb, stress and potentially put whales and calves at risk.
🐋 Keep Your Distance
Stay at least 100m from the side of a whale and 300m from its front or rear.
Slow down and keep an appropriate distance.
Never chase, cut off or block a whale’s path.
Give whales space to move naturally.
If a whale changes direction or behaviour because of your boat, you’re too close.
The best whale encounter is one where the whale doesn’t even know you’re there.
Let’s enjoy these amazing humpbacks while giving them the space and respect they deserve.
Enjoy the encounter, but let the whale decide the distance.