After a slower-than-usual start to the 2026 whale season, we're thrilled to report that Encounter Bay's first Southern Right Whale mother and calf pair have now arrived!

These gentle giants have been moving between Goolwa Beach, Middleton and the southern end of Encounter Bay over the past week, giving our guests some truly memorable encounters. Here's how the last few days has unfolded:

📅 Thursday, 16 July 2026

A very special day for the season! We were fortunate to find the first Southern Right Whale mother and calf pair to arrive in Encounter Bay. We spent time quietly observing them off Goolwa Beach, where they were happily resting and gently lolling about in the calm, sheltered waters.

📅 Sunday, 19 July 2026

AM: Our morning tour headed back in search of the pair and found them off Middleton Beach, where mum and calf were continuing to enjoy the protected waters of Encounter Bay.

PM: Later that afternoon, we encountered them again, this time having moved back towards Goolwa Beach—a great reminder that these whales can cover surprising distances throughout the day.

📅 Monday, 20 July 2026

It seems Goolwa Beach has become a favourite nursery! Our morning tour once again located the mother and calf relaxing in the calm waters off the beach, delighting everyone on board.

📅 Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Following reports from local land-based whale watchers, our afternoon tour made its way towards Miami Beach and Middleton, where we were once again rewarded with wonderful views of the now familiar mother and calf pair.

While we're still (hopefully) waiting for more Southern Right Whales to arrive, it's fantastic to see the first nursery pair now calling Encounter Bay home. Every season unfolds a little differently, and although 2026 has been a later start than average, we're hopeful more mothers and calves will continue arriving over the coming weeks.

As always, whale watching is a true wildlife experience, and no two tours are ever the same. We'll continue sharing regular updates here as new arrivals are spotted and the season gathers momentum.

Whale Log

Whale Log Update – The First Southern Right Mum & Calf Have Arrived!

The Big Duck Boat Tours

The Big Duck respect & honour the ancestors & people of the Ramindjeri lakinyeri (clan) of the Ngarrindjeri Nation; on the Yarluwar-Ruwe (lands & waters) in which we operate our tours. We actively collaborate, share, preserve culture & protect ngaitji (totems).

We acknowledge the Ramindjeri & Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the Yarluwar (waters) on which we meet & operate our tours. We pay deep respect to the past/present Elders & to all Aboriginal peoples.