🐋 Humpbacks Breach & a Familiar Pair Returns

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📅Thursday 14 August, 2025
Our morning Southern Ocean Adventure Tour delivered two fantastic sightings — first, a Southern Right Whale mother and calf pair once again spotted off Middleton/Basham’s Beach, followed by an exhilarating encounter with two Humpback Whales breaching on our return journey. A truly unforgettable tour for all onboard!

Later in the day, we returned for our afternoon tour, where we were greeted by the same Mother and Calf pair, still leisurely cruising off Middleton Beach. Their continued presence is a strong sign that this area remains a vital and safe nursery ground.

🐋 Whale Log Update – Sorry for the Delay!

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We’ve been flat out with tours lately and haven't had a chance to update our Whale Log since Saturday — but rest assured, the whales haven’t taken a break, and neither have we! Thanks for your patience while we catch up on the incredible sightings from the past few days. Here’s what we’ve spotted… 👇

📅 Wednesday 13 August – The Streak Continues
The whales continue to impress! Today, we again observed a Mother and Calf pair off Middleton, gently loafing just behind the breakers in what’s clearly become a reliable nursery area for these majestic mammals.

📅 Tuesday 12 August – Eagle Eyes at Miami Cliffs
Acting on more land-based reports, we scanned the waters off Miami Cliffs and Middleton, where an eagle-eyed passenger spotted a distant blow around 2km offshore. Sure enough, it was another Mother and Calf, offering yet another memorable encounter.

📅 Monday 11 August – Middleton Magic
Two Mother and Calf pairs were seen cruising the waters off Middleton Beach, adding to an already incredible season of sightings.

📅 Sunday 10 August – Double Tour, Double Whales!
Both our 11am and 2pm Southern Ocean Adventure Tours encountered whales — 7 individuals spotted in total. Guided by land-based sightings, we headed east along the coast and were thrilled when a Mother and Calf surfaced just 150m from the boat. We slowed and carefully reversed back to our permitted 300m distance and quietly observed the pair — a breathtaking encounter for all onboard.

📅 Saturday 9 August – Surprise Sighting in the Coorong!
Guests aboard our sister company Spirit of the Coorong were treated to an unforgettable moment — a Southern Right Whale mother and calf sighting on the wild and windswept 90-Mile Beach. Our Coorong Wetland Tours include a short walk through the National Park to the Southern Ocean, and on this particular day, the whales were waiting for us!

🐋A Brief Glimpse...

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📅Saturday 09 August, 2025

Heading towards Miami Blvd today, we caught a fleeting glimpse— two separate blows from two different southern right whales marking their presence beneath the surface… and then, nothing. They vanished as quickly as they appeared.

An important reminder that while every tour brings the chance for magic, not every whale shows itself fully, and every encounter is different. Sometimes, it’s about appreciating the small signs and respecting their presence from a far.

🐋Almost gave up..... But then!

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📅Thursday 07 August, 2025

We went searching for whales following land-based sighting reports towards the Bluff. After scanning the seas, we had almost given-up - when suddenly a Southern Right calf was spotted tail-slapping behind the vessel. We were able to observe the mother and calf for some 20-minutes, loafing in the breakers around Kings Head.

Thursday finishes up our cruising week, with us taking the day-off on Friday’s, but what a week it has been!. Great success out on the water, seeing whales every day! Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday! Although, it is important to note we didn’t see whales on every tour, but at least every day is kept pretty exciting. Fingers crossed for some more great action out on the water this coming weekend and beyond.

🐋Two Cow & Calf Pairs!

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📅Wednesday 06 August, 2025

What a day on the water! Our Southern Ocean Adventure Tour delivered something truly special today – not one, but four Southern Right Whales!

After arriving at Pullen Island, we began cruising slowly toward the Miami Cliffs, following reports of recent whale activity. Sure enough, we spotted our first cow and calf pair. As we observed them, a second pair surfaced roughly 800 meters further toward Goolwa. Another mother and calf, cruising the coastline together.

After spending time with both pairs, we continued on with the rest of our tour, spirits high and cameras full.

Stay tuned for more updates from the ocean!

🐋 Mother & calf

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📅Tuesday 05 August, 2025
Another successful morning on the Southern ocean!

Travelling towards Miami Cliffs, a cow and calf were spotted just off Middleton Point relaxing near the surface. After peacefully observing the pair, our tour was joined by a playful pod of dolphins, adding even more excitement to the trip.

A beautiful sighting and a great reminder of why this coastline is so special.

🐋'Best Whale Action of the Season!’

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📅Sunday 03 August, 2025

Today’s whale encounter was nothing short of spectacular! After arriving at Pullen Island and slowly idling towards Middleton, it was just moments before the first Southern Right Whale was spotted - a calf breaching towards Middleton Point for all passengers to see.

The mother was identified as Captain Hook, a regular to the Encounter Bay region, and boy did her calf put on a show! The calf, full of energy, performed up to a dozen breaches, thrilling both customers and crew. The action did not stop there - we also witnessed multiple tail lifts, peck fin lips and spy hops, all from the exuberant calf.

A bit further away, we spotted a second cow and calf near Miami Cliffs, offering us a rare double encounter. This was, without a doubt, the best whale action we’ve seen this season – four Southern Right Whales in total, including two cows and their playful calves. A fantastic experience for both the crew and customers.

PHOTO CREDIT: PETER ZACH

🐋Whale Sighting Update! 3 Southern Rights

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📅Saturday 02 August, 2025

Another incredible day out on the Southern Ocean! After hearing reports of whale sightings near Middleton, we set our course in that direction. Sure enough, we spotted a cow and calf just off the Miami Cliffs – our first sighting of the day. Although they didn’t stay visible for long, the brief encounter was a thrill.

As we continued our journey, we were lucky to spot another adult whale near the breakers in front of the cliffs.

In total: three Southern Right Whales—one adult, a cow, and a calf. Another beautiful encounter with this magnificent species!

🐋Southern Right & Humpback

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📅Tuesday 29 July, 2025

We received land-based sighting reports of whales in the nursery zone off Middleton & headed down to have a look with our 11am Southern Ocean Adventure tour. Unfortunately we didn’t find anything….. So, we decided to revert back to our usual tour route & head down to the Waitpinga Cliffs.

‘Lo & Behold’ we spotted a blow ahead of the boat - a Southern Right. This Southern Right put on a show, graciously diving and showing a beautiful tail fluke.

We then saw a second Whale, this time a Humpback. We were able to watch the two species together, a rare and special encounter. An awesome experience on the water experience, and goes to show that we can see whales anywhere along the Encounter Bay coastline.

🐋🐋🐋The rule of 3

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📅Thursday 24 July, 2025

Winter whale season delivered again on this morning’s 11am Southern Ocean Adventure!

Just off Pullen Island near Miami Boulevard, we encountered three Southern Right Whales—an awe-inspiring sight. A cow-calf pair floated gently in the bay, calmly surfacing and rolling in the water. Nearby, a third adult whale cruised quietly to join the cow-calf pair, adding to the magic of the moment.

Peaceful, powerful, and absolutely unforgettable.

Three whales. One incredible encounter.

🐋 Not Today, But That’s Nature

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📅Wednesday 23 July, 2025

This morning, we received an exciting land-based report of a whale breaching off the Middleton Beach coastline. With spirits high, our crew and guests set off on the 11am Southern Ocean Adventure, venturing down the coast in search of a sighting.

Despite scanning the rolling swell and waves, no whales were spotted today.

While we don’t always find them, that’s the beauty of wildlife—it’s unpredictable, unscripted, and entirely wild. Every trip out is different, and every sighting is a special moment we don’t take for granted.

We’ll be back out again soon—eyes on the horizon!

🐋 Mother & Calf Spotted off Middleton

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📅Monday 21 July, 2025

This morning, just past Pullen Island near Middleton, our crew witnessed a serene and unforgettable moment — another Southern Right Whale mother and her calf resting quietly in the still waters. This appears to be a very new calf.

For around 25 minutes, we watched as the mother floated almost motionless while her calf stayed close, gently rolling and surfacing beside her. The calm ocean and quiet connection between the pair made it a truly beautiful moment — a chance to pause and soak in the awe of these magnificent creatures.

Eventually, they slipped into a nearby swell and drifted off, unhurried and graceful — a true privilege to witness.

The season is far from over — and if this morning is anything to go by, there’s plenty more magic ahead.

Photo Credit - LEON MEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

🐋Mother & Calf Spotted off Middleton

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📅Saturday 19 July, 2025

This morning, our crew was treated to a beautiful and peaceful encounter with a Southern Right Whale mother and her calf just past Pullen Island near Middleton.

We observed the pair loafing about for a good 20 minutes — calmly resting and gently surfacing in the still waters. The calf stayed close to mum’s side, occasionally rolling and nudging, while the mother floated almost motionless, soaking up the quiet of the morning sea. It was one of those serene moments where time seems to slow down, and you’re reminded just how special these creatures are.

After some well-earned rest, the pair gradually drifted into a nearby swell line and moved off with the rolling ocean. No rush — just the kind of graceful departure you’d expect from seasoned travellers of the sea.

Encounters like these are part of what makes the winter season so rewarding. While we don’t run dedicated whale-watching tours, we always keep a sharp lookout and prioritise sightings like this when conditions allow.

Stay tuned — the season’s far from over, and there’s no telling what other beautiful moments the whales might bring.

🐋 Whale Sighting Update – Triple the Thrill!

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📅Wednesday 16 July, 2025

What a day on the Southern Ocean! On today’s 11am Southern Ocean Adventure, guests experienced the magic of winter whale season in full force—with three whales spotted near Boomers Beach.

We encountered a Southern Right Whale Cow-Calf pair leisurely loafing in the bay, along with a third adult whale putting on a show with impressive tail slaps & pectoral fin displays.

A breathtaking experience and an unforgettable moment for all on board! 👏🐳
Three whales. One epic tour.

It’s also important to mention that while we have had great success with Whale sightings over the past week, we don’t see Whales on every tour! Even with Southern Rights arriving into Encounter Bay & Humpbacks passing through, sightings can’t be guaranteed on our tours. We love seeing these incredible mammals & a whale sighting is truly unforgettable.

🐋Whale Sighting Update – A Double Delight!

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📅Tuesday 15 July, 2025

An unforgettable afternoon on the water! On today’s 1pm Seal Island Tour, guests were treated to an incredible sighting of a Humpback Whale cruising near Seal Island—complete with spouts and surface glides.

Then, just an hour later on our 2pm Southern Ocean Adventure, a Southern Right Whale made a stunning appearance down towards West Island & the Waitpinga Cliffs!

Two different species, one epic day—winter whale season is well and truly underway! 👏🐳

🐋Excuse me, can we get through!

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📅Monday 14 July, 2025

Our very lucky crew had a Southern Right whale so close to the Causeway & Screwpile Jetty on Granite Island today that we almost couldn’t start our first tour! We had to wait until the whale had moved on before taking our vessel to our boarding location to begin the first tour of the day, making for an exciting morning!

Later on, we encountered another Southern Right Whale on tour as well, out towards West Island. Both our fingers and toes are crossed for more whales in the coming months, as whale season continues to ramp up.

🐋Southern Right and Humpback Updates

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📅Friday 11 and Sunday 13 July, 2025

Friday 11 July
A Southern Right Whale was sighted off Middleton near Miami Boulevard, just beyond the swell zone. Although conditions made viewing slightly more challenging, we were able to observe the whale surfacing several times before it moved further offshore.

Sunday 13 July
An action-packed morning near West Island! We encountered a Humpback Whale actively tail- and-fin-slapping, travelling alongside a pod of dolphins. A second Humpback surfaced nearby just minutes later. To top it off, we were treated to a rare sighting of an Ocean Sunfish basking at the surface — a real highlight for the crew and guests alike.

SUNFISH

🐋Weekend Whales

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📅Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, 2025

Saturday 5 July - A Southern Right Whale was observed moving slowly near the causeway. We maintained distance, gradually reversing away as the whale cruised toward the Bluff, making for a peaceful encounter.

Sunday 6 July - While on route to Port Elliot, a whale spout was sighted about 1km offshore. We approached at low speed and travelled alongside the whale for approximately 40 minutes as it moved toward Granite Island. The whale remained in the bay as we departed.

🐋Weekend Whales

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📅Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June, 2025

Another spectacular weekend of whale activity along the coast.

21 June – A Southern Right Whale was sighted south of West Island during our 2:00pm tour, observed giving several strong spout blows.

22 June – A group of two Humpback Whales put on an impressive display of breaching seen from a distance. Additional Humpbacks were later sighted as we made our way back toward Seal Island.

The season is well underway, with more remarkable sightings each week.