Creating Lasting Memories: Kid-Friendly Whale Watching in Perth
Nestled along the stunning coastline of the Indian Ocean, Perth is not only a haven for sun-seekers but also a prime location for one of nature's most spectacular displays – whale watching. In this blog post, we will guide you through the art of making lasting memories while whale watching with your kids in Perth.
We will uncover the magic of these gentle giants, explore the educational opportunities that arise and provide you with the tools to prepare, engage and enrich your children during this remarkable experience. Whether you're a seasoned whale-watching enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, there's something in store for everyone. Let's create those lasting memories your family will treasure for years to come.
Why Whale Watching in Perth is World Class
Perth is situated along the migration route of several whale species, including humpback and southern right whales. The rich marine ecosystem of the Indian Ocean provides a fertile feeding ground for these majestic creatures. This increases the likelihood of spectacular encounters during the whale watching season.
Witnessing whales in their natural habitat provides an unparalleled opportunity for children to learn about marine biology. All our tours have a marine biologist from AQWA onboard. They’re happy to answer questions and teach your children about whale behaviours, migration patterns and the importance of preserving these majestic creatures and their ecosystems.
Whale watching is not just a time to observe whales; it's also about quality family time in a natural setting. It's a chance to break away from the digital distractions of modern life and immerse in nature. Sharing such a unique and awe-inspiring experience creates strong bonds between parents and children. The shared excitement of spotting a breach or a playful tail slap is a memory that will last a lifetime.
Preparing for the Adventure
The prime whale watching season in Perth typically runs from September to November. During this period, you're most likely to witness the majestic humpback whales and occasionally, the southern right whales as they migrate along the Western Australian coast.
To ensure a comfortable and safe whale watching experience with kids in Perth, it's important to pack essential items, including:
Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved clothing to protect against sunburn.
Warm clothing, even during the warmer months, the ocean breeze can be chilly, so it's wise to bring a light jacket or windbreaker.
Camera/Binoculars, encourage your kids to capture their own memories with a camera, smartphone or disposable binoculars with built-in cameras.
Seasickness medication, if any family members are prone to seasickness, consider bringing motion sickness medication as a precaution.
Engaging and Educating Your Kids
Engaging and educating kids about whale watching is not only fun but also a valuable learning opportunity. Get kids excited about whale watching and how to enhance their educational experience by sharing some basic information about whales and the whale watching trip.
Watching documentaries or short videos about whales can pique a child's interest and build anticipation. Platforms like YouTube have many educational and kid-friendly resources. Reading books and stories about whales can spark curiosity. Consider titles like "Big Blue Whale" by Nicola Davies or "The Snail and the Whale" by Julia Donaldson for younger children.
Encourage your kids to ask questions about the whales they're seeing. Why do they breach? How big are they? How long do they live? Foster their natural curiosity. Encourage your children to interact with our onboard AQWA marine biologists and ask any burning questions they may have.
Whale watching is a chance to immerse your children in the wonders of marine biology, ignite their passion for environmental conservation and let them appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants.