Every day we set out onto the water, we’re reminded of how deeply connected we are to the natural world.
This reality has shaped our mission: to run our family business in a way that leaves the smallest possible footprint while inspiring our guests to see the wonder of the ocean and take steps to protect it.amazing guide team
When people fall in love with nature, they want to protect it. And that’s the change we’re here to create.
Katie Trepess, Co-Founder
Inspiring Through Encounters
There’s nothing quite like the feeling when a whale breaches alongside the boat and the deck fills with gasps and cheers. You don’t need to explain why protecting the ocean matters, people can feel it.
Our amazing guide team is made up of marine biologists and passionate marine conservationists. They weave the science into the story, sharing how Antarctic krill sustain humpback whales and why avoiding krill oil products is one of the simplest, most powerful ways guests can help.
These conversations often spark change. Guests don’t just leave with photos, but with knowledge and practical steps they can share with friends and family. If seeing up-close how majestic whales are inspires someone to recycle more, avoid single-use plastics, or make more sustainable choices, then we’ve done our job.
How We Operate at Sea
We take pride in running an eco-friendly operation.
Every part of the way we run our vessels has been carefully considered, from the hydrofoil technology that improves fuel economy to the regular hull cleaning that reduces drag. Our skippers are focused on efficiency, tracking their fuel use daily to ensure we are doing everything possible to reduce emissions.
We have zero overboard discharge. All liquid waste is contained and pumped out at harbour facilities, and all guest waste is recycled. We encourage and remind our guests to bring reusable water bottles and even our cleaning products are biodegradable.
Our crew are part of the solution too. They carry nets to scoop rubbish from the water whenever it appears, and they treat fuel efficiency and environmental care as part of their everyday routine.
Those guys are passionate about whales and the environment. A hat went overboard, and the Captain made sure to go back and get it. Didn’t want to leave anything behind.
TripAdvisor Review, May 28 2025
A Crew of Environmental Warriors
What makes us most proud is our people. Every member of our crew is passionate about the environment, both at sea and in their own lives. Some are researchers studying kelp, seagrass, or platypus colonies. Others are students and activists dedicating their time to marine science and conservation. By supporting them in their work, we know we are contributing to a healthier planet well beyond our tours.
More Than a Tour
For us, whale watching is more than providing incredible wildlife encounters. It’s about education, awareness, and action. Every guest who steps off our boat with a little more knowledge and a lot more love for the whales and the ocean helps us move closer to our vision of a sustainable future.
We’ve recently been recognised as a Quality Tourism Accredited business in Sustainable Tourism. This is an exciting milestone for us as a family-run business. It shows our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences while staying true to our mission of protecting the ocean. Rob Trepess, Co-Founder
Proud to Support Sea Shepherd Australia
Whale Tales is proud to support Sea Shepherd Australia and its ongoing work to protect marine wildlife and the oceans we all depend on.
Our $1,200 contribution during the 2025–26 financial year helps support vital conservation campaigns, from protecting Antarctic ecosystems to giving vulnerable Australian sea lion pups a better chance at survival.
As a whale-watching business, we believe protecting marine life goes hand in hand with sharing the wonder of the ocean. We’re grateful to support the people working every day to defend it.
For the ocean, and the wildlife that calls it home.
