About Us | Ocean Encounters - Whale Watching Tours

Our Story

Ocean Encounters was born in 2005 from a shared passion for marine wildlife and a deep commitment to conservation. Founders Emily Thornton and Michael Collins, marine biologists who met while conducting research at the University of Melbourne, witnessed the growing interest in whale watching but were concerned about the impact of mass tourism on these magnificent creatures.

What began as a small operation with a single vessel and a handful of dedicated guides has grown into Melbourne's premier whale watching experience. Our early days were marked by challenges – unpredictable weather, skepticism about sustainable tourism practices, and establishing reliable whale spotting routes. However, our unwavering dedication to marine conservation and educational tourism helped us persevere.

A pivotal moment came in 2011 when we documented a previously unrecorded southern right whale nursing ground near Port Phillip Heads. This discovery not only contributed valuable data to the scientific community but also solidified our reputation as experts in local marine ecosystems. Since then, we've expanded our fleet, refined our approach, and welcomed thousands of visitors from around the world to witness the majesty of whales in their natural habitat.

Today, Ocean Encounters stands as a beacon of responsible ecotourism, having won multiple awards for our conservation efforts and educational programs. Our growth reflects our commitment to sharing the wonder of the ocean while ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

At Ocean Encounters, we strive to create transformative whale watching experiences that inspire conservation action. We aim to foster a deep appreciation for marine life through educational adventures that adhere to the highest standards of ethical wildlife observation.

We're committed to contributing to scientific research, supporting local conservation initiatives, and promoting awareness about the challenges facing our oceans. Through our tours, we seek to create ambassadors for marine protection who will carry forward the message of preservation.

Our Core Values

Respect for Wildlife: We maintain safe distances, limit vessel noise, and follow strict guidelines to minimize our impact on whale behavior.
Environmental Stewardship: We operate low-emission vessels, practice zero waste policies, and actively participate in marine conservation projects.
Education: We believe knowledge is the foundation of conservation. Our tours emphasize learning about marine ecosystems and whale biology.
Scientific Contribution: We collect valuable data during our expeditions and collaborate with research institutions to advance understanding of whale populations.
Community Engagement: We support local initiatives and provide educational opportunities for schools and community groups.

Our Sustainability Commitment

We recognize that as operators in a sensitive marine environment, we have a responsibility to lead by example. Our sustainability initiatives include:

Carbon-neutral operations through offsets and investment in renewable energy
Plastic-free tours with reusable or compostable materials only
Marine debris collection during every expedition
Annual financial contributions to whale research and habitat protection
Community education programs reaching over 5,000 students annually

We're proud to be certified by Ecotourism Australia as an Advanced Ecotourism operator, reflecting our commitment to sustainable practices.

Meet Our Team

Our passionate experts who make your whale watching experience extraordinary

Dr. Emily Thornton

Co-Founder & Marine Biologist

With a Ph.D. in Marine Mammalogy from the University of Queensland, Emily has dedicated over 20 years to studying cetacean behavior. Her research on humpback whale communication has been published in leading scientific journals, and she frequently consults with conservation organizations worldwide. Emily leads our research initiatives and designs our educational programs.

Michael Collins

Co-Founder & Head of Operations

A former naval officer with extensive maritime experience, Michael oversees our fleet operations and safety protocols. His intimate knowledge of local waters and weather patterns ensures optimal whale spotting conditions for every tour. Michael's passion for ocean conservation was sparked during his naval career, when he witnessed the impact of pollution on marine ecosystems firsthand.

Dr. Aisha Patel

Conservation Director

Aisha joined Ocean Encounters in 2015 after completing her doctorate in Marine Conservation Policy. She coordinates our conservation initiatives, including our citizen science program and partnerships with research institutions. Her innovative approach to combining tourism with meaningful conservation action has been recognized with multiple industry awards.

James Watanabe

Lead Guide & Photography Expert

A marine naturalist with a background in wildlife photography, James has been with us for over a decade. His extensive knowledge of whale behavior helps guests anticipate perfect photo opportunities, while his engaging commentary brings the marine ecosystem to life. James also leads our specialized photography tours and workshops for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Safety Standards

Safety is our paramount concern on every expedition. All our vessels exceed Australian Maritime Safety Authority requirements, and our crew undergoes rigorous training in emergency procedures, first aid, and marine wildlife protocols. We maintain a perfect safety record and continuously update our procedures based on industry best practices.

Our guides are trained to ensure both your safety and the wellbeing of the marine life we observe. We strictly adhere to the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching, maintaining appropriate distances and limiting viewing times to minimize disruption to natural behaviors.

Our Achievements

Over our 18-year journey, we've achieved significant milestones in conservation, education, and sustainable tourism

Award-Winning Conservation

Ecotourism Excellence Award (2022, 2020, 2018)
Victoria Tourism Sustainability Leadership Award (2021)
Australian Marine Conservation Society Recognition (2019)
International Whale Heritage Site Partner (2017-Present)

Scientific Contributions

Documented 327 unique whale individuals in our database
Published 14 peer-reviewed research papers
Discovered new southern right whale nursing ground (2011)
Pioneered non-invasive hormone monitoring techniques
Contributed 15,000+ hours of observation data to global research

Education & Outreach

Educated over 100,000 visitors about marine conservation
Free school program reaching 5,000+ students annually
Developed curriculum-aligned educational materials used in 200+ schools
Trained 45 conservation ambassadors through internship program

What Our Partners Say

"Ocean Encounters represents the gold standard in sustainable marine tourism. Their commitment to research and conservation goes far beyond industry norms, and they've been invaluable partners in our efforts to protect Victoria's marine ecosystems. Their data contributions have directly informed policy decisions that benefit whale populations."

Dr. Robert Chen

Director, Australian Marine Conservation Institute

"We've collaborated with Ocean Encounters for over a decade on our cetacean monitoring program. The quality and consistency of their observational data is exceptional, and their willingness to adapt their protocols to support scientific objectives demonstrates a rare commitment to research. They've helped us identify critical habitat areas that now receive special protection."

Professor Sarah Whitman

Lead Researcher, Cetacean Research Program, University of Melbourne

"As educators, we value Ocean Encounters' approach to combining adventure with genuine learning. Their school programs have inspired countless students to pursue careers in marine science and conservation. The curriculum materials they've developed are some of the most engaging and scientifically accurate resources available for teaching about marine ecosystems."