Albany whales make national top 10

Australian Geographic has named Albany as one of the top 10 whale-watching spots in the country.

Albany is ranked on the list with Eden in NSW, Hervey Bay and the Whitsundays in Queensland, Exmouth, and the Great Australian Bight.

The online list cites Albany as the place to see both humpback whales travelling north towards Broome and southern right whales migrating north from Antarctica. "They take shelter in Albany's southern bays to mate and give birth before returning south," it said.

Albany Ocean Adventures owner Paul Guest said visitors to Albany were often impressed with the local whale-watching experience.

"The whales are so close to the town, in relatively sheltered waters, and you can stand on the beach and see them, you don't have to go on a boat to see a whale, although it makes it a better experience," he said.

Mr Guest also said having a variety of whale species visit Albany waters also made for a unique experience.

"Even over towards Augusta they don't always get the amount of southern rights as we get," he said.

"When I started 16 years ago, we didn't see humpback whales and their calves, but last year we saw about 15, so the population is ever increasing."

Whale season in Albany started early this month and extends to late October.