Ahoy! An Orca Dorsal Fin
We set off today with eager anticipation, heading to the canyon in search of our apex predator missing yesterday.
Our luck turned quickly when we located a loose pod of six just off the shelf upon arrival.
Among them was a large familiar male, Blackberry, a younger male we recognised, and four entirely new individuals.
Five birds circled above while a dorsal fin broke the surface occasionally, leaving us curious about the action below.
Follow the Fin
We followed the pod east along the 500-metre contour line, somewhere we had never tracked them before.
The orcas surfaced intermittently, their tall dorsal fins slicing through the water with effortless precision as they travelled.
While shadowing them, we were briefly distracted by close encounters with graceful albatross passing overhead.
Both the Shy and Indian yellow-nosed species swept past, the latter almost brushing a passenger’s head.
The Indian yellow-nosed albatross nests on Amsterdam Island, later travelling to southern coastal waters of Western Australia each year.
Killer Whale Energy Lift
By the afternoon, the orcas’ energy levels lifted, surfacing frequently and occasionally porpoising out of the water.
We captured identification shots of the newcomers, focusing on eye patches, saddle patches, and the shape of each dorsal fin.
These additions to our Bremer Canyon catalogue grow a record of over 100 identified individuals, with more yet to discover.
After following the pod for an incredible 30 miles, we returned to shore via the scenic Doubtful Islands.
Book A Killer Whale Expedition
If you want to witness this incredible marine spectacle for yourself, join one of our Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions.
Our tours give you the chance to see wild orcas, soaring seabirds, and the unmistakable sight of a dorsal fin up close.
Book your unforgettable adventure today at https://naturalistecharters.com.au/bremercanyonkillerwhales/.
