More Brilliant Bremer Canyon Killer Whale HighlightsSeven Days of Orca Encounters – Highlights from a Week on the Water
From powerful hunts to playful calves and rare sightings, the past week of killer whale tours with Naturaliste Charters has been nothing short of spectacular. Each day brought its own unique story—featuring iconic individuals like Nibbles, Chopper, and the adorable new calves Wren and Susu—as well as fascinating seabird activity, curious pilot whales, and even the occasional shark or seal making an appearance. With the Bremer Canyon hotspot delivering memorable moments daily, it’s been a thrilling time to be out on the water.
Across these seven days, we’ve witnessed the raw power of orca surges, shared peaceful moments with pods cruising beside the boat, and been lucky enough to observe newborn calves finding their place in the pod. From rare male visitors to unexpected encounters with pilot whales and long-nosed fur seals, it’s been a week filled with ocean magic.
A Week in the Life of a Killer Whale Tour
04.03.2025 Before we reached the edge of the continental shelf this morning on our killer whale tour, we spotted an Australian sealion enjoying the swell. These fascinating creatures feed on sea-floor prey, often diving over 1,000 times and covering huge distances during their foraging trips.
At the hotspot, we were quickly rewarded with the sight of dark dorsal fins and striking white eyepatches—Tatty’s orca group had arrived. Among them were the mature males Chalky and Hookfin, as well as the playful calves Bob and Marley. The orcas powered into the swell, disappearing between waves, until we eventually lost sight of them and found ourselves tracking alongside Nani’s group instead. These orcas seemed preoccupied, diving deep—possibly hunting tuna.
We cruised toward Hood Canyon before looping back through the hotspot in search of another pod. As the wind eased and the ocean settled, distant sprays caught our eye. We approached to find Nibbles’ and Digby’s pods travelling slowly, giving us an incredible chance to spend quality time with these apex predators. They passed close by the Alison Maree multiple times, creating unforgettable moments. On our way home, we made a final stop at Glasse Island to see the sealions once more—a perfect end to our killer whale tour.
Playful Pods and New Calves – Killer Whale Tour Highlights
05.03.2025 Today’s killer whale tour kicked off with instant excitement as we met Nani, juveniles Neo and Maui, and the ever-playful Slater. Slater rolled and surged past the bow, delighting guests with his curious behaviour—classic signs the orcas were just as interested in us.
Heading west, the action kept coming as the group surfed our wake. Soon, we spotted an unfamiliar pod led by mature male Zane—rarely seen in the area. Among them was a newborn calf with a bright orange hue, possibly only weeks old, and the sixth recorded this season—an incredible sign of a thriving orca population.
Bird activity and an oil slick pointed to a recent feed, with Fue, Chopper, and around 30–40 orcas scattered all around us. After a day full of rare sightings and unforgettable encounters, we made our way home, buzzing from another spectacular killer whale tour.
Power and Predators – Killer Whale Tour Turns Wild
06.03.2025 This killer whale tour veered off the usual path when we spotted a flurry of birds and splashing well before the hotspot. As we approached, orcas were riding the swell, darting beneath the waves with explosive energy. A chunk of meat seen in one orca’s mouth hinted at a successful hunt, confirmed moments later when dramatic breaches erupted near the boat.
Zane’s and Lucky’s groups were in action, shifting from celebration to high-focus travel. Their subtle surfacing gave way to full-speed surges as they targeted a beaked whale. A slick of oil soon spread across the surface—then blood. The orcas burst through the red-stained water, lifting their catch skyward and sharing the kill.
As the feast continued, a wandering albatross swooped in for scraps, while a few curious orcas glided close to the Alison Maree to end the day with a final thrill. Today’s killer whale tour delivered raw power, strategy, and unforgettable moments in the wild.
Swirls, Slicks and Surprises – Killer Whale Tour Encounters
07.03.2025 This morning’s killer whale tour kicked off with a swirl of birds and mystery blows spotted off course, prompting a quick detour. Though the unknown pod vanished east, the puzzle set the tone for a day full of intrigue.
Crossing the shelf, we spotted several blows and an oil slick—a telltale sign of a recent feed. The smell hinted at oily fish like juvenile tuna, but mammal prey couldn’t be ruled out. Before long, we identified Nibbles, Akama, Fanscar, and the ever-playful calf Wren, who stole the show with spyhops and head lunges.
A surprise visit from wandering male Scotty sparked curiosity—this lone orca isn’t seen often and might be on a social tour of his own. Later in the day, Digby, Slug, and their family gave us a close-up afternoon encounter, surfacing right by the boat.
We ended the day cruising past Glasse Island, where Australian sea lions soaked in the sun—another brilliant chapter in our killer whale tour journey.
New Life and Close Encounters – Killer Whale Magic
08.03.2025 Today’s killer whale tour began with skies full of flesh-footed shearwaters—always a promising sign. Before reaching the canyon, we met a large group of pilot whales, cruising calmly alongside us with big males among them.
Soon after, distant blows led us to our first orca pod of the day—Hermes’ group—easily confirmed by little Chopper, who’s missing his dorsal fin. Excitement soared when a new orange-faced calf surfaced beside them, the third baby orca seen in recent weeks. A healthy sign for our Bremer Bay population!
We later spotted more of Hermes’ group, now 18 strong, with the wandering male Scotty in tow—again mixing with a different pod, breaking the usual family pattern for orca males.
A bronze whaler shark flashed beneath the surface, while albatrosses of all sizes soared overhead. With relaxed orcas beside us all afternoon and dolphins riding our wake on the way home, it was a perfect end to another unforgettable killer whale tour.
New Calves and Close Encounters – Bremer Canyon Magic
09.03.2025 In the wake of the Alison Maree, flocks of flesh-footed shearwaters and Australasian gannets hinted that today’s killer whale tour would be one to remember. The ocean seemed calm as we neared the Bremer Canyon hotspot—until distant blows and dorsal fins sparked excitement across the deck.
Leading the charge was the unmistakable Nibbles, joined by Fanscar, Dalaxy, Roxy, and Akama. The real star, though, was little Wren—Fanscar’s newest calf. Just over a month old, Wren kept close to her mum, showing off playful somersaults and bursts of energy that lit up the day.
The pod stayed with us for much of the tour, gliding beside the boat and rolling belly-up beneath the bow. Akama spy-hopped while Wren bounced through the swell, her orange hue contrasting beautifully against the water. A brief visit from Tatty’s group added to the spectacle, though they were clearly on a mission.
An oil slick near the surface hinted at a recent hunt, possibly tuna, before we wrapped up the killer whale tour with dolphins riding our wake and sea lions basking at Glasse Island—ending a perfect day at sea
Majestic Wandering Albatross
10.03.2025 Calm seas and light winds set the scene for an early arrival at the Bremer Canyon hotspot, and this killer whale tour quickly turned into something special. A majestic wandering albatross soared past, reminding us of nature’s wonders before the orcas stole the show.
Hermes’ pod was the first to appear, and among them were two rarely-seen males—Blackberry and Clayton from the elusive Kwilana family. Their towering dorsal fins were a striking sight, made even better when Susu, Hermes’ newest calf, surfaced alongside her mum Banksey.
Throughout the day, the pod treated us to close passes, graceful surfacing, and a few cheeky appearances from Chopper, the finless orca who’s become a guest favourite. With dolphins dancing at the bow and a surprise sighting of a long-nosed fur seal at Glasse Island, this killer whale tour wrapped up with unforgettable moments from beginning to end.
As our Bremer season continues, now is the perfect time to book your killer whale tour with Naturaliste Charters and experience these extraordinary moments for yourself.
And don’t forget—whale watching in Augusta is just around the corner! Join us in the Margaret River Region from late May as the humpback migration kicks off for another exciting season along the stunning southwest coast.
