2025 Bremer Bay Pelagic Bird Expeditions

A Pelagic Tour of Seabirds, Ocean Life and Canyon Encounters

The 2025 Pelagic Bird Expeditions from Bremer Bay have delivered another unforgettable season of offshore wildlife discovery. Now in their third year, these specialist trips take keen birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers on an eight-hour ocean expedition to the Bremer Canyon aboard the 23-metre Alison Maree. The canyon’s nutrient-rich waters offer deep-ocean birding at its best, with access to species rarely seen from the mainland.

This year’s expeditions were made even more memorable when passengers were greeted by Bremer Canyon killer whales, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. Guests bring their own lunch, while refreshments are provided onboard, keeping everyone fuelled for a full day at sea.

Below is a recap of the birding highlights from the first four days, based on sightings recorded by Birding Specialist Guide – Daniel Mantle.

Day 1 – 6 December 2025

Light winds made for ideal sea conditions and an outstanding start to the season. One of the standout moments was a Barau’s Petrel, travelling all the way from Réunion Island, circling the vessel repeatedly and giving breathtaking close views.

Two Gould’s Petrels were sighted — a rare bird in Western Australian waters — along with an impressive seven Soft-plumaged Petrels, an unusual record for early summer. A Wandering Albatross made a close fly-by, while a persistent Brown Skua harassed nearby shearwaters. The day finished with a sighting of a Grey-faced Petrel, a New Zealand species that visits the canyon in low numbers each year.

Please click on images to open a quality view.

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Day 2 – 7 December 2025

Another Barau’s Petrel delighted photographers by circling the boat in calm, light conditions, marking a second consecutive day for this rare species. Two more Gould’s Petrels were observed, making it a strong start to the season for this sought-after species.

A surprise encounter came from a Black-bellied Storm-petrel, typically far south of Australia at this time of year. An Arctic Jaeger also joined the scene, engaging in its characteristic pirating behaviour as it chased Flesh-footed Shearwaters across the water.

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Day 3 – 8 December 2025

The day began with the impressive White-chinned Petrel, offering excellent viewing as the vessel circled back to find it resting on the water. For many birders onboard, this species became a celebrated “lifer”.

The biggest highlight was a record count of nine Gould’s Petrels — the highest number ever recorded in Western Australia. A distant Barau’s Petrel continued the rare-species streak. Large feeding groups of Wilson’s and White-faced Storm-petrels worked the berley slick, while photographers captured energetic interactions between Indian Yellow-nosed and Shy Albatrosses as they bickered over fish scraps.

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Day 4 – 9 December 2025

Sightings to be added when received.

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An Annual Event Worth Travelling For

The Pelagic Bird Expeditions have quickly become a signature summer experience in Bremer Bay. Attracting birders from across Australia and overseas. Each trip offers new combinations of rare species, predictable seasonal visitors and unforgettable wildlife moments — including this year’s unexpected early encounter with killer whales.

These expeditions operate once a year, and places book out quickly. To register your interest for next season, call Naturaliste Charters on 08 9750 5500.

The Killer Whale Expedition Season Begins

Following the Pelagic Bird Expeditions, the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition season begins, running from 10 December to 19 April. This is the time of year when hundreds of killer whales return to the Bremer Canyon system to hunt, socialise and patrol the deep-water edges of this powerful marine hotspot. These full-day expeditions offer one of the most consistent wild orca encounters in the world. Drawing travellers, photographers and researchers back year after year.

Guests can expect dynamic natural behaviour as orca work together in structured hunting groups. As they move through the swells in tight family pods, or interact during social periods between feeding events. Throughout the season, it is also common to encounter long-finned pilot whales, sperm whales and oceanic dolphins. As well as beaked whales and an impressive range of pelagic birds, creating a rich and diverse wildlife experience.

Each expedition includes morning tea, catered lunch and afternoon refreshments. Along with live marine commentary that explains the ecological forces that make the Bremer Canyon so productive. The 23 meter Alison Maree provides a stable viewing platform with spacious partly undercover decks and comfortable indoor areas. This allows guests to enjoy extended time observing wildlife in their natural environment.

Whether you are a returning passenger or planning your first journey offshore, the killer whale season offers an experience that is both raw and unforgettable.

Click this link to book your Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition