Apex Showdown: Orcas vs Sperm Whales in Bremer Canyon
Bremer Canyon is a stage for true apex predators. Today, we witnessed an intense encounter between two ocean giants — the killer whale and the sperm whale.
The day began like any other. As we reached the canyon’s hotspot, we spotted several orca pods, including the well-known Split Tip group, actively hunting. But soon, something changed.
The orcas suddenly picked up speed. We followed, unsure of what they were chasing. What unfolded next was truly rare.
Apex Predators in Action
The chase led us to an unexpected scene. The orcas weren’t after a beaked whale — they had found a sperm whale instead. This surprising target turned the moment into a high-stakes face-off between two apex species.
At the centre of the action, the sperm whales huddled together. Their formation, called a rosette, was designed to protect the younger whale in the group. Around them, the orcas circled with precision.
Surprising Defence
Suddenly, the water darkened. A large cloud rose from below, bursting on the surface in a reddish-orange plume. At first, it looked like blood. But we soon realised it was not an injury.
This dramatic event was a clever defence. The sperm whales had released a cloud of faeces to confuse the orcas — a rare behaviour showing how even giants use creative tactics to survive.
The Wild Beneath
As we made our way back to the harbour, the power of nature stayed with us. Watching such a raw interaction between apex animals reminds us how little we know about the ocean’s depths.
This event highlights why we must protect these ecosystems and the creatures that live in them. Every encounter teaches us something new.
Date: 19 March 2024
📸 See more photos on our Facebook page.
🎥 Want to learn more? Watch this video about ambergris and sperm whale behaviour.
🐋 Only four weeks remain in the season. Come and see apex predators in action — BOOK NOW!
