Orcas, Wildlife and Unforgettable Moments
Spotting Orcas Right at the Hotspot
The second day back in the Bremer Canyon started with luck and excitement.
Arriving directly at the hotspot, we quickly encountered a pod of 7–8 orcas.
Among them was Nibbles, a fan-favourite male, travelling with family members Mia, Slug, Lucy Dash, Dalaxy, Roxy, and Digby.
The pod took 7-minute dives, resurfacing 400 metres from their last spot, keeping us on our toes as we navigated through the swells to stay close.
A Foraging Feast with Nibbles’ Family
Before long, Nibbles and his pod joined forces with another family group, including Razor, Lil Blade, Akama, and Fanscar.
Together, this larger group of 10–12 orcas appeared to forage in an echelon line formation, likely in search of a midday meal.
Playful Antics from Lil Blade
One of the highlights of the day was Lil Blade, Razor’s playful offspring.
Lil Blade swam alongside our vessel, then performed a fascinating manoeuvre—rolling backwards through the water, breaking the surface headfirst, and flipping onto their back.
The move resembled a puppy begging for a belly rub and brought smiles to everyone onboard. It’s rare moments like this that make Bremer Canyon adventures so memorable!
Lil Blade swam alongside our vessel rolling backwards through the water
A Coordinated Pod and a Grateful Goodbye
For the next 20 minutes, the pod coordinated their surfacing, ensuring at least one orca was visible at all times.
Just before 1 pm, after an incredible morning with these magnificent creatures, we left the group and made our way back toward the hotspot.
More Orcas: Chalky and Friends Appear
Upon returning to the hotspot, Luke spotted more blows ahead. Soon, we identified Chalky, a robust male from Tatty’s pod.
Other orcas followed, including Wonks from Splittip’s pod and Hookfin from Tatty’s pod.
Females Loupy and Three Stripes from Splittip’s pod, along with the Queen herself, also surfaced. Her iconic split dorsal fin was a spectacular sight for all onboard.
Pods from three families came together, with females taking 10-minute dives while the males relaxed at the surface.
Although we couldn’t see what was happening below, the activity hinted at an intriguing event beneath the waves.
Upon returning to the hotspot we identified Chalky, a robust male from Tatty’s pod.
A Stop at Glasse Island
On the journey back to shore, we stopped by Glasse Island to observe the Australian Sea Lions basking in the sun.
Adding to the excitement, we spotted a moulting Little Penguin nestled in a crevice.
Unlike the day before, the penguin appeared far less dishevelled—likely nearing the end of its annual moult.
A moulting penguin on Glasse Island
Why Bremer Canyon is Unmissable
Days like this showcase why Bremer Canyon is a bucket-list destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
From playful orcas to sea lions and penguins, every moment is a reminder of nature’s beauty and unpredictability.
Ready to experience the magic of Bremer Canyon yourself?
Join us on one of our killer whale expeditions for your chance to witness these incredible creatures up close. 🌊🐋
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