A Thrilling First Day of 2025
The new year kicked off spectacularly in Bremer Canyon!
Our first day of orca expeditions for 2025 was truly extraordinary.
Clear skies, calm seas, and a boat full of eager passengers created the perfect atmosphere for adventure.
The combination of ideal weather and enthusiastic visitors set the stage for a remarkable day at sea.
Close Encounters with Orca Pods
Upon arriving at the hotspot, we were immediately greeted by Cookies’ pod.
El Notcho, a magnificent male orca, stood out with his towering dorsal fin.
The pod stayed with us for over an hour, displaying fascinating behaviours and group dynamics.
They followed a pattern of diving for several minutes and surfacing together in unison.
Their close approach to the boat thrilled everyone onboard and brought loud cheers.
Witnessing these intelligent creatures so closely was a magical experience.
Next, we encountered Nani’s pod, which included around seven orcas travelling northeast in a coordinated group.
Excitement grew as another pod appeared in the distance, identified as Split Tip’s pod.
Split Tip, the “queen of the canyon,” is a revered female matriarch with a large and interactive pod.
True to her reputation, Split Tip confidently approached our boat, showcasing her distinct split dorsal fin.
Her pod followed closely, offering incredible close-up views and thrilling interactions.
These encounters left us in awe of their beauty and social dynamics.
Playful Young Orcas and Other Wildlife Highlights
The day’s finale featured Nani’s pod, including two playful young orcas named Maui and Neo.
These juveniles entertained passengers with their energetic antics near the boat.
They rolled, spy-hopped, and lifted their tails, delighting everyone with their playful behaviour.
Their curiosity and energy created unforgettable memories for all onboard.
Meanwhile, the rest of their pod continued travelling northeast, diving and surfacing in perfect rhythm.
The excitement didn’t end with the orcas. We were fortunate to spot two Mola Mola, or sunfish, gliding gracefully near the surface.
These fascinating creatures provided an unexpected highlight to the day.
Bird enthusiasts onboard were equally thrilled with sightings of three albatross species—the shy, black-browed, and wandering albatross.
Observing the world’s smallest seabird, the Wilson’s storm petrel, alongside the bird with the largest wingspan, the wandering albatross, was incredible.
Additional bird sightings included flesh-footed shearwaters, adding to the day’s rich wildlife diversity.
On our return journey, we passed by Glasse Island, where Australian sea lions basked in the warm sun.
A Little Penguin, undergoing its annual moult, was also spotted nearby, delighting everyone onboard.
These charming sightings provided the perfect conclusion to an already amazing day.
A New Year Filled with Promise
Our first day in Bremer Canyon was the perfect way to start the new year.
We witnessed three orca pods, playful juveniles, and abundant marine life, setting the tone for an exciting 2025 season.
The pristine conditions and rich biodiversity reminded us of the unique magic of this region. I
f this is how the year begins, it’s going to be an unforgettable season!
We can’t wait to welcome more visitors and share the wonders of Bremer Canyon in the coming months.
Would you like to find out more about Killer Whales? See our blog here.
View more photographs from this incredible expedition.
