A Pelagic Adventure Awaits!
Welcome to the ultimate birdwatching paradise! Bremer Basin, located off Western Australia’s Great Southern Coast near Bremer Bay, is an extraordinary pelagic birding hotspot, perfect for adventurers and bird enthusiasts. Offering an exclusive opportunity to observe rare seabirds, this stunning marine environment is teeming with wildlife. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey on Naturaliste Charters and witness the beauty of the ocean’s most elusive birds and marine creatures.
Why Bremer Basin is a Must for Birdwatchers
Bremer Basin is renowned for its unique oceanic conditions, drawing an impressive array of seabirds from across the globe. The nutrient-rich waters support incredible biodiversity, from majestic albatrosses to playful dolphins and even orcas! It’s a place where the rare meets the extraordinary, and every trip offers a chance to observe something remarkable.
For four days in December each year, Naturaliste Charters leads pelagic birdwatching tours from Bremer Bay harbour that immerse you in the breathtaking wilderness of the Bremer Basin. With experienced guides and a state-of-the-art vessel, the Alison Maree, your comfort and birdwatching opportunities are maximised.
Pelagic Birding Highlights: What You Might See
1. Albatross Encounters
Bremer Canyon is famed for sightings of various species of albatrosses, including the massive Snowy (Wandering) Albatross, with its staggering 3.5-meter wingspan. You may also spot Gibson’s, Shy, and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, gliding gracefully over the canyon’s depths.
2. White-Chinned Petrels and Arctic Terns
One of the rarest bird sightings on these trips is the White-chinned Petrel, with only a handful of records from organised Western Australian pelagics also spotted during tours are the Great-winged and Grey-faced Petrels The thrill of seeing an Arctic Tern, a migrant from the far north, or watching a Long-tailed Jaeger in pursuit of a White-faced Storm-Petrel is a truly remarkable experience for birdwatchers.
3. Shearwaters
The canyon offers fantastic views of several Shearwater species, like the Short-tailed Shearwater, often found at the western edge of their range. Watch these incredible seabirds chase squid scraps or float gracefully in the choppy waters.
4. Gannets + Parrots + Penguins
Bremer Basin is also home to Glasse Island where a pass during our tour reveals other marine bird life. Gannets drying their outspread wings on the rocks and small Rock Parrots hopping over the stone in search of a meal. A bonus is viewing penguins in nesting mode from the crevices of Glasse Islands rocky outcrops and during December we may see juvenile penguins as it is their hatching season.
More Than Just Birds: Marine Wildlife Galore
Beyond birds, Bremer Canyon is alive with oceanic mammals. On your pelagic birdwatching tour, you’ll often encounter pods of Common Bottlenose Dolphins surfing along the boat, majestic Orcas, and playful Long-finned Pilot Whales. In addition to these, keep an eye out for the elusive Dwarf Minke Whale, the powerful Bryde’s Whale, and the peculiar Sunfish – a rare treat for any nature lover.
Top Moments from Our December 2023 Tours
- Saturday, December 9th: We kicked off the season with sightings of White-chinned Petrels, close fly-bys from an Arctic Tern, and stunning encounters with three Gibson’s Albatrosses. A pod of orcas made a brief but exciting appearance, along with a friendly group of dolphins playing in the wake of our boat. 744 bird sightings.
- Sunday, December 10th: The highlight of the day was an immature Snowy Albatross feeding right behind the boat. We also had great views of Grey-faced Petrels and a pod of Long-finned Pilot Whales. The stop at Glasse Island revealed the charming Little Penguins sheltering in rock crevices and rare Australian Sea Lions sunning on the shore. Over 1,000 birds sighted.
- Monday, December 11th: Chum lines attracted Great-winged and Grey-faced Petrels, along with Shy and Indian-yellow-nosed Albatrosses. The highlight was a massive Gibson’s Albatross landing close to the boat for a feed. We then headed to Henry Canyon, where a pod of Long-finned Pilot Whales surfaced near us. A Blue Shark appeared in the slick, adding excitement. Later, we spotted a rare Dwarf Minke Whale and a Bryde’s Whale, possibly the first confirmed sighting off southern WA. A total of 923 bird sightings for the day.
- Tuesday, December 12th: A spectacular day with nearly 50 albatrosses spotted, including four Snowy Albatrosses! Birders were thrilled with two separate sightings of the rare White-headed Petrel, while a massive Blue Shark circled the boat, showing off its vibrant blue colour as it tore through the chum trail. Over 1300 bird sightings were made this day.
Book Your Bremer Bay Bird Expedition Tour Today!
Ready to embark on the birdwatching experience of a lifetime? With incredible bird sightings, the possibility of spotting rare marine mammals, and expert guides to enhance your journey, there’s no better place for a pelagic birding adventure than Bremer Basin.
Secure your spot now and join Naturaliste Charters as we explore the wonders of Western Australia’s stunning southern oceans. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a nature enthusiast, this tour is a must for anyone with a passion for wildlife.
Crested Tern in flight. Photographer Keith Lightbody
Plan Your Adventure
- Tour Dates: 7-10th December, 2024
- Duration: Full-day trips
- Departure Point: Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, WA
- Catered lunch, tea, coffee and morning/afternoon tea provided
- What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and your excitement for wildlife!
Explore the wild with us, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s premier birdwatching destinations!
BREMER BAY BIRD EXPEDITION – BOOK NOW
MORE INFORMATION – BREMER SUB-BASIN
Sea lion basking on the ocean. Photographer: Keith Lightbody
