Naturaliste Charters Killer Whale Expedition Highlights: January 27 – February 2

on February 2, 2025

The pod of Orcas picked up speed and started surging off.

Weekly Orca Highlights: 27 January to 2 February

Orca Pods and Hammerhead Sharks

27 January 2025 The day began with a few showers, but the weather quickly turned in our favour. Blue skies and sunshine set the stage for an exciting journey to the canyon. A hammerhead shark passed just metres from the boat, an uncommon and thrilling sighting. Arriving at the hotspot, we were greeted by Nibbles, Fanscar, Dalaxy, Roxy, and Akama. These orcas, part of Razor’s pod, spent the day resting and drifting alongside the vessel. Their slow movements and short dive times provided an excellent view of their size, with Nibbles standing out at a massive eight metres.

As the afternoon warmed up, Razor and the rest of her pod made a surprise appearance. The young orca Little Blade stole the show, engaging in playful behaviours like spyhopping, rolling, and playing in the wake. On the journey back to the dock, a stop at Glasse Island revealed sea lions basking on the rocks. It seemed that even the marine wildlife was taking advantage of the public holiday to rest before another big day in the canyon.

Nibbles measures roughly 8 metres in length

Nibbles, who is still basically a teenager, measures roughly 8 metres in length

A Day of Rest for the Orca Pods

28 January 2025 Clear blue skies and a warm sun welcomed us as we set off for another day in the canyon. The morning started quietly, but soon Digby, Mia, Razor, and Little Blade appeared, playfully rolling towards the boat. The pod spent much of the day resting, suggesting they were recovering from a weekend of hunting. As the day progressed, the orcas split up for foraging before regrouping at the hotspot.

In the afternoon, Digby and Little Blade sprang into action, possibly hunting as seabirds eagerly circled above. A small oil slick confirmed their success. As they cruised back towards the hotspot, Little Blade entertained the passengers with playful zooms under the boat, spyhopping, and rolling in the waves. A final stop at Glasse Island allowed us to watch sea lions soaking up the sun, rounding out a fantastic day in Bremer Bay.

The blowhole of an orca

Newborn Calf Join the Pod

29 January 2025 Calm seas and sunshine set the perfect conditions for an action-packed day in the canyon. Upon arrival at the hotspot, we spotted our first orca within minutes. Tatty’s pod, including big males Chalky and Hookfin, making an appearance. Miro and Missy were also seen with their calves, Bob and Marley. The pod surged in unison, with orcas breaching on the horizon, creating a spectacular sight.

The day continued with non-stop orca activity. Digby made a close pass, showing off his towering dorsal fin. We also encountered Moon and her calf, along with a school of dolphin fish near some floating debris. Later, we identified Zane’s rarely seen pod, along with other groups containing calves, including one with a distinct orange tinge. Surrounded by approximately 50 orcas throughout the day, we ended with another visit to Glasse Island, where sea lions provided the perfect closing scene.

A busy day in the canyon as we spotted numerous orca

Oil Slick Evidence

30 January 2025 Today brought an incredible variety of marine life, starting with pilot whales and a sunfish before we encountered the orcas. Tatty’s pod swam close, playfully interacting with the boat. Later, we spotted a large bird swarm and an oil slick, evidence of a successful beaked whale hunt. Split Tip’s pod was feasting, with birds competing for scraps.

The most remarkable moment of the day came when we discovered a newborn orca calf. Fanscar’s group, including Roxy, Dalaxy, Akama, and Nibbles, surfaced nearby with a tiny calf displaying fresh foetal folds. Akama appeared to be the mother, staying close to the newborn. The calf’s floppy dorsal fin indicated it was less than a day old. We named the calf Wren and left the family to bond, eager to follow its journey in the coming months.

We saw multiple species in Bremer Canyon

Beaked Whale Feast

31 January 2025 The morning started slow, with only a fur seal at the hotspot. After searching neighbouring canyons with no luck, we returned to find orcas had arrived. Alki’s group was highly active, celebrating a recent kill with surface surges and excitement. A large oil slick confirmed they had feasted on a beaked whale. Nearby, a fur seal lounged unbothered despite the orcas’ presence.

The excitement continued when Digby surfed alongside the boat, launching himself out of the water in a breathtaking breach. We followed the orcas as they surged off, leading us to another fresh oil slick. Members of Alki’s, Split Tip’s, and Lucky’s pods were all present, making the most of the abundant prey. It was an action-packed day, highlighting the dynamic ecosystem of Bremer Bay and its apex predators.