An Unforgettable Day with Active Orca at Bremer Canyon
The sky was alive with seabirds and the ocean with active orca today. In all directions, seemingly at all distances, the grey swells were misted with the small clouds of the breath of multiple killer whales. As we approached the nearest pod, familiar fins cut through the slaty swells, some of our passengers picking out Split Tip and Razor immediately.
Incredible Encounters with Curious Juvenile Orca
As we moved to investigate, we were in for a surprise. While the rest of the pod stood off, circled by seabirds, three small killer whales left their family behind and approached us with unmistakable curiosity. These three ranged in age from 12 months to 3-4 years and had reached that delightful stage common to all juvenile mammals where curiosity and play are essential for learning and survival. Of course, this makes for incredible interactions. Our guests had countless direct approaches as the youngsters flashed along beside the boat just under the surface, then cut right across our bow, surfacing with small lunges and tail slaps, doubling back over and over for repeat performances, turning to eye the watchers on the bow as they skimmed past. Incredibly, they also hung motionless just below the surface, studying the individual watchers on deck.
The Power and Behaviour of Active Orca
All day, we were expecting something spectacular. The entire ocean had a feeling to it, clues we have learned to read by careful observation of bird and whale behaviour. The killer whales would form up in a line abreast and charge off in pursuit of an unseen goal, then dive for long minutes at a time. Isolated groups converged, surged, then submerged, slapping their tails repeatedly, rolling, lunging and spy hopping — a term used to describe whales lifting their heads above the water to scan the sea surface. Small patches of whitewater and splashing marked interesting but unseen activity below.
Breaching Spectacle: The Ultimate Display of Active Orca Power
As we scanned the seas, we were suddenly galvanised. Did we just see that? Ahead, a killer whale breached on the horizon. The storm of whitewater created by the gravity-defying leap of an 8-ton breaching killer whale can be seen kilometres away. But it wasn’t just one breach. And it wasn’t just one animal. In a 180-degree arc at varying distances ahead, killer whales erupted from the sea surface in breathtaking breaches. This was clearly a call to action, as at least 20 killer whales began to surge alongside, before outpacing us to catch up to the other 20 ahead.
The Chase and the Show
A full-throated roar from the diesel motors under our deck echoed around our vessel as our skipper put the hammer down. The Alison Maree at full noise rocketing through the Southern Ocean is an experience in itself, dramatic and exhilarating. We cannot hope to keep up with a pod of killer whales porpoising at top speed, and our aim was to keep the pod in sight. We were managing. Just. We hung on and watched as the breaches ahead just kept coming. Those on the back deck hung on gamely and watched in awe as the killer whales rocketed in our wake, exploding from the swells, the power and menace of an 8-ton orca on a mission to kill just metres from us.
Nature at its Most Raw
As we neared the killer whales ahead, we slowed our pace, and stared in stunned silence. And what a show it was. All around, the killer whales launched from the sea surface. Swells surged through the swells trailing streams of whitewater to mark their re-entry in case we were looking in the wrong direction. That was very easy to do, as there were at least 15 individuals engaging in multiple, prolonged breaching sequences. Some animals breached a kilometre out, some alongside. Breathtaking, gravity-defying leaps.
Whatever happened in the depths today remained unseen, but the multitude of seabirds and the sizable slicks of oil that surfaced periodically tell their own story. No one was going hungry today.
Explore Glass Island and Meet the Sea Lions
Just beyond the canyon lies the striking Glass Island, a unique rocky outcrop known for its rugged beauty and thriving wildlife. This area is home to Australian sea lions. They are often seen basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters as we pass. Glass Island adds another spectacular element to our expeditions. It allows guests the chance to experience even more incredible wildlife in their natural environment.
Join Us for Your Own Incredible Killer Whale Expedition
Don’t miss your chance to witness active orca behaviour and unforgettable wildlife moments with Naturaliste Charters. Our Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions operate between December and April, offering guests a full-day offshore adventure unlike any other. Departing from Bremer Bay, our expeditions run for approximately 7 to 8 hours and venture 50km offshore to the world-renowned Bremer Canyon. Book your own incredible orca experience today at naturalistecharters.com.au.
Until tomorrow,
The Bremer Canyon Crew
