Orca Encounters in Bremer Canyon – Highlights from 25.02
We arrived at the hotspot to a close flyby from an Australian Gannet, but the area remained unusually quiet. After scanning for blows with no luck, we expanded our search toward Knob Canyon, hoping for an early orca encounter. Returning to the hotspot, we finally spotted blows in the distance and identified familiar orcas, including mature males Clayton and Blackberry. Among the 18-member group were matriarch Hermes and Chopper, who swam close to her mother, Kali. These orcas displayed classic foraging behaviour, surfacing briefly before diving for around six minutes. As they surfaced near the boat, small fish leapt from the water while shearwaters and a wandering albatross circled above, likely waiting for leftovers.
In the distance, we noticed another group, including Scotty, a bull with a notably floppy dorsal fin. This rare sighting added excitement, as we are still piecing together his social ties. The orcas stayed close to Hermes’ group, diving in sync while Wilson’s storm petrels skimmed the surface, possibly feeding on oil residue. As the weather shifted, lightning flashed in the distance, and the orcas slowed their movements. Before heading back, we spotted wandering albatrosses resting on the water, two sunfish, and a juvenile Indian Yellow-nosed albatross. Passing Glasse Island on our return, we ended the day with the sight of Australian sea lions basking in the late afternoon sun.
Killer Whale – Orca Encounter from 26.02
We set out on a calm Southern Ocean under an overcast sky, followed closely by flesh-footed shearwaters gliding low over the water. At the hotspot, there were no signs of orcas, so we expanded our search east toward Hood Canyon. With no luck, we tracked west, where birdlife increased, with albatross silhouettes filling the sky and Wilson’s storm petrels fluttering near the surface. Then, excitement erupted as the dark dorsal fins of Razor and Fanscar’s groups appeared. Among them were large males Digby and Nibbles, along with Akama’s calf, Wren, who thrilled everyone by leaping playfully from the water.
A school of juvenile tuna gathered at the surface, drawing the orcas into a feeding frenzy, leaving fish oil slicks in their wake. As they feasted, the energy shifted to playful interactions, with orcas gliding past the Alison Maree, triggering cheers from the deck. One spy-hopped off our stern, making direct eye contact with lucky onlookers. But it was little Wren who stole the show, zipping and rolling excitedly around the boat. Wrapping up an unforgettable day, we stopped by Glasse Island, where Australian sea lions basked on the sunlit rocks.
Bremer Canyon Orca Expedition – 27.02
Excitement was high as we set out on a smooth Southern Ocean, accompanied by flesh-footed shearwaters gliding effortlessly behind us. Reaching the hotspot, there were no signs of orcas, so we expanded our search west and then east through Hood Canyon. Hours passed with no sightings, and even the birds seemed unsettled, circling aimlessly over the quiet ocean. Just as hope began to fade, a bird swirl appeared ahead. From the highest vantage point, deckhand Kyle spotted what he believed were blows below. Moments later, the unmistakable dorsal fin of a large male orca rose from the surface, confirming our long-awaited encounter.
We approached and found Nibbles, Fanscar, Roxy, Dalaxy, Akama, and her calf, Wren, who eagerly swam around Alison Maree. Wren was particularly inquisitive, rolling, tail slapping, and spy-hopping near our underwater camera. A well-timed photo suggested Wren is likely a female, identified by the presence of small mammary gland spots. Suddenly, the orcas surged toward Hood Canyon, joined by Razor’s pod in a high-speed pursuit. Whitewash trailed their bodies, but just as quickly as it started, the chase fizzled, and the orcas spread out. As the sun dipped, we began our journey home, left wondering if their prey had truly escaped or if the hunt would continue after dark.
A Day of Searching – 28.02
Today, we covered over 100 miles of the Southern Ocean searching for Bremer’s killer whales, but no dorsal fins appeared. We tracked between Pallinup Canyon in the west and Hood Canyon in the east, only spotting a lone sunfish flapping at the surface. With its disc-shaped body, lumpy pseudo-tail, and mucus-covered skin, this peculiar fish made for an interesting sight. Like its relatives in the boxfish family, the sunfish contains toxins in its skin, making it a unique but formidable ocean drifter.
Continuing our search, we paused to retrieve a plastic bottle floating at the surface, home to a colony of goose barnacles. These tiny creatures attach to drifting debris, using delicate cirri to filter-feed on plankton. With no sign of orcas and a 50km journey ahead, we had to call it a no-whale day—a humbling reminder that we are only visitors in their world. Ending the trip, we passed Glasse Island, where Australian sea lions basked in the sun, and a playful long-nosed fur seal waved its tail flippers as we headed home.
Orca Pod Interactions – 01.03
Today’s journey past the continental shelf led to a thrilling encounter with two interacting orca pods. As we reached the deep waters of Henry Canyon, we spotted the towering dorsal fin of Nibbles, soon followed by the rest of the pod. Surfacing in a tight group, their sleek bodies glided effortlessly through the waves. The pod moved slowly throughout the morning, staying near the surface, giving us an incredible chance to observe their behaviour up close.
Our focus then shifted to Razor’s pod, where we were excited to see Blade, a growing calf. These two pods often associate closely, possibly due to family ties, as female orcas sometimes form new pods while maintaining connections. We also had close encounters with Akama and her calf Wren as they explored beneath our vessel, followed by Digby, a mature male from Razor’s pod. Later, both pods displayed foraging behaviours, diving together in loose formations. Though we didn’t witness a successful hunt, we gained insight into their deep, coordinated dives—often lasting 8-10 minutes, though orcas can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes.
Dolphins, Orcas Encounter and Pilot Whales – 02.03
Our morning started with a spectacular aerial display as a pod of common dolphins raced toward us, leaping high into the air. They surfed our wake and played at the bow, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. Arriving at the hotspot, we found no orcas, but the sky was alive with flesh-footed shearwaters and a black-browed albatross. Tracking west in search of foraging runs, we spotted a ray at the surface, but it disappeared quickly. Just before lunchtime, a swirl of birds formed ahead, leading to the call we had all been waiting for—orcas!
Lucky and Moon’s groups surged around us, darting playfully beneath Alison Maree, with even the usually aloof mature males coming close. Then, more dorsal fins appeared, but they weren’t orcas—a fast-moving pod of pilot whales charged straight toward us, porpoising through the swell. After an exhilarating encounter, we relocated the orcas, who surfed and rolled in our wake, their white eye patches flashing brilliant blue beneath the water. They led us far west, past Henry, Pallinup, and Cheynes Canyons, before gathering in a tight, powerful formation. To top off the day, we made a final stop at Glasse Island to visit the always-entertaining Australian sea lions—a perfect ending to an unforgettable day!
Orcas, Pilot Whales, and Perfect Conditions – 03.03
Departing from Bremer Jetty under clear blue skies and light winds, conditions were ideal for orca sightings. By 10 am, we arrived at the hotspot and spotted several blows ahead, with Digby, Razor, Lil Blade, Slug, and Akama surfacing alongside her calf, Wren. Though Akama and Wren usually travel with another group, past research suggests these pods are closely related. Today, they appeared to be bonding with Digby’s family, possibly strengthening ties with their newest member, Wren. Wandering albatrosses soared in the distance while the orcas performed small foraging circles, diving for 6-7 minutes at a time. A sudden flurry of small fish at the surface hinted at feeding activity below, and two unidentified shark-like shadows passed beneath us before vanishing.
Later, distant blows and white water signaled the arrival of 60-70 long-finned pilot whales, their bulbous heads pushing through the waves as they approached the boat. After a breathtaking close encounter, they disappeared beneath us, just as Nibbles and his family rejoined Akama and Wren. Throughout the afternoon, the orcas made several close passes, with little Wren stealing the spotlight—rolling, flicking her tail, and playing at the surface. As the sun broke through the clouds, the scene became even more magical. After a final series of graceful surfacings, we wrapped up the day with beaming smiles and a final stop at Glasse Island, where Australian sea lions basked lazily on the sun-warmed rocks.
Join us on your own Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition today.
