Welcome to Bremer Bay – the Home of Killer Whale Expeditions
Bremer Bay, a small coastal town in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia is the only location in the whole of Australia where you can reliably encounter the Killer Whales (Orca). Naturaliste Charters are the founders of these Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expeditions and we would like to share some top tips with you!.
If you are joining Naturaliste Charters for a Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition, here are some things to know!
We “Naturaliste Charters” are the Founders of the Bremer Canyon Expeditions
Naturaliste Charters are the founders and most experienced operators of the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions. Expeditions first commenced on the 31st January 2015. Our very first season only went for 2 months, over the past 5 years we have extended our seasons by a few weeks at a time and we are now running successful expeditions from December until April. if you are interested in joining an expedition please book directly at naturalistecharters.com.au
Departure times
Expeditions commence mid December each year and depart daily at 8:30 am and run through until mid April.
Peak Orca time
There’s no exact “peak” orca time—January to April is consistently incredible for marine life encounters in Bremer Bay. However, like all wildlife, some days the orcas and other species simply don’t feel like showing off or interacting. That’s the beauty of nature—unpredictable, wild, and completely on their terms.
To manage expectations, we operate under a No Whale Policy to ensure honesty and transparency with all guests. Rest assured, our crew always gives 110% to find and showcase the very best the ocean has to offer.
At Naturaliste Charters, we understand that wildlife sightings can be unpredictable. If no whales are sighted during your tour, you may join us again free of charge. This FOC re-visit is held for you for up to 2 years to give you the opportunity to visit with us again – we even pay for your lunch! This ensures that every guest has the opportunity to experience these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Sea Sickness tablets
Please don’t let pride get in the way—take the seasickness tablets! This is a full-day expedition on the Southern Ocean. Even seasoned travellers can feel unwell, but with the right preparation, you can greatly reduce the risk. We strongly recommend seeking advice from your local pharmacist about the best option for you. A common suggestion is to take one tablet the night before, another in the morning, and keep breakfast light. You won’t go hungry—there’s plenty of food onboard, including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea to keep you comfortable.
Catering is provided
We proudly use The Local Native Catering Company—a locally owned and operated business right here in Bremer Bay. They provide all of our delicious catering, using fresh, quality ingredients and a whole lot of care and flavour. All dietary requirements are happily catered for—just let us know your needs when you book your expedition with us. We provide you with morning and afternoon tea options as well as your fully catered for lunch.
Keith Lightbody’s top photography tips
Keith is a well respected photographer who has kindly volunteered with Naturaliste Charters since expeditions were established in 2014. Growing up on a farm in Mundijong, Western Australia, Keith developed a lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors.
An information technology teacher by trade, he began teaching digital photography when consumer cameras first hit the market in 1994. He has presented at a Wildflower Conference and contributes wildflower and bird images annually around Wireless Hill and Serpentine Jarrahdale. Each year, Keith spends two weeks offshore from Bremer Bay photographing orca and seabirds in their wild ocean environment.
A generous mentor, he often speaks at camera clubs and freely assists others with equipment setups and photography techniques. Keith has provided us with tips on how to photograph whales like a pro!
Pre Book your accommodation!!
This is VERY IMPORTANT.
Bremer Bay is absolutely beautiful, but it is small and semi remote and accommodation options are limited, especially during Killer Whale season! Please do not think that you can arrive into town and book something on the spot, yes there will certainly be times that this is possible, but there is times that it’s not. Please be prepared! You can check out some of our Bremer Bay accommodation recommendations here.
We are not the only operators…
Another company now offers orca tours in Bremer Bay, and while we differ, the tours can appear very similar online. We can’t stress enough the importance of booking directly with Naturaliste Charters to avoid confusion and disappointment.
Unfortunately, we’ve had many upset passengers who realised too late they’d booked with the wrong operator. There have been cases of friends or couples accidentally split between boats, even long-time regulars booking the wrong tour. To avoid tears, stress, or a missed experience, always look for our logo and the name Naturaliste Charters when booking.
If you’ve seen a cheaper price elsewhere, please give us a call—we’re happy to match it where possible. We want your experience to be seamless, special, and exactly what you hoped for—right from the very first click.
Things to do whilst you are in Bremer Bay
So you have done the right thing and allowed flexibility for whilst you are in Bremer Bay, but now you are wondering what you can do, check out some of our recommendations.
Fitzgerald National Park
Fitzgerald River National Park offers stunning walks, scenic drives, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity unlike anywhere else in Australia.
As one of the country’s largest and most beautiful national parks, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Wander through wildflower-filled plains, hike rugged coastal cliffs, or cruise along picturesque roads with breathtaking ocean views.
The park is home to hundreds of unique plant species, making it a global biodiversity hotspot and natural wonder. Whether you’re bushwalking, birdwatching, or just enjoying the peace and quiet, Fitzgerald National Park is an unforgettable experience.
Wellstead Heritage Museum
This charming museum is located at the Wellstead Café, making it the perfect stop for breakfast, lunch or coffee. Enjoy a delicious meal made with local produce before wandering through the fascinating historic museum on site.
The museum features an impressive vintage motorcycle collection, along with a variety of unique and nostalgic artefacts. There’s generally something to spark interest in every visitor, whether you’re into history, mechanics, or simply curious by nature.
It’s a lovely blend of great food, warm hospitality, and local heritage—all in one beautiful Bremer Bay location.
Gnornbup Wines
Gnornbup Wines is the easternmost vineyard in the Great Southern, nestled in the coastal beauty of Bremer Bay. The strong ocean influence creates a unique micro-climate, shaping the character and quality of their exceptional cool-climate wines.
Their boutique winery and welcoming cellar door offer a memorable tasting experience in a truly picturesque setting. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just passing through, Gnornbup Wines is definitely worth a stop.
Sip, relax, and enjoy the best of Bremer Bay’s wine country—right where the coast meets the vines.
Point Ann
This is the perfect spot for a peaceful picnic with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and coastline. If you’re feeling active, there are a few great bushwalks to explore—something for every energy level and schedule. For a quick and easy stroll, there’s a 400-metre loop trail that’s ideal for a short nature walk. If you’re up for more of a challenge, the 12-kilometre trail offers incredible scenery and a rewarding bush experience. Pack some snacks, bring your camera, and take your time soaking up the natural beauty all around you.
Bremer Bay Brewing Company
The Bremer Bay Brewing Company has been operating for a number of years now. They provide light meals for lunch and dinner along with the best Bremer Bay brews. Weekend visitors can enjoy live music. Bremer Bay Brewery have recently added budget accommodation options to their offerings.
Our vessel
Our $2.5 million vessel, Alison Maree, is a 23-metre catamaran custom-built in Western Australia for the Southern Ocean. Designed specifically for offshore expeditions, she’s built tough and equipped with everything needed to handle remote marine environments safely. Although she has a maximum passenger capacity of 90, we limit numbers to just over half for added comfort. This ensures every guest enjoys ample viewing space, a smooth ride, and a more personal, immersive wildlife experience.
When operating so far offshore, safety is our number one priority—and Alison Maree was built with that in mind. Each year, she undergoes a full refit before the season begins and follows strict, regular engine maintenance schedules.
Our team adheres to manufacturer guidelines to keep the vessel in peak condition for every expedition we run.
Onboard, you’ll find clean, modern toilet facilities, a tea and coffee station, filtered water, and plenty of room to relax. The Alison Maree is the safest vessel in the region for the type of expeditions we offer—bar none. Recent upgrades include bulbous bows that improve fuel efficiency and reduce roll, slicing cleanly through Southern Ocean swells. Heading into 2025 a re-fit will procure more undercover seating and back and centre 2 floor viewing and a day bed! Right in time for whale watching season in Augusta & Dunsborough.
Have fun, you are in safe expert hands!
Naturaliste Charters are the most experienced whale-watching operators in Western Australia, with decades of expertise behind every expedition. Our orca tours operate with a flawless 100% safety record, so you can relax knowing you’re in safe, expert hands. We conduct regular safety drills and training to ensure our crew are always prepared, professional, and operating at their highest ability.
Our passionate team are the best of the best—highly skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing unforgettable wildlife experiences. Book your expedition today and follow our simple tips and tricks for the best possible experience out on the water. You’ll have an amazing time and create memories to last a lifetime with the help of our experienced crew.
For more information, visit Naturaliste Charters website or give our friendly office team a call—we’re always happy to assist. Call us on 08 9750 5500 with any questions or enquiries. We’d love to help you plan your adventure.
Thank you for reading—we look forward to welcoming you aboard for the experience of a lifetime with Naturaliste Charters.
