Bremer Canyon Birthday Breaches and Close Encounters
Our trip to Bremer Canyon today was nothing short of spectacular, the perfect way to celebrate a birthday for guests Christine and Gayle. We also welcomed back the Dawes family for their third year with us. The sun promised to break through the clouds as we left the harbour, and the seas were calm as the spectacular coastline receded in our wake. There was little bird activity to greet our arrival at the blue office, making us wonder if it might take a while to find the orca without our avian assistants. Not today.
First Orca Sightings of the Day
Ahead of us, a line of small clouds of mist hung in the breeze above the calm sea surface. Then, a series of black dorsal fins pierced the waves. In an instant, long-held dreams came true. We held our breath and edged closer. Would they remain calmly at the surface, or would they dive as we approached? We were in luck. They surfaced again, and we spotted the impressive male Mako, along with several other familiar individuals.
A large oil slick shimmered on the surface, surrounded by around thirty delicate Wilson’s Storm Petrels. The breeze carried the clean, fishy scent toward us, confirming the petrels’ story — a recent feed. The orca did not appear to be actively hunting, but we were thrilled by their close passes and the calm, confident presence of these apex predators.
Orca Breaches and Aerial Acrobatics
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. Around us, killer whales erupted from the surface in breathtaking displays. Their black and white bodies launched into the air, suspended for a moment before crashing back into the sea. Every side of the vessel had a view — tail slaps, breaches, and playful leaps filled the horizon. Excited shouts rang out from passengers spotting the next launch.
Why do killer whales breach? The short answer — we do not know, but we are glad they do! Scientists believe it can be social behaviour, particularly when multiple pods gather. Breaching, tail slapping, rolling and spy hopping often occur together, as we saw today. Breaching can also assist in hunting, helping to herd or communicate with pod members during coordinated pursuits.
Moments of Calm and Connection
Eventually the pod dived, leaving us surrounded by the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. We rode the small blue swells under sunshine, some guests still speechless from the incredible display. Soon after, eighteen distinct dorsal fins reappeared — large males, females, and Lucky, with its distinctive partially missing dorsal. To see wild killer whales surfacing rhythmically alongside us, unconcerned by our presence, felt like a privilege beyond words.
Pilot Whales Join the Show
While tracking the pods, we noticed a new burst of activity on the horizon. A patch of intense splashing and a cloud of short, bushy blows could mean only one thing — Long-Finned Pilot Whales. A huge flotilla of around 200 surged through the water, a breathtaking sight as they stampeded across the Southern Ocean, white spray glinting in the sunlight. They eventually dived beneath our vessel, moving gracefully into the depths below.
A Close Encounter of the Orca Kind
Just when we thought the day could not get any better, the same orca pod surged alongside at speed. Two young calves breached repeatedly as they raced through the swells, a rare and joyous sight. Moments later, the whales swam so close beneath the surface that we could see them eyeing us curiously from below. For passengers and crew alike, it was an unforgettable encounter — the orca, the energy, and the excitement of our guests combined to create a memory that will last forever.
Join a Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition
The Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions run from December through April, departing daily from Bremer Bay, about a two-hour drive from Albany. Each expedition is guided by an experienced crew and onboard marine biologists who share the fascinating science behind these incredible animals. During the winter months, you can also join our Augusta or Dunsborough Whale Watching Tours to see humpback and southern right whales as they migrate along the coast. Whichever tour you choose, every experience with Naturaliste Charters is a journey into the heart of Western Australia’s wild ocean life.
Until tomorrow,
The Bremer Canyon Crew
