Incredible Orca Sightings: A Day in Bremer Canyon
After a few quiet days, our crew and passengers were eager to return to the Bremer Canyon hotspot for incredible orca sightings
Deckhand Luke climbed onto the roof to scan the horizon, quickly spotting blows just 500 metres from the bow.
Excitement rippled through the team as we prepared everyone for the encounter.
Meet Wonks: A Familiar Orca in Bremer Canyon
A large, maturing male dorsal fin emerged from the depths, and we instantly recognised Wonks from Split Tip’s pod.
This marked the third orca family spotted on our charters this season.
Wonks has grown significantly since last season, with his dorsal fin now thicker and taller.
Observing these changes in maturing males is incredibly rewarding—it’s like seeing a younger loved one grow up before your eyes!
Wonks wasn’t alone; Flapper and Kirra accompanied him, each with their calves, Lil Machi and Basil, swimming gracefully beneath the boat.
Chalky and Shredder: A Potential Orca Love Story?
In the distance, we spotted more blows and another large dorsal fin.
It was Chalky from Tatty’s pod, travelling with Shredder, a female from Split Tip’s pod.
Shredder already has a juvenile, affectionately nicknamed “NoName,” but Chalky seemed to be checking her out as a potential mate.
Could a second calf be on the horizon? Only time will tell if these two continue travelling together.
Adding to the excitement, Hookfin—a male from Tatty’s pod—joined the scene with three females and a calf.
Smaller groups of orcas were scattered across the area, surfacing briefly after their 5-6 minute dives.
A Close Encounter with Split Tip’s Pod
Circling the area, we encountered a group of five orcas, including the iconic matriarch, Split Tip.
This pod is a cornerstone of Bremer Canyon, and seeing them is always a highlight.
Adina, a playful young female, rolled under the boat as if to greet us, followed by Loupy, Ripple, and Tarni.
Wonks eventually rejoined this pod, continuing their deep dives.
Despite their elusive behavior, the experience was unforgettable.
A Rare Swordfish Sighting
Before heading back to shore, Luke spotted something extraordinary—a 2-metre swordfish!
This rare sighting was a first for Skipper Crossy in his 11 years of operating in Bremer Canyon.
Although the swordfish didn’t linger for a photo, it was an exciting and unexpected moment.
Wrapping Up at Glasse Island
On our way back, we passed another group of four females with a juvenile, but they disappeared after a few brief surfacings.
Finally, we stopped at Glasse Island, where we admired restful Australian Sea Lions and the noisy chaos of breeding Crested Terns—a perfect end to an action-packed day.
Experience the Best Orca Sightings with Us
Bremer Canyon never fails to surprise and inspire. Join us on one of our killer whale expeditions and witness these majestic apex predators in their natural habitat.
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