Killer Whale Social Behaviour on Display in Bremer Canyon
Bremer Canyon put on a true spectacle today, showcasing rare and playful killer whale social behaviour. Our morning began quietly with a cruising pod. We identified El Notcho, Cookie, and her calf Oreo travelling together. They remained near the surface briefly, surfacing every 2–4 minutes, before shifting into longer dives. Orcas can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes, making them hard to track once they dive deep. After several long dives, it was clear this pod preferred to be left alone. We respectfully moved on. At Naturaliste Charters, we always let orca behaviour guide our approach. If they seem uninterested or evasive, we give them space. This philosophy led us to a far more interactive encounter later in the day—a pod that welcomed us with open flippers. What followed was a rare glimpse into the cooperative, tactile world of killer whale companionship.
Join our next Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition to witness wild orca behaviour for yourself
Playful Pods and Whale Footprints
Our next encounter revealed a group in full social mode. The orca swam in synchronised trios and quartets, surfacing together at the bow. They dove beneath the vessel and popped up on alternating sides—starboard, port, and even around the stern. It was a truly inclusive show, offering every guest a front-row view. One excited passenger even had to clean their camera after getting misted by a blow! The pod changed their pace often—rolling upside down, porpoising, and lunging. They left whale footprints on the water’s surface as they swam. A whale footprint is the smooth patch left after a fluke pushes down. This playfulness is classic killer whale social behaviour. At one point, an oil slick appeared in the distance. It suggested the orcas may have been multitasking—playing while also feeding. The group surfaced again at our bow, this time joined by others. Three pods had merged into a unified, tactile celebration.
A Killer Whale Scrum and Albatross Bravery
As the pods merged, their behaviour became increasingly tactile. They rolled over each other, nudged, and brushed past fins. This “killer whale scrum” had all the signs of bonding, trust, and communication. These are not random movements. They are structured and intentional—part of how orcas build and maintain social cohesion. While watching this from the deck, our attention was suddenly drawn to the surface: a black-browed albatross floated calmly in the centre of it all. Four orcas circled beneath it, brushing dangerously close to its feet. We held our breath. Was the bird unaware, or was it perfectly in tune with the whales’ non-threatening behaviour? Moments later, an Indian yellow-nosed albatross faced the same situation—but chose to flee. Perhaps it knew better. This tension between fear and trust played out silently above the waterline while social dynamics churned below. Another breathtaking layer in a day filled with surprises.
Learn more about black-browed albatross behaviour
Respect, Space, and Natural Encounters
Today’s events were a reminder that killer whale social behaviour is not just entertainment—it is deeply meaningful. These animals choose when, how, and with whom they interact. Our role is to observe without disrupting. The contrast between the aloof morning pod and the interactive groups that followed reinforced our belief in giving whales the space to decide. When they want to engage, it is magical. When they do not, we wait for the next moment. Three pods merging into one, interacting freely in the wild, is a rare privilege to witness. From whale footprints and camera sprays to porpoising and orca scrums, today had everything. Most passengers left with full memory cards—but even fuller memories. This is what Bremer Canyon offers: not just sightings, but stories worth telling. And we are here for it—one respectful encounter at a time.
Read more expedition stories on the Naturaliste Charters blog
Until Tomorrow
One day it is a quiet cruise; the next, it is a 360-degree orca playground. Bremer Canyon, thank you once again.
Until tomorrow,
The Bremer Canyon Crew
