Orca – Killer Whale Watching Season
Bremer Bay is a breathtaking coastal town that draws visitors in droves during the killer whale season. Nestled in Western Australia’s Great Southern region, it sits near the stunning Fitzgerald River National Park. The town showcases vibrant native flora, wide bays, and pristine white beaches—all thanks to its location on the edge of the Southern Ocean.
Consequently, this picturesque destination appeals to beachgoers, surfers, and anglers alike. It also offers one of Australia’s most exciting whale watching experiences—available by boat or, during peak months, from shore.
From July to October, Southern Right Whales migrate into coastal nursery areas near the south coast. These safe havens are essential for the recovery of this endangered species. Notably, prime land-based viewing locations include Bremer Beach, Point Ann, and Trigelow Beach at Doubtful Islands. Point Ann, located in Fitzgerald River National Park, even features a dedicated whale-watching platform with panoramic views of Mount Maxwell and West Mount Barren.
Over 150 Killer Whale Individuals
Between mid-December and late April, killer whales—also known as orcas—arrive offshore, travelling to and from the Bremer Bay Canyon. Remarkably, this location hosts the largest known orca congregation in the southern hemisphere, with over 150 individuals observed.
In addition to orcas, visitors can witness an astonishing range of marine life. Sperm whales, long-finned pilot whales, and elusive beaked and blue whales often appear. Furthermore, pods of striped, bottlenose, and other dolphin species frequently surface alongside the boat. You might even spot a rare sunfish or encounter sharks such as great whites, whalers, and the striking oceanic blue shark.
Why Bremer Bay?
Bremer Bay is a tranquil town positioned where the Bremer River meets the Southern Ocean. While its year-round population is small, summer draws over 10,000 visitors seeking its natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
Getting there is simple. It lies about six and a half hours southeast of Perth by car. Alternatively, you can fly from Perth to Albany in just 75 minutes, then enjoy a scenic two-hour drive east. For convenience, Naturaliste Charters also offers bus transfers between Albany and Bremer Bay for tour guests.
Once in Bremer Bay, you will find plenty to do. Explore Fitzgerald River National Park—one of Australia’s most botanically rich regions and a popular destination for hikers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy swimming at Fisheries Beach Marina, canoeing on the river, surfing, or fishing from shore, rocks, or boat. For the adventurous, numerous tracks and beaches around Bremer Bay and the national park provide excellent four-wheel driving opportunities.
The Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, situated at Fisheries Beach just five minutes from town, is ideal for launching your own vessel. However, most visitors choose to join a guided orca expedition into the Bremer Canyon—a deep-sea hotspot located 45 km offshore, just beyond the continental shelf. This marine haven regularly hosts orcas, sperm whales, giant squid, beaked whales, and a range of shark species. Moreover, seabird enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of ocean-going birds that frequent the area.
Preparing for Your Trip
If you are planning to join an orca tour, it is important to prepare for offshore conditions. Weather on the ocean can change rapidly. Therefore, dressing in layers and bringing a warm, windproof jacket is highly recommended. Flat, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a well-fitted hat will enhance your experience. For wildlife spotting, bring binoculars and your best camera. Polarised sunglasses also help reduce glare on the water.
Although not everyone experiences seasickness, it is best to be proactive. If you are prone to motion sickness, seek advice from your pharmacist beforehand. The round-trip journey to Bremer Canyon takes approximately eight hours. However, durations may vary depending on weather conditions and wildlife sightings.
Our Killer Whale – Orca Watching Tours
The Alison Maree
Naturaliste Charters has operated Bremer Canyon expeditions for over a decade. Our 23-metre vessel, the Alison Maree, is the only boat in Bremer Bay purpose-built for the rugged conditions of the Southern Ocean.
Guests love our modern onboard comforts. These include a newly refurbished interior, unlimited access to a tea and coffee station, and the opportunity to visit the wheelhouse. Our newly installed padded outdoor seating offers lumbar support, and step-down rear platforms bring guests closer to the water for wildlife encounters. Additionally, we provide two modern toilets, one of which is fully wheelchair accessible.
A 96% Sighting Rate
Above all, visitors join our expeditions for the 96% orca sighting rate. While sightings are highly likely, we offer a free return tour if orcas are not seen. Terms and conditions apply—see our website for full details.
Ultimately, Naturaliste Charters delivers the highest chance of spotting killer whales in their natural environment. With more than 790 five-star TripAdvisor reviews, we proudly offer the #1 Bremer Bay Killer Whale Experience.
Expert Commentary
To make your experience even more memorable, each tour features live commentary from our marine biologist, captain, and crew. A professional photographer joins every expedition to capture the highlights of your day. After the tour, you will receive a personalised photo gallery and blog summary from the onboard biologist.
Best of all, there is no need to worry about food. We serve a fully catered morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Naturaliste Charters proudly presents Full-Day Killer Whale Expeditions, where you can witness these apex predators in their natural environment. It is truly an adventure you will never forget.
Want to extend your trip? Check out our guide to the Perth to Bremer Bay Road Trip for helpful travel tips and scenic stops along the way.
