Highlights from Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition: 13 – 19 January 2025
13 January 2025
Today was a spectacular day with the Bremer orca, showcasing a mix of predation, prey sharing, and playful socialisation. Our morning began at the Henry Canyon with Fanscar’s pod, where clear signs of a kill were evident—an oil slick, feasting seabirds, and a tinge of blood in the water. The confirmation came when a female surfaced with a massive chunk of meat, most likely from a beaked whale.
We were fortunate to witness prey sharing, a crucial behaviour in orca culture that strengthens social bonds. Digby stole the show, making multiple close passes by the bow and delighting passengers with his sheer size. He was joined by Fanscar, Mia, Lucy, and Dundette, each taking turns tearing into the meal. After a lull, the pod shifted into play mode, with Dundette, Razor, Lil Blade, and an unexpected visitor—Oreo from Cookie’s pod—frolicking in the waves. Their energetic play included spy-hops, tail slaps, and body rolls, a perfect end to an incredible day.
15 January 2025
Calm seas and golden sunlight illuminated the deep blue waters as we searched for orca. The morning was quiet until we spotted seabird activity leading us to Doppel, a large male from Lucky’s pod. He gave us multiple close passes before being joined by Val and Ocea. Their dive patterns soon changed, and we spotted six more orca ahead. The day took an exciting turn when we encountered Splittip’s pod, including Three Stripes, Ripple, and Wonks, who were incredibly interactive with our vessel. Basil swam beneath us while Mamang enjoyed the attention of the cameras.
The afternoon was filled with more personal interactions as the pod surfaced near the boat, with Kirra and Basil coming within a metre of the port side. Wonks, growing taller and stronger, was a standout with his ever-increasing dorsal fin. A moment of curiosity arose when we retrieved a glass bottle covered in goose barnacles, providing an impromptu marine biology lesson. We ended the day at Glasse Island, where Australian sea lions basked among the lively seabirds.
16 January 2025
Pristine conditions greeted us today, and we quickly found ourselves surrounded by orca. Digby, Lucy Dash, Razor, Lil Blade, Mia, and Dundette were among the first spotted, soon joined by Nibbles and his family. The pod started off relaxed, but by mid-morning, they became more active, making multiple close passes and even rolling beneath the boat. Nibbles treated us to a rare spy-hop, lifting his head above the surface to survey his surroundings.
A dramatic moment unfolded when five juvenile grey’s beaked whales suddenly surfaced, fleeing from the nearby orca. The orca appeared to have missed their chance, but the energy remained high as Nibbles, Digby, and others playfully surfed in our wake. Their excitement kept us enthralled until we finally had to call it a day.
17 January 2025
Our first pilot whale sighting of the year kicked off the morning, with around 50 individuals darting through the water before we turned our attention to orca blows ahead. Tatty’s family led the charge, with juveniles Marley and Missy’s new calf stealing the show. They delighted in playful rolling and even attempted a ‘handstand’ with their flukes in the air.
The afternoon saw us reconnect with Splittip’s group, including Three Stripes, Tarni, Ripple, and the newly confirmed male, Adino. After spending time with them, we located Tatty’s pod once more. The highlight was watching two young calves, Marley and Miro’s yet-to-be-named offspring, spy-hop and push each other playfully. With rain on the horizon, we made our way back passing after another fantastic day. As we passed Glasse Island we were able to see some endangered sea lions.
18 January 2025
A thrilling predation unfolded today, starting with a sudden surge of orca racing towards an oil slick. Lucky’s pod, including Vincent, Val, Ron, and Keela, were among those present. Doppel made repeated passes, proudly carrying the skull of the unfortunate beaked whale. A shark followed along, hoping to scavenge a meal.
The excitement didn’t stop there. Tatty’s entire family—over 15 individuals—launched into a powerful, synchronised surge alongside our vessel. Their speed and agility left everyone in awe. As the action settled, we spotted a sunfish near the surface before being greeted by Razor, Lil Blade, Lucy Dash, Dundette, and Digby. This hybrid pod performed spectacular tail slaps, pectoral slaps, and even three breaches—two from Lucy and one from Digby! It was the perfect finale to a day filled with social interactions and breathtaking encounters.
19 January 2025
The day began with calm waters and a gentle breeze as we ventured into the canyon. Not long into our search, we spotted a pod in travel mode, gliding effortlessly through the water. It was Cookie’s pod, including Oreo, Swirl, and Crumble, moving in a tight formation.
Mid-morning, their pace shifted, and excitement built as they began circling a disturbance on the surface. Moments later, a pod of long-finned pilot whales arrived, creating an unusual standoff. The orca held their ground, but the pilot whales—larger in number—were persistent, vocalising and making close passes. Eventually, the orca moved on, with Oreo and Swirl leading the way.
As we made our way home, we were treated to a final farewell by a group of playful common dolphins, leaping in synchrony alongside our vessel. It was a beautiful way to wrap up another remarkable week in the Bremer Canyon!
Another week of unforgettable experiences in the Bremer Canyon! Each day brings new insights into the lives of these extraordinary apex predators, and we can’t wait to see what next week has in store!
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