Bremer Canyon Season Ends with Unforgettable Encounters
Southern Ocean Orca
Southern Ocean Orca
Our 2024–25 Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition season has drawn to a close — and what a season it was.
Operating from December to April, this year brought an exceptional range of encounters with orca, pilot whales, sperm whales and more.
Every day held promise: calm waters, high anticipation, and a chance to witness powerful predators patrolling the Southern Ocean.
Guests travelled from across Australia and around the world, all seeking that spine-tingling moment when Southern Ocean orca appear.
Rare Southern Ocean Orca Sightings Take Centre Stage
Bremer Basin killer whales – orca
The headline moment of the season arrived in April, when Type C Antarctic orca surfaced not once, but twice.
This rarely seen ecotype lives among Antarctic pack ice, and sightings this far north are almost unheard of.
Their pale colour, slanted eyepatches and compact bodies quickly set them apart from our familiar Bremer orca population.
We first spotted them on 17 April, then again on the 20th — in two completely different parts of the canyon.
These Southern Ocean orca moved in tight groups, surfacing in synchronised harmony to the delight of all onboard.
Southern Ocean Orca Predation Events – On Edge
Flukes of a southern ocean orca
Beyond rare sightings, this season delivered unforgettable predation events that showcased the orca’s intelligence and hunting coordination.
On several occasions, guests witnessed orca working in pods to pursue beaked whales or large squid near the shelf edge.
Matriarchs led the way while younger animals flanked the prey, using fluke slaps and sudden bursts of speed.
These high-energy moments left passengers breathless and revealed just how sophisticated Southern Ocean orca behaviour can be.
Season of Cetacean Variety and Spectacle
Orange tinged orca calf
While the orca were our main focus, they certainly were not alone in the Bremer Canyon this year.
We encountered long-finned pilot whales, often in pods of 40 or more, socialising and approaching the vessel with curiosity.
Their spyhops, tail slaps, and unique vocalisations created a playful contrast to the calculated movements of orca.
Sperm whales made dramatic appearances, lifting their tails as they dove deep into the nutrient-rich waters to forage.
Even the pygmy blue whale made a rare showing, its immense body gliding just beneath the surface on calmer days.
Ocean Orca Among Bremer’s Rich Marine Life
A seal observed during a Bremer Canyon
Bremer Canyon lived up to its reputation as a biodiversity hotspot throughout the 2024–25 season.
Each tour brought something new — common dolphins, oceanic sunfish, tuna, and soaring seabirds including wandering albatross.
Southern Ocean orca were often accompanied by other marine predators, adding depth and variety to every sighting.
No two days were the same, and passengers experienced a rare glimpse into the complexity of open-ocean ecosystems.
Weather and a Better Vessel Enhanced Every Experience
Pelagic birds are regularly observed
We were fortunate to enjoy mostly calm seas and mild winds for much of the peak expedition period.
Even during swellier weeks, our custom-built vessel, the Alison Maree, ensured guests remained dry, safe, and comfortable.
Upgrades between seasons have continued to improve onboard comfort, including more seating, enhanced catering and better wildlife viewing space.
Our crew worked hard to create a welcoming and professional atmosphere, even during the season’s longest days offshore.
Crew and Curious Guests Made the Season Shine
Sea lions on Glasse Island
None of this would be possible without the incredible work of our skippers, marine biologists and photographers.
Each expedition was guided by passionate, knowledgeable experts who shared real-time insights and observations with every guest.
They answered questions, shared orca identification charts, and helped guests better understand the behaviour they were witnessing.
The enthusiasm of passengers added so much — every gasp, cheer and even the screams of joy made this season one to remember.
Orcas to Augusta: The Journey Continues
A rare blue whale on a 2025 season Bremer Canyon visit
As we farewell our Southern Ocean orca for now, the migration leads us to a different kind of spectacle.
Augusta Whale Watching tours begin in late May, offering the chance to observe humpback and southern right whales in Flinders Bay.
Departing twice daily at 10am and 2pm from the Augusta Boat Harbour. The experience is calmer, gentler — but no less breathtaking.
If you are planning your next marine adventure, we would love to welcome you aboard in Augusta this winter.
