Granny Duty in the Canyon – Split Tip Steps In Again
Bremer Bay delivered another spectacular day on the water. Filled with close encounters, high emotion, and a whole lot of granny orca charm. One of the standout highlights? Our beloved granny, Split Tip, once again showed why she’s one of the most iconic killer whales in the Bremer Canyon.
For the past few weeks. Granny Split Tip has taken on babysitting duties for a TINY newborn calf belonging to a yet-to-be-identified female in our catalogue. Today, we were lucky enough to witness this special trio. Granny Split Tip, mum Val, and calf Lenny — up close for over an hour in a truly heart-melting encounter.
Val and Lenny: A Valentine’s Day Surprise
As we spent quality time with this beautiful group. We decided to give the unnamed mother and calf a temporary nickname in honour of Valentine’s Day — meet Val and Lenny! The calf, Lenny, is absolutely distinctive with very prominent markings. Scars surround both the eyepatches and lower jaw. Consistent with teeth marks likely sustained when Lenny was still a fragile neonate.
Little Lenny stayed glued to Val’s side, swimming close beneath her. Occasionally popping up to breathe and gently flicking its tail. It’s moments like this that offer a rare glimpse into orca motherhood — tender, patient, and fiercely protective.
Split Tip, our ever-capable granny, swam just ahead of them. Her calm presence was unmistakable. It was clear that she was guiding the new mother with subtle cues and confidence.
Curious Calves and Confident Close Passes
Adding to the excitement, another juvenile joined the group — full of personality and absolutely obsessed with our vessel. She made multiple close passes throughout the tour, often gliding along the hull sideways or even belly-up. With a clear view of her underbelly, we confirmed her sex — a young female with all the sass and style you could hope for!
She even came so close at one point that it appeared as though she was scratching her side on the boat. Confident, inquisitive, and fearless. This young whale is clearly learning from her experienced elders like granny and developing a boldness that left everyone onboard in awe.
It’s both exhilarating and humbling to see such young orca interact so comfortably with the vessel. A testament to the intelligence and social bonding within their pods.
Granny Wisdom and Valentine’s Day Vibes
While granny Split Tip managed the young ones, the big bulls kept their distance today. Perhaps off on their own Valentine’s Day missions, hunting for the perfect gift for their canyon queens!
Throughout the tour, we passed several small oil slicks shimmering on the surface. Each slick was a clue that something had just happened. A quick, efficient hunt most likely involving squid or other small prey beneath the waves. These sub-surface feeds often go unseen, but the post-hunt behaviour is unmistakable.
True to form, the orca became incredibly friendly after feeding. The moment we spotted a slick, we knew what was coming — the whales came straight toward us. Surfacing right beneath the bow, gliding smoothly past the vessel in a choreographed show of power and grace.
For many of our guests, this was their very first orca sighting. To have these striking black-and-white beauties appear right beneath their feet. Then explode to the surface just metres away — it’s unforgettable. Watching wide-eyed reactions and happy tears from the back deck is what makes every Bremer Canyon day so special.
A LOVE-ly Day with Granny and the Orca Pod
With Split Tip holding down the granny duties, a newborn calf by her side. Curious juveniles showing off, and bulls keeping the mystery alive — today was pure magic.
This tour was a powerful reminder of just how close, curious, and complex orca behaviour can be. Whether it’s a babysitting granny, a mother’s protective nudges, or a calf’s playful tail flicks. Every encounter tells a story.
<4>Want to witness these moments for yourself?<4/>
Join us for a Killer Whale Expedition in Bremer Bay and experience the wild heart of WA’s southern coast.
Later in the season, you can also join us for Augusta Whale Watching and Dunsborough Whale Watching.
Spaces fill fast. Book now and meet the matriarchs, the mums, and the mischievous calves of Bremer Canyon!
