Chasing Orca whales in WA!
Searching for Orca whales off the coast of Bremer Bay has been a dream of ours for so long! When we set off to travel around Australia it was at the top of our bucket-list.
The morning started with us packing down the roof top tent and heading towards the jetty. Boarding commenced at 7:45am after a friendly welcome by the crew of Naturaliste Charters. We decided to take a seat downstairs, inside next to a window so we didn’t miss a thing. The wind was starting to pick up as we departed the marina. We were expecting a bumpy ride knowing the force of the Southern Ocean.
As soon as we reached the shelf it wasn’t long before we spotted two enormous male Orcas. Their dorsal fins slicing through the intimidating waves. It is hard to explain the excitement everyone felt when we got our first glimpses of these impressive animals. The crew opened up the front of the boat and allowed passangers to get up close to them as they cruised directly towards us.
We were hoping to see the rest of the Tatty family group join them but instead the two males vanished all together. We continued to search for the albatross to help us find where the orcas had gone.
We kept searching, eager for more encounters, when we stumbled upon a massive bait ball. The water's surface rippled with movement as fish swarmed below, occasionally seeing fish breaking through the waves as they leapt through the water.
After a bit more searching, things started to shift. We began spotting small oil slicks on the surface of the water, a good sign the orca had found food. What had started as a focused hunt suddenly changed in mood as a few calves darted toward the boat, full of energy and curiosity. They zipped around us, rolling slightly to peek up at everyone on board. With their eyes positioned low and to the side, orca have to roll their bodies to get a proper look at what's happening above, and it honestly felt like they were just as curious about us as we were about them.
The younger orca weren’t shy, either. At one point, they came right up under the boat and swam beneath us, close enough to see clearly through the water. It was unreal. We spent a solid part of the afternoon with multiple pods in the area, all socialising, diving deep, and then surfacing together. It was hard to tell which orca belonged to which group, but we could see clear interactions happening, some were sticking close to the matriarchs, others were cheekily trying to impress a partner, and a few were just cruising, making the most of the conditions.
Speaking of conditions, the weather was a bit on the rougher side, but we honestly never felt unsafe. The captain and crew from Naturaliste Charters were absolute pros. Their knowledge of Bremer Bay, the orca, and the local waters was impressive, and they were more than happy to have a yarn, answer questions, and make sure everyone felt at ease. Even in the swell, the boat stayed steady, and there were plenty of options for seating inside and out, whether you wanted to catch your breath or be right in the action with your camera ready.
It’s a full-day trip, but it absolutely flies by. Between scanning the horizon, watching behaviour change in real-time, and chatting to the crew, there’s barely a moment to sit still, though you’ll certainly be fed like you’re on a cruise. The lunch was generous, with more than enough for seconds (and thirds!), and snacks and drinks were always available throughout the day. We were honestly stuffed.
As the afternoon drew on, the Orca didn’t disappoint. The final pass of the day was something out of a documentary. A large group approached the boat in near-perfect formation, riding the face of a rolling swell and rising in unison just off the bow. It was absolute magic.
If you’re considering heading to Bremer Bay to see the orca whales, we couldn’t recommend it more. Naturaliste Charters run a professional and safe operation, the experience is unforgettable, and the Orca are nothing short of incredible. Whether you’re lucky enough to see a full hunt or just spend the day watching them play and interact, it’s something you’ll remember for a long time.
Our advice:
Enjoy the moment, don’t stress about capturing the perfect picture or video. Make sure to put your phone or camera aside for a while and take it all in.
Share the viewing areas with everyone. It was so nice to see on our boat that everyone was so considerate of others and allowing everyone to experience the best vantage points of viewing the orcas.
Take sea sick tablets (even if you don’t usually get sick). The Southern Ocean is unpredictable and a powerful force.
Wear sunscreen and take a hat - you are on the water all day.
Bring a camera tether or camera strap, as it can get rough, you might need both hands to hold on, so this way you can still have your camera on hand.
Binoculars could be handy, sometimes the orca might be further away before you can get up close, so binoculars could be handy!
