Get close to orcas in WABremer Bay, Western Australia

Did you know there’s just one place in Australia where you can go on a tour to spot killer whales? This is a natural lovers’ paradise but it is a little remote. The town of Bremer Bay sits on the Southern Ocean between Albany and Esperance in Western Australia.

It’s also where you’ll set sail on the Alison Maree, a modern, 20-metre-long catamaran specifically built for these parts. On your way out to the Bremer Canyon, where the whales live, you’ll listen to a presentation about what you can expect on your eight-hour expedition, although no two days are ever the same. Make sure you keep on eye on the sea though – pods of dolphins are often seen riding the boat’s wake.

Arriving at killer whale central, you’ll probably spy wildlife pretty quickly. It’s not always the killer whales that first come into view – you might also spot  sperm whales, pilot whales, beaked whales, sharks or oceanic sunfish while pelagic sea birds fly above.

It won’t be long until the orcas appear. More than 250 are thought to inhabit this area and you’re almost guaranteed to see them. They’re often spotted breaching, spy hopping, surging through the wake, nurturing their young or working with other family pods to hunt.

On-board marine biologists will let you know what to look for throughout the day, and professional photographers are on hand to capture the experience. After your trip, you’ll be emailed the images as well as a daily blog explaining the day’s events.

price guide

Tickets for the eight-hour killer whale expedition cost AU$385.

contact

Naturaliste Charters
www.whales-australia.com.au

need to know

Bremer Bay is a two-hour drive from Albany or four hours from Esperance.