Orca Season in Bremer Bay is from January through to early April as we also enjoy the company of beautiful Pilot Whales during the early autumn months. Today was a beautiful day to be out on the southern ocean as we made our way out to the sighting grounds and on our arrival scanned for signs of activity. It was interesting to see a large oil slick which looked older but still carried a very strong and distinctive mammal scent and along with the size of the slick it appeared the Orca had been successful in the early hours of the morning. The slick was patchy and as we followed it a small ruffling on the waters surface just ahead appeared… it was the cheeky Pilot Whales! A species we love interacting with and observing, the charismatic Pilot Whales always make us smile as multiple family pods swam directly towards our bow. It only took a few short minutes until we were completely surrounded with over 300 Pilot Whales as they all took turns to approach us for morning greetings.
All members of each family were so curious and playful with plenty of spy hops and silly belly up floating displays as they stretched out and enjoyed their morning. The beautiful day was perfect to go searching as we expanded our range to look for the Orca and those responsible for the early morning oil slick. Pilot Whales continued to work the area but a tall and distinctive dorsal fin was heading straight towards our bow and it was the very handsome and much loved Mr El Notcho. Cruise control and swimming with the family we Joined The Pod as Cookie led the way and worked diligently to outmanoeuvre the cheeky Pilot Whales who continued to shadow the movements of the Orca. It is always beautiful to spend time with the wildlife in these calm conditions as the deep blue of the ocean contracts with the sleek jet black and white of the magnificent Orca and Pilot Whales. Orca season in Bremer Bay is always a wonderful time of the year to spend with these apex predators and enjoy one of the most beautiful and unique places on our planet.
