The 2026 Bremer Canyon season, which ran from mid-December to mid-April, served as a powerful reminder that this remote, undiscovered stretch of the Southern Ocean remains one of the most unpredictable wilderness areas on Earth. For the team at Naturaliste Charters, the value of the season lies not only in the sightings but in the vital long-term data collected on population health and site fidelity.
Take a look at some of the standout highlights from a remarkable season of fieldwork and encounters:
The Next Generation
Naturaliste Charters officially catalogued 11 new Orca calves this season, a significant milestone for the population's growth. Encouragingly, eight of the nine calves from the previous season were resighted. While "Susu" from Hermes' group was not recorded, her pod was only encountered twice late in the season, leaving the team hopeful that she continues to thrive alongside her mother, Banksey.
The Great Gathering
On January 11, one of the most awe-inspiring moments of the season occurred with the sighting of a massive aggregation of over 100 Sperm Whales. Encounters of this scale are exceptionally rare, offering a glimpse into the social complexity of these deep-diving giants. The ocean surface was alive with blows and flukes in every direction, providing the team with invaluable observational insight into the richness of the Bremer Canyon ecosystem.
Orcas in the Rain
A surreal encounter unfolded on February 10 as passengers watched Killer Whales actively playing during a rainstorm. The sight of sleek black fins cutting through misty, rain-speckled seas under dark skies created a dramatic visual rarely experienced on the water.
The Early Giant
The early arrival of a Blue Whale on February 18 marked a significant seasonal milestone. As the largest animal on Earth, its appearance always commands attention, but this early sighting suggests potential shifts in migration or feeding patterns. The sheer scale of the animal and its deliberate movements created a truly humbling experience for everyone on deck.
Type C Matches
An encounter with Type C Killer Whales in March brought the exciting possibility of several matches with individuals documented in 2025. If confirmed through careful photo identification, these matches will strengthen the understanding of site fidelity and movement patterns, demonstrating how each season builds upon the last in uncovering the lives of these animals.
The Naming of New Calf 'Fin'
On March 22, the Naturaliste Charters team documented what is likely the first recorded successful predation of a Fin Whale in Australasian waters. In an intense chase that moved from the deep canyon into just 50 metres of water near the coastline, over 60 Orcas from multiple families joined forces to take down the second-largest whale species on Earth. To mark this historic event, a tiny, orange-hued Orca calf - spotted just days old during the hunt - was aptly named Fin.
Endangered Sightings
The sighting of four Amsterdam Albatrosses across multiple dates was a significant highlight, given the rarity of this critically endangered species. Each individual sighting contributed to a broader picture of their movement through the region. Known for their immense wingspan and graceful flight, these birds are seldom encountered, making every observation particularly meaningful.
Each year at the Bremer Canyon builds on the last, and 2026 gave us plenty of new data to obsess over until we head back out again. Thanks to everyone who joined Naturaliste Charters on the water this year to witness it!
Naturaliste Charters runs their seasonal Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition from December to April. Book now for 2026/27.