Itinerary
Tour day-by-day
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Full Day Expedition
One of the world’s greatest full-day oceanic expeditions departs from the beautiful town of Bremer Bay, a two-hour drive from Albany or five-hour drive from Perth. From Albany, Naturaliste Charters offers transport to and from Bremer Bay with Busy Blue Bus.
After arriving at 7.45am at the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, guests will board the Naturaliste Charter’s long-range expedition vessel purpose-built for the Southern Ocean, ready for an 8:30am departure. From Bremer Bay, the landscape of scenic bays and cliffs along with sparkling turquoise waters will shortly give way to the deep blue expanses of the Southern Ocean. On departure, guests should keep an eye out for dolphins, Australian Sea-lions and numerous seabirds.
The expert crew will commence an exciting and informative multimedia presentation, delving into the Killer Whale’s biology and ecology, as well as information about the other marine life the expedition is likely to encounter. After a journey of approximately 1.5 hours, the vessel will arrive to the Bremer Canyon area, one of the most amazing marine environments on earth, where guests will commence the search for the apex predator in the ocean, the Killer Whale.
"We thrive on involving our guests in activities on board that contribute to research and support longer term conservation efforts. We regularly host research personnel on board and collect data ourselves too, including recording sightings, photographic identification and water quality information which contributes to understanding of species encountered and the broader marine environment."Paul Cross - Skipper & Founder
It is common for pods of Killers Whales to approach and surround the vessel and expeditions often witness these magnificent creatures hunting. The spectacle of these predators chasing and devouring their prey is breath-taking, with seabirds such as albatross and shearwaters only too happy to pick up the scraps. On-board an expert marine biologist will share information about the pods social behaviours, along with other facts about the local marine ecology.
The day of unforgettable encounters is fully catered, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea provided, and unlimited hot and cold beverages are available. The vessel returns approximately 4.30pm, with guests sure to be left awed by our amazing blue planet.
Acoustic Monitoring
In addition to witnessing these incredible marine mammals, guests may also be able to hear them if conditions permit. Killer Whales live in family pods that have their own unique dialect or range of sounds. In other parts of the world, researchers use these vocalisations to identify family pods
Although the region has not been studied in details, researchers are already discovering information and movement patterns of pods in the region, providing a platform for future management and conservation.
Photo Identification
Naturaliste Charters also invites guests to participate in contributing photo ID shots of the animals encountered, to contribute to the growing database of individuals. As a citizen scientist, your ID shots also make a valuable contribution to this important research, conducted by Project Orca.
Individual Killer Whales have variations in the shape of the dorsal fin (with notable variations such as nicks and notches), the white eye patch’s shape and size, and the grey marking on the back (also known as the saddle patch).
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Tour details
Vessel Details: The beautiful Alison Maree is a modern, spacious and luxurious 20m catamaran, providing the ultimate in stability, comfort and safety. A long range expedition vessel purpose-built for the Southern Ocean she is immaculately presented, with three spacious viewing decks.
Group Size: We have only a maximum of 50 passengers on any Bremer Canyon Expedition and keep under the limit on any Whale Watching Experience which leaves plenty of room for all.Pick-up and Drop Off Point: Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, Lot 115 Swarbrick Rd, Western Australia 6338
Pick-up and Drop-off Time: Passengers need to arrive 7.45am, vessel departure at 8.30am, returns at approximately 4.30pm.
All cruises are subject to minimum numbers & weather conditions.Want to spend multiple days viewing the incredible marine life? There is new discounted three-day pass that entitles you to take three Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expeditions from $999 AUD. Please click here to book.
Bus and Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition Package from Albany (departure and return) is available to book here.
How you'll be making a positive impact
We have aligned our sustainability vision with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Onboard Research with Naturaliste Charter
As a globally-recognised innovator in the industry, Naturaliste Charters supports numerous projects, collaborations and also facilitates independent research onboard throughout the year. The team has been collaborating with Geographe Marine Research (GMR) for over a decade and among other projects, submit images daily, especially of endangered Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.
Revealing the Mysteries of Bremer Canyon & Beyond
Orcas were first ‘discovered’ off Bremer Bay in the early 2000s by Dave Riggs, when he was on an annual tuna research expedition from Esperance to Albany. In 2013 he produced a film called The Search for the Ocean’s Super Predator, and not too long after that, Naturaliste Charters led by owner Paul Cross, worked alongside Dave to run the first dedicated expedition to see Orcas in Australian waters.
Eradicating Single Use Plastics with Containers for Change
On board the Alison-Maree vessel, guests will not find any single use plastics. In 2018, Naturaliste Charters committed to being plastic free, replacing disposable coffee cups and lids with bio-cups which are compostable and manufactured sustainably, and replacing plastic bottles with a hydration system to serve fresh, filtered and chilled water. Any cans that the organisation sells or other recyclable items are dropped to Containers for Change, who cash in 10 cents per item, which is donated directly to local environmental organisations and charities.
Developing Partnerships To Meet Sustainability Goals
Naturaliste Charters is a national leader in supporting projects, collaborations and facilitating research onboard, regularly hosting active researchers and partnering with institutions and organisations to publish papers.
Media Gallery
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Iconic Cities and Wildlife
From $3,300 USD
10 days/9 nights
Available months: January to May, October to December.
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West Coast & Islands Birdwatching
From $2,870 USD
12 days/11 nights
Available months: January to April, October to December.
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Whales and Marine Mammals of the West
From $610 USD
6 days/5 nights
Available months: January to May, October to December.
