After a few quiet days, our crew and passengers were eager to return to the Bremer Canyon hotspot for incredible orca sightings<\/p>\n
Deckhand Luke climbed onto the roof to scan the horizon, quickly spotting blows just 500 metres from the bow.<\/p>\n
Excitement rippled through the team as we prepared everyone for the encounter.<\/p>\n
A large, maturing male dorsal fin emerged from the depths, and we instantly recognised Wonks from Split Tip\u2019s pod.<\/p>\n
This marked the third orca family spotted on our charters this season.<\/p>\n
Wonks has grown significantly since last season, with his dorsal fin now thicker and taller.<\/p>\n
Observing these changes in maturing males is incredibly rewarding\u2014it\u2019s like seeing a younger loved one grow up before your eyes!<\/p>\n
Wonks wasn\u2019t alone; Flapper and Kirra accompanied him, each with their calves, Lil Machi and Basil, swimming gracefully beneath the boat.<\/p>\n
In the distance, we spotted more blows and another large dorsal fin.<\/p>\n
It was Chalky from Tatty\u2019s pod, travelling with Shredder, a female from Split Tip\u2019s pod.<\/p>\n
Shredder already has a juvenile, affectionately nicknamed \u201cNoName,\u201d but Chalky seemed to be checking her out as a potential mate.<\/p>\n
Could a second calf be on the horizon? Only time will tell if these two continue travelling together.<\/p>\n
Adding to the excitement, Hookfin\u2014a male from Tatty\u2019s pod\u2014joined the scene with three females and a calf.<\/p>\n
Smaller groups of orcas were scattered across the area, surfacing briefly after their 5-6 minute dives.<\/p>\n
Circling the area, we encountered a group of five orcas, including the iconic matriarch, Split Tip.<\/p>\n
This pod is a cornerstone of Bremer Canyon, and seeing them is always a highlight.<\/p>\n
Adina, a playful young female, rolled under the boat as if to greet us, followed by Loupy, Ripple, and Tarni.<\/p>\n
Wonks eventually rejoined this pod, continuing their deep dives.<\/p>\n
Despite their elusive behavior, the experience was unforgettable.<\/p>\n
Before heading back to shore, Luke spotted something extraordinary\u2014a 2-metre swordfish!<\/p>\n
This rare sighting was a first for Skipper Crossy in his 11 years of operating in Bremer Canyon.<\/p>\n
Although the swordfish didn\u2019t linger for a photo, it was an exciting and unexpected moment.<\/p>\n
On our way back, we passed another group of four females with a juvenile, but they disappeared after a few brief surfacings.<\/p>\n
Finally, we stopped at Glasse Island, where we admired restful Australian Sea Lions and the noisy chaos of breeding Crested Terns\u2014a perfect end to an action-packed day.<\/p>\n