Bremer Bay Bird Expedition

Bremer Canyon Pelagic Birdwatching Expeditions

Discover one of Australia's most exciting offshore birdwatching destinations

This December, join Naturaliste Charters for a series of exclusive pelagic birdwatching expeditions into the spectacular Bremer Canyon, accompanied by experienced seabird guides.

Operating aboard our purpose-built, 23-metre catamaran, Alison Maree, these special expeditions offer a rare opportunity to explore the remarkable marine biodiversity of the Bremer Canyon before the commencement of our main Killer Whale Expedition season.

While the Bremer Canyon is internationally renowned for its extraordinary Orca encounters throughout summer and autumn, it is also one of Australia's most exciting destinations for pelagic birdwatching, offering the chance to encounter an incredible diversity of seabirds, including some exceptionally rare visitors.

A Birdwatcher's Paradise

The Bremer Canyon holds a special place among Australia's pelagic birdwatching destinations. It is the only location in Australian waters where the elusive Barau's Petrel is reported with any regularity, making it a particularly sought-after destination for dedicated birders.

Previous December pelagic expeditions have also recorded an impressive range of rarities, including:

• Cook's and Gould’s Petrels
• Sooty Albatross
• White-chinned and White-headed Petrels
• Black-bellied Storm-Petrel

Other major rarities that have been observed on summer Orca tours have included:

• Chatham and Amsterdam Albatrosses
• Cory’s and Great Shearwaters
• Kermadec, White-headed, and Pycroft’s Petrels

While encounters with these exceptional species are never guaranteed, the potential for something truly extraordinary is part of what makes birdwatching in the Bremer Canyon so rewarding.

With four dedicated expeditions scheduled this December, participants will have multiple opportunities to explore these productive offshore waters and maximise their chances of encountering something special.

Spectacular Seabird Encounters

Even without the appearance of a rarity, the Bremer Canyon consistently delivers outstanding pelagic birdwatching.

Large gatherings of Flesh-footed Shearwaters are a familiar sight and can sometimes signal the presence of Orcas feeding nearby. Other regularly encountered seabirds include:

• Wilson's and White-faced Storm-Petrels
• Great-winged Petrels
• Indian Yellow-nosed Albatrosses
• Black-browed Albatrosses
• Shy Albatrosses
• The magnificent Wandering Albatross

One of the most remarkable spectacles occurs when Orcas successfully hunt prey within the canyon. These predation events can create extensive, oil-rich slicks that attract extraordinary concentrations of seabirds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, as they gather to feed.

For birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike, these feeding events can provide unforgettable viewing opportunities.

Beyond the Birds – Incredible Marine Wildlife

Although seabirds are the primary focus of these expeditions, the Bremer Canyon is home to an extraordinary variety of marine life, and encounters with other wildlife are always possible.

Orcas and other cetaceans

The canyon's deep, nutrient-rich waters support an incredible diversity of cetaceans. Long-finned Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins and Common Dolphins are regularly encountered, while the deeper sections of the canyon are particularly well known for their variety of elusive Beaked Whales, an important prey species for the region's Orcas.

Other potential sightings include:

• Orcas (Killer Whales)
• Sperm Whales
• Dwarf Minke Whales
• Bryde's Whales
• Various species of Beaked Whales

Previous birdwatching expeditions have enjoyed encounters with both Dwarf Minke and Bryde's Whales. Sperm Whales are also possible, although sightings tend to become more frequent later in summer.

Other oceanic wildlife

Keep an eye on the water for an exciting variety of other marine species, including ocean sunfish, Blue Sharks, whaler sharks, hammerhead sharks and Long-nosed Fur Seals.

On our return journey, we also plan to visit Glasse Island, home to a small colony of Australian Sea Lions, providing another fantastic opportunity to observe the region's unique wildlife.

As always, wildlife encounters are unpredictable, and every expedition offers something different.

Make the Most of Your Visit – Birdwatching Around Bremer Bay

For visiting birdwatchers, the adventure doesn't have to end when you step off the boat!

Bremer Bay and the surrounding Great Southern region offer exceptional land-based birdwatching, with a wonderful variety of sought-after species found in the coastal heathlands, woodlands and nearby reserves.

Species to look for around Bremer Bay include:

• Western Whipbird
• Western Fieldwren
• Red-eared Firetail
• Hooded Plover
• Brush Bronzewing
• Southern Emu-wren
• Rock Parrot

Venture a little further afield, and a half-day birdwatching excursion may provide opportunities to encounter:

• Malleefowl
• Purple-gaped Honeyeater
• White-eared Honeyeater
• Southern Scrub-Robin
• Shy Heathwren
• Blue-breasted Fairywren
• Regent Parrot

For those travelling from Perth, the journey to and from Bremer Bay also presents excellent opportunities to seek out many of Western Australia's south-west endemic bird species.

Our experienced pelagic guides are happy to share their local knowledge and recommend birdwatching locations to help you make the most of your visit.

Departure Information

Meeting Time: 7:00 am
Departure Time: 7:15 am
Duration: Approximately 8 hours

Departure Location:
Bremer Bay Boat Harbour
Lot 115 Swarbrick Road
Bremer Bay WA 6338

View departure location on Google Maps

Please arrive on time to allow for check-in and boarding before departure.

What’s Included

• Approximately eight hours exploring the Bremer Canyon aboard Alison Maree, our spacious, purpose-built 23-metre catamaran.
• Expert commentary and guidance from experienced seabird specialists.
• Opportunities to observe an exceptional variety of seabirds and marine wildlife.
• Comfortable onboard facilities, including indoor seating, sheltered areas and spacious outdoor viewing decks.
• Complimentary tea, coffee, Milo, drinking water and biscuits.

What to Bring

Please bring your own lunch and additional snacks for the day.

We also recommend bringing binoculars, a camera, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection and any personal seasickness medication you may require.

Join Us This December

Whether you're an experienced pelagic birder hoping to add a rare species to your list, a passionate wildlife photographer or simply someone who appreciates the extraordinary diversity of Australia's marine environment, our Bremer Canyon Pelagic Birdwatching Expeditions promise an unforgettable day on the Southern Ocean.

With just four dedicated expeditions scheduled, we encourage you to secure your place early and join us for an incredible offshore adventure!