Bremer Bay: Orca watching tour with local guide & lunch

Summary

Orca watching from Bremer Bay with real guides and wild ocean moments

You’ll head out from Bremer Bay with a small group and local guides who know these waters inside out. Watch orcas in their natural habitat, share hot drinks and stories on deck, enjoy breakfast and lunch as you scan for whales—and feel that mix of nerves and awe you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we left Bremer Bay wasn’t the ocean — it was the way everyone on board seemed to lean into the wind, faces half-nervous, half-excited. Our guide (I think her name was Kate?) handed out coffee and made a joke about “the real breakfast of champions” being ginger biscuits for seasickness. I laughed, but honestly, I clutched mine like a lifeline. The boat cut through the water fast — apparently it’s only about 19 nautical miles to the sighting grounds, but it felt like we were heading off the edge of Australia itself.

I’d seen photos of orca tours before but nothing really prepares you for that first black-and-white fin slicing up through the grey water. There was this hush — even the crew got quiet for a second. Then someone shouted “there!” and suddenly everyone was pressed against the railings. The air smelled sharp and salty, mixed with diesel and someone’s spilled tea. Kate kept up a running commentary about orca behavior (she’s been doing this for years — her family too), but I kept getting distracted by how cold my hands were on the metal rail. At one point I tried to say “orca” in Noongar language; Li, another guest, just grinned at me like “nice try.”

Lunch was simple but good — sandwiches and hot soup that actually tasted better because my face was numb from the wind. We saw pilot whales too, their backs rolling like shadows just beyond where the orcas had been. The photographer snapped some shots (they send them later), but honestly my favorite moment was when everything went quiet except for seabirds wheeling overhead and that low hum of engines. It’s weirdly peaceful out there after all the excitement.

I still think about that feeling — standing at the edge of something wild, not quite knowing what would happen next. If you’re thinking about a day trip to see orcas from Bremer Bay, just go prepared for weather and let yourself be surprised by whatever shows up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bremer Bay Orca Experience

• Join the Pod and meet the Orca of Bremer Bay

Top questions

How far is Bremer Bay from Perth?

Bremer Bay is about 5 hours’ drive southeast of Perth in Western Australia.

When can you see orcas in Bremer Bay?

The main season for orca sightings is January to March each year.

Is food included on the Bremer Bay orca tour?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea/coffee, bottled water, and one alcoholic drink are included.

How long does it take to reach the orca sighting area?

The boat travels about 19 nautical miles offshore; travel time is minimized by a fast vessel.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children aged 10–17 can join at a special rate; younger children are not recommended.

What should I bring on an orca watching tour?

Dress warmly for changing weather; consider motion sickness medication if needed.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; travelers meet at Bremer Bay departure point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If canceled due to poor weather, you can choose another date or get a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes breakfast and lunch served onboard with coffee, tea, bottled water, snacks throughout the trip plus one complimentary beer, wine or champagne. A professional local guide leads live commentary while a photographer captures images for you to keep—all as you watch for orcas near Bremer Canyon before returning to shore in the afternoon.