3 Best Bremer Bay Orca Tours (Locals Guide 2024)

Do you want to experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles? Then look no further than a Bremer Bay Orca Tour!

Located at the mouth of the Bremer River, Bremer Bay is a six and half hour drive south east of Perth, or an hour and fifteen-minute flight from Perth to Albany followed by a two-hour drive east.

I lived in a town called Katanning for 6 years when I was younger, and it was very common for basically half the town to head to Bremer Bay every weekend and every school holidays, especially over summer as it was only 2 hours away. It was a bit of a running joke that half of Katanning would head to Bremer Bay to see the other half of Katanning!

It’s really one of the hidden secrets of WA and I would urge you to go there, it’s beaches are stunning, and the orca tours are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Every year between January and April, Orcas arrive to feast and frolic in the area’s pristine waters. With so many Bremer Bay Killer Whale Tours to choose from, there’s sure to be something that suits your summer vacation needs.

Here are six of the best Bremer Bay Orca Tours!

For those who want a deep-dive, keep reading to discover the 6 best Bremer Bay Orca Tours. After you see all the options, check out the Whale Watching Bremer Bay FAQ at the end of the article, so you can visit Bremer Bay like a pro.

3 Best Bremer Bay Orca Tours

1.Bremer Bay Orca Experience

⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 – with more than 55 positive reviews! | ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | 🕰️START TIME: 8am | 📍MEETING POINT: Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, Swarbrick Road, Bremer Bay WA | Google Maps

Why choose this tour?

The Bremer Bay Orca Experience is, as the name suggests, the premium killer whale tours Bremer Bay that you can do! This tour stands out because it offers an unbeatable experience, starting with knowledgeable and passionate guides on board.

The family that owns and operates this tour are experts in whale behavior and will provide you with interesting facts and detailed commentary about these majestic creatures during the cruise.

As you make your way to the edge of the continental shelf, where orcas are most often seen, you’ll also have the chance to spot other marine life, such as pilot whales, sperm whales, and beaked whales.

To top off your experience, you’ll also enjoy a delicious lunch and refreshments on board!

What’s included?

✅Lunch, snacks and beverages including coffee and tea

✅A complimentary beer, wine or champagne

✅Professional guide

✅Live commentary on board

✅Photographer capturing complimentary images of your tour

“Most impressed with the lovely clean boat, the ultra-friendly staff who couldn’t do enough, the passionate way they explained about the sights we saw on our trip, and the lengths they went to to make sure we saw everything possible. The continuous supply of food and drinks was unexpected and really fantastic! We (from Perth) and our friends from England all had a great time. Thank you.” – Ron (see more reviews)

2.Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition

⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 – with more than 43 positive reviews! | ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | 🕰️START TIME: 8.30am | 📍MEETING POINT: Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, Swarbrick Road, Bremer Bay WA | Google Maps

Why choose this tour?

The Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expedition is a tour you will not soon forget! Experience the wonder of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on this full-day expedition that takes you to Bremer Canyon, an underwater oasis where a unique ecological system supports the largest congregations of orcas anywhere in Australia.

Here, you will witness huge pods of Bremer Bay orcas engaged in their social behavior, such as hunting, playing and traveling. The area is home to a wide variety of other marine life too – from dolphins and whales to seabirds and sharks. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll learn about these fantastic creatures in their natural environment and make memories that will last a lifetime.

What’s included?

✅Morning Tea

✅Lunch

✅Afternoon Tea

✅Professional guide

✅Live commentary on board

“What a fantastic day. We were lucky with beautiful whether and had the opportunity to see so much marine life in Bremer Canyon. the crew were knowledgable and friendly and hte skipper definitely went above and beyond, staying out an extra hour as we only found killer whales near the end of the day. Can’t wait to get out there again!“ – Kelly (see more reviews)

NOTE: To the above tour, you can add a transfer from and to Albany to see the Orcas in Bremer Bay. You leave Albany at 5.30 am for the two-hour bus trip to Bremer Bay, and return to Albany around 6 pm. This is a great option if you don’t really want to stay in Bremer Bay as you can let someone else do the driving for you!

Multi-Day Tours That Include A Bremer Bay Orca Tour

3.Perth: Orca Cruise, Scenic Flight, and Camel Farm 5-Day Tour

⏳TOUR LENGTH: 5 days, 4 nights |📍MEETING POINT: Hotel pick-up in Perth and return to Perth

Why choose this tour?

Slightly different, but I couldn’t talk about Bremer Bay Orca Tours without mentioning this Perth: Orca Cruise, Scenic Flight, and Camel Farm 5-Day multi-day tour, because this may be more your scene! Spend five days in Western Australia exploring the very best of Perth, Esperance, Bremer Bay and Wave Rock with this 5-day tour.

You’ll get to experience up-close encounters with orcas during a boat trip in Bremer Bay, and feel your heart race as you soar over clouds on a scenic flight across Middle Island. In between all the exciting activities, you’ll also visit the camel farm in York and explore some incredible locations such as Wave Rock and Fitzgerald River National Park.

What’s included?

✅Tour Guide

✅Hotel pickup and drop-off

✅Transportation by air-conditioned bus

✅4 nights hotel/motel accommodation

✅Lake Hillier Flight

✅Camel farm visit

✅4 x breakfasts, 1 x lunch

✅Daily coffee/tea break with snacks

❌Lunch and Dinner

What To Bring On Your Orca Whale-Watching Bremer Bay Tour

Wondering what you should be taking to your Bremer Bay Whale Watching tour? Here is a suggested list of things that will make you more comfortable:

• Waterproof outer jacket
• Layers of clothing that can be easily removed and put back on
• Long pants
• Hats and gloves
• Flat, closed-in shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen/zinc
• A camera or phone with plenty of battery (many tours have onboard photographers that will share the photos with you, so you can sit back and enjoy, but always a good idea to take your own just in case, or if its important to you!)
• Binoculars
• Sea sickness tablets/motion sickness medication (preparation is always the best option!)

Tips For Your Bremer Bay Orca Tour

Here are some tips to make your Bremer Bay Whales Tour run smoother for you:

• Get to the meeting point early – most tours require you to check in 15-30 minutes prior as they must strictly leave at the departure time

• Dress appropriately for the weather and wear layers so you can adjust as the temperature changes during your tour

• Wear comfortable flat-soled shoes and make sure they are securely fastened, so you can move easily around the deck

• Bring binoculars to get a better view of the whales and other marine life

• Take motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to feeling nauseous on boats

• Don’t forget your camera or phone as you’re sure to have some amazing memories from your tour!

• Have fun and enjoy the experience – whale watching tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget!

Now it’s time to book your whale-watching tour and experience the incredible beauty of Bremer Bay Orcas up close.

Best Time Of Year For Orca Watching Bremer Bay

The best time of year for whale watching in Bremer Bay is between January and March. During this period, the orcas gather in large numbers to feed on a variety of prey, especially squid. This is when you are most likely to see them in their natural habitat. Other marine life such as sperm whales, pilot whales, and dolphins may also be spotted during this time. Additionally, migratory seabirds can often be seen around Bremer Bay.

Where Is Bremer Bay?

📍Bremer Bay | Google Maps

Bremer Bay is located on the south coast of Western Australia in the Great Southern region, roughly 505 kilometers southeast of Perth. It lies at the mouth of the Bremer River, between Albany and Esperance, just 180 kilometers east of Albany.

This quaint coastal town has a population of around 570 people and offers stunning views and plenty to explore. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled nature getaway, Bremer Bay is the perfect destination!

Perth To Bremer Bay Drive Time

It will take you roughly 5.5-6 hours to drive to Bremer Bay, with no stops.

Perth To Bremer Bay Distance

Bremer Bay is located roughly 505km from the Perth city center.

Best Time Of Year To Visit Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay is a great destination all year round, but for those looking to experience something truly unique, the best time to visit is from January to March. This is when Bremer Bay’s famous orcas can be seen in their natural habitat and charter boats offer full-day orca spotting and feeding expeditions.

From June to October, wildflower enthusiasts can also take in the hundreds of Western Australian wildflower species flowering within the Fitzgerald River National Park.

Lastly, from December to February, warm weather in summer provides great conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the town’s various bays and beaches.

How To Get From Perth To Bremer Bay By Car

Head south out of Perth along the Albany Highway. After Williams, then Arthur River, you will eventually come to the turn-off for Robinson Road towards Woodanilling. When you reach the Great Southern Highway at Woodanilling, turn left towards Katanning.

Follow this road until just after Broomehill, where you turn left on Broomehill-Gnowangerup Road towards Gnowangerup. After you’ve been through the main street of Gnowangerup, turn left onto Gnowangerup-Jerramungup Road.

That road eventually comes to a T-junction, where you turn right onto Chester Pass Road. You’ll pass the tiny town of Borden, then you’ll see signs to take a left onto Bordern-Bremer Bay Road.

At Boxwood Hill you will reach another T-junction where you take a right and then left immediately. You follow this road until you reach Bremer Bay!

Do I need an International Drivers License?

If you’re planning on renting a car during your trip, an International Driver’s License is recommended but not required. You can find more information about which countries require additional licences to drive on Australian roads through the WA Department of Transport website.

🚗Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Where To Stay In Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay is a tad too far from anywhere to be driving there and back in a day, so I highly recommend booking at least 3 nights accommodation here. This will give you plenty of time to spend a day doing the orca tour and then another day to explore the region a bit.

Of course, if you can stay longer, you absolutely should, especially if you enjoy 4WDing, swimming or fishing – Bremer Bay is absolutely beautiful!

There are a few accommodation options in Bremer Bay, including hotels and caravan parks, as well as several holiday homes. Here are my picks for Bremer Bay accommodation!

FAQ For Orca Tour Bremer

Can You See Orcas From The Shore At Bremer Bay?

No, you cannot see Orcas from the shore at Bremer Bay. You’ll need to take one of the Bremer Bay Whale Tours mentioned up above if you want to see orcas in the wild.

Where Can I See Orcas In Bremer Bay?

You can see Orcas on a specially organised Bremer Bay Orcas Tour. These tours take you out to sea and give you the chance to spot wild orcas in their natural habitat, as well as learn all about them from experienced tour guides.

How Far Is Bremer Canyon From Bremer Bay?

Bremer Canyon is located about 70km from Bremer Bay. It’s an incredible place to visit to see orcas in their natural environment.

What Time Of Year Are Whales Bremer Bay?

From January to March, Bremer Bay is the best place to see orcas in their natural habitat. This is when charter boats offer full-day orca spotting expeditions.

How Many Days Do You Need In Bremer Bay?

You should plan on spending at least 3 days in Bremer Bay. This will give you enough time to do the Orca Tour and explore the rest of the region. If you can stay longer, you should definitely take advantage of all the activities available!

Can You Swim At Bremer Bay?

Yes, you can swim at Bremer Bay! There are several beautiful beaches and bays in the area that make for great swimming spots. Make sure to use common sense and obey all safety signs.

Wrapping Up: Bremer Bay Orcas

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, then taking a Bremer Bay Orca Tour should definitely be on your list! Not only will you get to see these majestic creatures in their natural environment, but you’ll also learn all about them from experienced tour guides.

When planning your trip, make sure to book at least 3 nights of accommodation in Bremer Bay so you have plenty of time to explore and make the most of your visit.

I genuinely hope you enjoy Bremer Bay, its such a beautiful place to visit!