We left the harbour on the 9th in search of whales with the sun shining overhead! We headed south through Dodd Narrows and then through the DeCourcy Islands, and eventually out through Gabriola Pass. Once inside the Flat Top Islands, we stopped upon seeing the Harbour Seals hauled out along the rocks. These adorable animals are found in our waters year-round and are thought to not stray too far from their home rocks. When they leave the rocks it’s to go out fishing! They eat a variety of fish species found in the area, and will sometimes indulge in cephalopods as well! Today they were being lazy and sunning themselves on the rocks, saving their energy for when they do decide to head into the water for a snack.

We stayed on the outside of the islands as we left the harbour seals travelling south along Valdes Island, Galiano Island, and Mayne Island until we got to the Belle Chain where there was a haul-out of Steller Sea Lions! These sea lions are usually a guest (and staff) favourite, as they have large bodies and personalities! Sea lions exhibit Sexual Dimorphism, meaning that the males and females of the species look a lot different. This is super obvious in the Steller Sea Lions, as adult males can reach up to 2800 pounds and have thick, furry necks to help protect them in their breeding grounds. The females stay smaller, weighing in at only 800 pounds and they don’t develop the manes that males do.

Leaving the Sea Lions behind it was time to return to the protected waters of the Southern Gulf Islands so we went around Saturna Island, up Navy Channel, North on Trincomali Channel, and back to Dodd Narrows. Just North of Dodd Narrows we stopped at the Harmac Pulp Mill where there was a bunch of California Sea Lions hauled out on the log booms. Again these animals show sexual dimorphism with the males being larger than the females, and the California sea lions also have a sagittal crest on their head which makes the males distinct.

This was the last stop on our adventure today, and unfortunately, we didn't manage to find any whales. Since they’re wild animals it can happen, so each of our guests who joined the tour today will get to come out on another tour for free!

Today’s photos were taken by Marine Naturalist Rebeka Pirker.

October 9, 2022 - A long search with lots of Pinnipeds!