We have often waited,whispered and prepared our cameras for that brief thrill of seeing something so wonderful so near. Whale watching is always exciting and can bring everyone up on deck even in the middle of the meal. Stellar Sea Lions and Harbour Seals are often seen basking on rocks or swimming and feeding around kelp beds. Their heads are flatter than the Harbour Seals and they sport a distinctly furry coat. They show little fear as we pass by affording us excellent views of these vocal and magnificent creatures.
Harbour seals are considerably smaller and sport beautiful slick mottled coats.
Curious but shy, they may quietly survey travellers from afar, bobbing up from below the water's surface or they may suddenly dive into the water in a noisy and ungainly rush. Once in the water they are svelte, acrobatic swimmers capable of great speed and agility. We have often enjoyed the noisy and playful River Otter communities near our anchorages. These sociable and lively creatures are voracious fish hunters and are found all along the coast. From first-hand experience, we can tell you it is much more wonderful to see them in a wilderness situation than to have them make a home under your living room or on your boat during the winter.