Captains Log: August 25th- September 1st 2025

Captain’s Log | August 25th–September 1st, 2025
Channel Islands Marine Safari Adventures
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Captain: Dave Colker

Vessel: North Sea

Ahoy adventurers!

Captain’s Log
Channel Islands Marine Safari Adventures
August 25th – September 1st, 2025

Happy Labor Day weekend to everybody! This year was nothing short of excellent—our weather was perfect, our adventurers were spirited, and the harbor was alive with both wildlife and celebration.

We kicked things off Wednesday with a professional photo shoot led by Amber Jenks and her team, capturing the beauty of Channel Islands Harbor for the County of Ventura. We couldn’t have picked a better day—it was Wet Wednesday, the weekly summertime sailboat race. Sleek, colorful sails filled the horizon as boats headed out past the breakwall. We spotted plenty of wildlife for Amber’s lens too: oyster catchers, night herons, egrets, gulls, pelicans, cormorants, and a whole lot of playful sea lions. I can’t wait to see the photos she captured.

Thursday’s tour brought in locals hosting friends from out of town. We cruised the harbor, shared stories of its history, and viewed the Scarlett Belle and The Channel Islands Maritime Museum. The evening ended with one of those golden sunsets that seems to hold you still for a moment of pure appreciation.

Friday’s adventurers came dressed to impress—colorful, character-filled outfits that fit the spirit of a marine safari perfectly. We spotted familiar friends—cormorants, gulls, and sea lions—while also watching the Vanguard from Island Packers head out, followed by Diver Don and his family. A true honor to have Diver Don on board. In fact, I welcomed him into Captain Dave’s Crew with his very own recommended coin—a new way we’ll be sharing our favorite local eats, events, and hidden gems around the harbor. Welcome aboard, Diver Don!

As the evening rolled on, we witnessed fishing boats returning heavy with their catches, gondolas gliding smoothly with both Mark and Rob at the helm, and then—something extraordinary. A dolphin appeared inside Mandalay Bay! Word spread quickly, and before long, a flotilla of boats (including us) and folks from the land side gathered to watch. Cameras clicked, videos rolled, and memories were made. As if that wasn’t enough, we later saw the diving vessel Triton escorting a swimmer back in—a perfect way to close an already magical day.

Saturday was for the locals, and the pelicans stole the show. Whether hungry or just curious, they gave us a close-up encounter unlike any other, hanging around our boat for quite some time. Sea lions frolicked, SoCal Jet Skis buzzed at the harbor mouth, and adventurers everywhere enjoyed the long holiday weekend. A special highlight for me was spotting a bird I had never seen before—a green heron. After a little research, I confirmed my first sighting. We also caught an American Coot mid-run across the water, wings flapping as it took off into flight—a photographer’s dream moment.

That evening, our sunset safari doubled as a birthday celebration—happy birthday to our guest of honor! We were treated to egrets flying gracefully against a fiery sky, while sea lions put on an animated show along the rocks and beaches, leaping, climbing, and playfully interacting with everyone nearby. It was a magical night.

On Monday, Labor Day itself, we welcomed a same-day mixed group of adventurers, all ready for one last summer adventure. The sky delivered another unforgettable sunset, casting brilliant colors across the water and giving us the perfect close to an already epic weekend.

Thank you to every adventurer who joined us this week. Between the wildlife encounters, new friendships, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, this was truly one for the books.

Captain Dave… Over ‘N Out 

— Until next tide, adventurers!