Welcome to The Captains log. This is a weekly update, archiving the previous weekend. The Captains Log is published every Tuesday following the week and includes a recap of the weekend, a video (hosted by our YouTube channel), and photos recounting the memories made. The images are shot, edited, and stored as High Definition. In order to save bandwidth, the images are condensed into web format on this page. If you appear in the photograph and want a high resolution copy, please email cimarinesafari@gmail.com with your request.
Captains Log
Captain Dave Colker
October 16th-19th, 2025
Captain’s Log | Oct 9nd-Oct 12th, 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
Week of October 16th through October 19th, 2025
By Captain Dave Colker
Thursday, October 16th — After a light rain in the morning, the harbor gave us one of those perfect moments that remind you why this place is special. A beautiful rainbow stretched gracefully across Channel Islands Harbor, right in front of the boat. We captured a photo that says it all — and the promise of a good weekend ahead.
Friday brought out a wonderful couple for our Adventure Tour. We were greeted by blue herons standing tall, cormorants drying their wings, and sea lions everywhere — the harbor was alive. We watched the dredge activity at the harbor entrance, and I have to say, those crews are doing a fantastic job. This is just the beginning of moving over a million cubic yards of sand a mile south to Hueneme Beach — no small task, and they’re handling it like pros.
The sea lions, of course, wasted no time claiming the dredge pipes as their new hangout. What really caught my eye, though, were the terns — those small white seabirds with yellow beaks and the black band around their eyes. Usually, I’ll see a handful around, but this time there were over fifty perched along the pipes, calling this their new home. It looked like a family gathering with juveniles being fed — a rare and beautiful sight. Their calls echoed across the harbor, a sure sign that fishing was good that day. Anyone with a line in the water was probably having quite a bit of action.
We cruised out to the breakwater and even ventured just beyond the harbor where more sea lions were lounging lazily along Silver Strand Beach. On the way back in, we crossed paths with the SoCal Jet Skis group returning from their ocean ride — a lively sight to end the day. Passing the bait dock, we made a quick stop by the Sea Bass Enhancement Pens, where work continues on two nearby marinas — Safe Harbor Marina and Bahia Marina — both coming along fast. The harbor is buzzing with progress, and I can’t wait to see it all completed.
Saturday’s sunset tour was one for the books. We had two different groups come together, making for one big, cheerful crew. There was laughter, storytelling, and plenty of keen eyes scanning the horizon for wildlife. In fact, the guests were spotting more than I was! One pointed out a cormorant perched about 30 feet up on a sailboat mast — sharp eyes! That reminded me to keep looking higher; those birds find the best perches in the harbor.
Earlier that afternoon, though, the harbor saw some drama. Around 3:30 p.m., a boat fire broke out at the Channel Islands Harbor fuel dock. The crew from the dredge H.R. Morris jumped into action — true heroes — and managed to contain the flames before it spread further. Unfortunately, the boat was badly damaged. From what I heard, fuel vapors and air mixed in the engine room, and one spark set it off. One person was transported to the hospital, and two others declined medical help. Ventura Harbor Patrol, from seven miles away, even sent their fireboat to assist — Still, the quick action by H.R. Morris and Harbor Patrol kept things from getting far worse. Hats off to them.
After things settled, we continued with our sunset cruise — and what a sunset it was. Golden rays, blue horizons, and the kind of calm that makes you stop and take it in. Just as the sun touched the waterline, a small pod of dolphins appeared, heading down the coast toward Port Hueneme. We followed at a respectful distance, catching glimpses of dorsal fins gliding through the golden water.
On our return through the harbor, we spotted a great egret near the bait dock, and I noticed something unusual — a cormorant trapped inside the sea bass pen enclosure. I gave the facility a quick call, and they promptly came down and released it. Turns out, the little guy just got in and couldn’t find his way back out.
It was a weekend full of life, color, and action — from rainbows to rescues, from sea lions to sunsets. Every day reminded me how much happens in this harbor, and how lucky we are to be part of it.
Next weekend, we’ve got a big one coming — the Parade of Frights event, an all-day harbor celebration packed with fun and surprises. Stay tuned for that, and until then…
See you next tide.
— Captain Dave Colker
Channel Islands Marine Safari Adventures
Captain Dave… Over ‘N Out 
— Until next tide, adventurers!
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Thank You Adventurers! Captain Dave sends a personal Thank You! You helped make this weekend monumental and helped to archive the happenings on the harbor! Captain Dave… Over ‘N Out 😉
Check out our previous Adventures Below! Watch the Harbor Develop! We are not just talking about the history of the harbor – we are making it!
