Captains Log: September 18th- September 21st 2025 – Channel Islands Marine Safari Adventures

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

September 18th – September 21st, 2025

Captain’s Log | Sept 18th–Sept 21st, 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

Captain’s Log
September 18th – September 21st, 2025
Channel Islands Marine Safari Adventures

This weekend was one for the books—action-packed, laughter-filled, and wrapped in the beauty of Channel Islands Harbor.

Friday, September 19th – Sunset Cruise

We kicked off the weekend with a spectacular sunset cruise. Two sisters, clearly best of friends and finishing each other’s sentences, joined us for a relaxing harbor tour. As we set out toward the breakwall to watch Mr. Sun say goodnight, we cruised down “Safari Alley,” passing our giraffe and gorilla statues—setting the tone for a wild, fun ride.

Passing under the Channel Islands Boulevard Bridge, we were treated to a striking sight: a blue heron perched atop a crane at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club, glowing in the backdrop of the setting sun. From there, we passed the historic WN Ragland, a 100+ year-old wooden schooner, and the Maritime Museum before reaching the breakwall. The sunset that evening was truly the photo of the week—a three-dimensional masterpiece as the sun dropped behind the wall with a cloud perfectly lit in front of it.

Saturday Morning – Birthday Adventure

11 a.m., we welcomed a lively group of adventurers celebrating a special birthday. As requested, they had access to microphones on board and turned the second half of their harbor cruise into a karaoke party. (Thank you, Admiral Ray Gee, for last year’s Christmas gift—it truly made this tour memorable!)

Wildlife was abundant: pelicans, cormorants, mallards, herons, and sea lions—including one playful fellow pretending to be a shark, a sight I always get a kick out of. Guests also spotted the “silver surfer”—a hydrofoil rider zipping across the harbor. At the white sea bass enhancement pen, sea lions put on a show of dominance, battling for “king of the dock.”

The experience was so much fun, I had to swing by the Lookout Bar & Grill and Mrs. Olson’s Café afterward to spread the word—yes, you can do karaoke aboard Channel Islands Marine Safari Adventures! Back at the slip, we crossed paths with Gondola Mark, who had a stellar weekend of his own. It’s heartening to see so many tourists and locals embracing the harbor’s unique on-the-water experiences.

Sunday Tours – Wildlife and Celebration

The afternoon brought another enthusiastic group eager to explore. We spotted oyster catchers, sandpipers, and a regal great egret, along with pelicans gliding across the breakwall. Sea lions lounged in their usual haunts—including Hobie Beach—while others wrestled for dominance on docks.

Midday– We welcomed adventurer David, from the East Coast on a trip touring Southern California. We were also joined by a Mom and her children, who took in the sights. One of the Adventurers was a little hesitant on the tour, but by the end of the trip had a smile from ear to ear!

Sunday evening’s sunset cruise doubled as an anniversary celebration. Though heavy cloud cover blocked the sun, the adventure more than made up for it. The couple’s laughter was contagious—I found myself feeling like a comedian on stage, trading jokes and smiles while guiding them through wildlife sightings: blue herons perched on rooftops, sea lions squabbling, and more birds than I could count.

Boat Update

Throughout the week between tours, I completed the finishing touches on the hand-painted safari-themed cabin. The refreshed look brings even more character to the vessel and adds to the adventure vibe.

Closing Notes

From sunsets and song, to sea lions and celebration, this weekend embodied everything I love about sharing Channel Islands Harbor. A big thank you to all who came aboard and made it unforgettable.

Looking forward to next weekend’s adventures.

End of Log.

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 😉