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August 13, 2026
While giant humpbacks and killer whales usually headline our tours, there is another local resident that almost always steals the show. Floating peacefully among the kelp beds, sea otters are an absolute favourite for passengers on our boats. Watching these curious creatures go about their day is an unforgettable part of being out on the Pacific Northwest waters.
Where We See Them
If you are hoping to see sea otters in large numbers, the waters surrounding Telegraph Cove are the place to be. Tucked along northern Vancouver Island near Johnstone Strait, this region offers sheltered inlets and dense kelp forests where rafts of otters thrive. As you explore these calm waters, keep an eye out for sea otters lounging among the kelp, often floating together in groups known as rafts.
For passengers taking our southern trips around Victoria, keep your eyes peeled along the rocky shorelines. While less common down south, a few local sea otters call these coastal waters home. Catching a glimpse of a Victoria local floating on its back is always a thrilling bonus on our wildlife excursions!
Fascinating Facts
Blubberless Insulation: Unlike seals or sea lions, sea otters lack blubber and instead rely on the densest coat in the animal kingdom, containing up to one million hair follicles per square inch.
Heat Conservation Technique: Because the pads on their front paws are hairless, heat escapes quickly in cold ocean water. To stay warm, otters hold their paws above the surface, blow warm breath onto them, and press them against their furred faces to retain body heat.
Dexterous Forepaws: Featuring sensitive pads and semi-retractable claws, their front paws function like hands. Otters use them to groom their fur to maintain its waterproofing, forage along the ocean floor, and hold rocks on their chests to smash open hard-shelled prey like clams, crabs, and sea urchins.
Specialized Hind Flippers: Positioned far back on the body, their large, fully webbed hind feet act as paddle fins. These flippers provide strong propulsion underwater and allow otters to glide effortlessly while floating on their backs.
Life in the Kelp Canopy
One of the most peaceful sights on our tour is watching otters sleep. To avoid drifting out to sea with the current, otters wrap long strands of bull kelp around their bodies like a natural anchor. When several gather together in these floating weed beds, they form groups known as rafts. They will even clasp paws with neighboring otters so the whole group stays anchored together while resting.
Keep your camera ready on your next tour. Whether we are navigating the calm waters of Telegraph Cove or cruising past the islands near Victoria, watching a sea otter floating on its back is a moment you will remember long after returning to the dock.
