Biology & Wildlife
The Gulf Islands contain a diversity of marine life, with many easily visible species of mammals, birds and invertebrates. Varied habitats, from sandy beaches and rocky shores to the open ocean await your exploration.
While
you are aboard the boats, playful harbor seals turn their soulful eyes to
watch your progress, while porpoises will race up to "surf" in
the bow wave. Sailing past rocks home to noisy sea lions and dramatic
encounters with resident pods of killer whales are often highlights of he
voyage.
Near shore, bald eagles and turkey vultures rule the skies, and a special tour by the bird sanctuary, Mandarte Island, can be planned for birding enthusiasts. Beach walks reveal invertebrate marvels including colourful starfish, delicate nudibranchs, and spiny sea urchins. If you are a careful observer, you will discover barnacles feeding, snails laying eggs, and anemone wars. When the tide is low at Sidney Spit, sand dollar nurseries are exposed, and you can find oddities such as washed up skates, primitive fish related to sharks.
While on shore, you can walk through the temperate coastal rainforests,
dominated by majestic cedars, tall Douglas fir, and the unusual arbutus.
Even the docks at harbours provide opportunities to learn about marine
biology, especially with a "night light". The light first
attracts tiny plankton, then fish, polychaete worms, and larger visitors
such as lion's mane jellyfish. Other nocturnal visitors to the harbour
include river otters, owls, and bats.
Depending on the emphasis of the trip and the age of the students, marine biology sessions can be casual or detailed. If your school wishes, a marine biologist may be hired to accompany the boats.
To get in touch
e-mail us at mail@seaprograms.com
phone toll free 1-877-389-7245
fax 250-656-4540
and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.