That’s Bull…Kelp

Kelp beds and forests are a vital part of the marine ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. These underwater forests, composed primarily of bull kelp, are incredibly important to the survival and growth of many different species, and have been used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. However, the loss of kelp beds in the Salish Sea is a growing concern, and it is important to understand the significance of kelp beds in order to protect them and the species that rely on them.

 

Bull kelp, or Nereocystis luetkeana, is a type of seaweed that can be found in shallow coastal waters along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to California. Bull kelp is easily identifiable by its long, hollow stalks, which can grow up to 100 feet in length, and its bulbous floats, which can reach a diameter of up to 15 inches. The kelp beds that bull kelp creates provide habitat and shelter for a wide variety of marine species, including fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals.

One of the primary roles that kelp beds play in the marine ecosystem is as a nursery ground for many different species of fish. Young fish use the kelp beds as a refuge from predators, and the structure of the kelp bed provides an ideal environment for the growth and development of these young fish. Additionally, kelp beds are home to a wide variety of invertebrates, such as crabs, shrimp, and sea urchins, which are important food sources for many fish species.

 

Kelp beds also provide important habitat for marine mammals, such as sea otters and harbor seals. Sea otters, in particular, are known for their dependence on kelp beds. They use the kelp as a tool for hunting and as a resting place, and the loss of kelp beds has been linked to declines in sea otter populations. Similarly, harbor seals use kelp beds as a resting and foraging ground, and have been observed feeding on fish that use the kelp as a refuge.

In addition to its importance in the marine ecosystem, kelp has been used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Coastal Indigenous communities have traditionally used kelp for food, medicine, and ceremonial purposes. For example, bull kelp has been used as a source of iodine, which is an important nutrient that is not readily available in many traditional Indigenous foods. Kelp has also been used as a medicine for a variety of ailments, such as digestive problems and skin conditions. In some Indigenous cultures, kelp is considered a sacred plant, and is used in traditional ceremonies.

 

Despite the important role that kelp beds play in the marine ecosystem and in Indigenous cultures, they are facing a number of threats. One of the primary threats to kelp beds is climate change, which is causing ocean temperatures to rise and ocean chemistry to change. This can have a variety of impacts on kelp, including changes in growth rates, reduced reproductive success, and increased susceptibility to disease. Additionally, human activities such as fishing, aquaculture, and coastal development can also have negative impacts on kelp beds and the species that rely on them.

 

The loss of kelp beds in the Salish Sea, which is a body of water that stretches from Vancouver Island to Puget Sound, is of particular concern. Over the past few decades, there has been a dramatic decline in the abundance of bull kelp in this area. One possible explanation for this decline is the increase in sea urchin populations, which are known to feed on kelp. This increase in sea urchin populations may be linked to declines in the populations of sea otters, which are a natural predator of sea urchins. Additionally, climate change and human activities such as fishing and coastal development may also be contributing to the loss of kelp beds in the Salish Sea.

 

The loss of kelp beds in the Salish Sea has significant implications for the marine ecosystem and for the human communities that rely on it. Kelp beds provide important habitat and food sources for a variety of commercially and recreationally important fish species, such as salmon, lingcod, and rockfish. These fish species are a critical component of the Pacific Northwest’s commercial and recreational fishing industries, which support thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic activity each year.

 

In addition to its economic importance, the marine ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest has significant cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples in the region. Many Indigenous communities have deep connections to the land and sea, and rely on the marine ecosystem for traditional foods, medicines, and cultural practices. The loss of kelp beds and the species that rely on them can have profound impacts on Indigenous communities, and can threaten their cultural and spiritual well-being.

 

To address the loss of kelp beds in the Salish Sea and other areas, there are a number of actions that can be taken. One approach is to reduce the impact of human activities on the marine ecosystem, such as by implementing sustainable fishing practices and reducing coastal development. Additionally, efforts to protect and restore sea otter populations can help to control sea urchin populations and reduce their impact on kelp beds.

 

Another approach is to actively restore kelp beds through the use of artificial reefs and other structures that provide a suitable substrate for kelp to grow. This approach has been successful in other areas, such as Norway and Japan, and has the potential to be effective in the Pacific Northwest as well.

 

The loss of kelp beds in the Salish Sea and other areas is problematic, and efforts are needed to protect and restore these important ecosystems. By taking action to reduce the impact of human activities, restore sea otter populations, and actively restore kelp beds, we can help to ensure the continued health and vitality of the marine ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest for generations to come.

 

 

Duration
3 days
Group Size
2 to 6

3-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands

Join us for an all-inclusive multi day sailing tour of the most beautiful marine environment in the world!

Prices start at $1999 USD per person. Early and late season discounts available. Gratuities are welcome, but not included in cost of trip.

2024 Dates for 3-Day Tour:

Please note: THE DATES BELOW DO NOT REFLECT CURRENT RESERVATIONS. Please use the "Check Availability" button on this page to see a real-time calendar.

May: 5/10-5/12
June: 6/7-6/9
September: 9/7-9/9, 9/13-9/15, 9/18-9/20

If the dates you want are not listed above, please contact us. We are very flexible, and can often adjust the sailing schedule, and can create tours of any duration.

Our multi-day, all-inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land-based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

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from
$1,999
Duration
3 to 6 days
Group Size
2 to 6

Sail & Paddle Tour

New this year!

Hey there, avid kayaker or paddle boarder! Think you've seen and conquered it all? We invite you to paddle the mystical waters of the San Juan Islands, while you return each evening to the safe, warm and cozy confines of our luxury 55' sailboat.

Aboard Sailing vessel Nawalak, you'll be treated to 3 luxury meals per day by our on-board chef to fuel your kayaking journeys, as well as a warm, dry berth aboard. No need to pitch a tent, or haul heavy gear - keep it all on the boat!

This tour blends the elegant simplicity of sailing with the intimacy of near shore kayaking, utilizing our vessel as a mother ship for your San Juan Islands kayaking adventures. This is a bring-your-own-kayak adventure where we board, our luxury 55' sail boat and sail deep into the majestic waters of the San Juan Islands. By sailing to these highly sought after kayaking destinations, we eliminate the hassle, and danger of paddling across large bodies of open sea to get to our coveted kayaking destinations. Tour durations are from 3-6 days, and are fully customizable for duration, skill levels and dates. Give us a call to learn more.

Our multi-day, all-inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land-based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

88 Reviews verify
from
$1,999
Duration
5 days
Group Size
2 to 6

5-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands

Join us for an all-inclusive 5-Day sailing tour of the most beautiful marine environment in the world!

All inclusive prices start at $2499 USD per person. Early and late season discounts available. Gratuities are welcome, but not included in cost of trip.

2024 Dates for 5-Day Tour:

Please note: THE DATES BELOW DO NOT REFLECT CURRENT RESERVATIONS. Please use the "Check Availability" button on this page to see a real-time calendar.
If the dates you want are not listed, please contact us. We are very flexible, and can often adjust the sailing schedule, and can create tours of any duration.

May: 5/3-5/7, 5/17-5/21, 5/31-6/4,
June: 6/18-6/22,
July: 7/2-7/6, 7/16-7/20,
August: 8/1-8/5, 8/16-8/20, 8/31-9/4,

Our multi-day, all-inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land-based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

25 Reviews verify
from
$2,499
Duration
6 days
Group Size
2 to 6

6-Day All Inclusive Sailing Tour of the San Juan Islands

Join us for an all-inclusive 6-Day sailing tour of the most beautiful marine environment in the world!

All inclusive prices start at $2699 USD per person. Early and late season discounts available. Gratuities are welcome, but not included in cost of trip.

2024 Dates for 6-Day Tour:

Please note: THE DATES BELOW DO NOT REFLECT CURRENT RESERVATIONS. Please use the "Check Availability" button on this page to see a real-time calendar.
If the dates you want are not listed, please contact us. We are very flexible, and can often adjust the sailing schedule, and can create tours of any duration.

May: 5/24-5/29
June: 6/11-6/16, 6/25-6/30
July: 7/9-7/14, 7/24-7/29
August: 8/8-8/13, 8/23-8/28

Our multi-day, all inclusive sailing tours are the best way to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in the Salish Sea's natural beauty. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land based life melt away. We follow the rhythms of the wind and tides to show you the true beauty of this magical archipelago.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

84 Reviews verify
from
$2,699
Duration
6 hours
Group Size
2 to 6

San Juan Islands 6-hour Day Sail

Climb aboard and immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of the San Juan Islands.

All inclusive prices start at $229 USD per person, check dates on the right. Please note: If the dates you want are not listed, or another tour is designated, please contact us. We can often adjust the sailing schedule.

Sailing from our home port of Deer Harbor, Orcas Island, we are quickly in one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the world. Our naturalist captain will hoist the sails and guide your small group in an intimate exploration of wildlife and nature by eco-friendly sail power.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

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from
$229
Duration
12 days
Group Size
2 to 6

INSIDE PASSAGE - Desolation Sound, Broughton Archipelago & Great Bear Rainforest

We will be offering this tour again in late August/early September 2025.
Please use the contact form on this page to let us know you have interest, or have any questions.
Prices are yet to be determined, but will probably be around $5999 per person all inclusive of food and beverages.

Sail with us to where civilization gradually fades astern. Northwest is where we're headed, underneath a golden sky as we begin to get a taste of the wilder side of the North American coast. Natural Hot Springs, 10,000 yr old protected First Nation villages, ancient totem poles, pods of leaping dolphins, Orcas, Humpbacks, Bears, Rain Wolves. These are just some of the highlights on our farthest north tour. This is a true adventure, but with all the creature comforts and safety we've developed from over 20 years of experience with this route.

We pass north through the Inside Passage roughly retracing the route that Captain George Vancouver did in 1792. Much of the area looks the same now as it did then. With each day aboard, you'll feel a deeper connection to the natural world as you let the stresses of everyday land based life melt away.

Sailing aboard the S/V Nawalak is about escaping the crowds, relaxing, and connecting with nature and the sea while exploring the quiet beaches and pristine islands of the northwest. During our tours we share with you the gems and secrets we’ve discovered in our 30+ years of sailing these amazing waterways.

27 Reviews verify
from
$5,300