Blakely Rock Bainbridge Island

BLAKELY ROCK BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

I have sailed around Blakely Rock many times over the years, but never explored it. Recently I pulled our son’s run-a-bout boat up on to the beach, on the west side of the rock. I was amazed at how much there was to see! Blakely Rock Bainbridge Island.

MARINE LIFE ON BLAKELY ROCK

Not just an obstruction to keep clear of, Blakely Rock has a life of its own at low tide. Giant star fish in purple and orange, big kelp beds with bright red sea anemones, and red crabs live and thrive here. The rock formation is totally different than what popped above the water’s surface as I sailed around it, offering watery beds for the marine life.

Sea lions are a large part of marine life in Puget Sound. Not only do they like to rest on buoys all around Bainbridge Island, they also like finding a good sun spot.

Blakely Rock serves as a refuge for harbor seals. Often, you’ll see groups of seals sunning themselves on the north or west side of Blakely Rock on warm days.

TOURING BLAKELY ROCK

If you have a kayak, look for extreme low tides and launch from the public park at the south end of Rockaway Beach, to paddle to Blakely Rock. The western side of the rock has a sandy beach that is easy for small crafts to land on.

For those with less or no experience using watercraft in Puget Sound, hiring a professional tour guide is a great idea. Exotic Aquatics has been the epicenter of scuba diving and kayaking adventures on Bainbridge Island since 1990! They offer a guided tour to Blakely Rock plus a picnic lunch.