Species profile
About this species
The sea otter is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern & eastern North Pacific Ocean, & is the heaviest member of the weasel family. It is one of the few non-primate mammals known to use tools, often using rocks to crack open shellfish while floating on its back. Sea otters are notable for their exceptionally dense fur, which provides insulation in cold coastal waters & is considered the thickest of any animal.
Sea otters inhabit shallow coastal waters of the North Pacific, typically found in kelp forests, rocky shorelines, & sheltered bays where they forage for invertebrates such as sea urchins, clams, & crabs on the ocean floor.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Sea Otter with us in the United States.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning light offers the softest & most flattering conditions for photography. Late autumn through winter is ideal in locations such as Monterey Bay, California, when otters are most active & frequently spotted close to shore.
Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture close-up shots without disturbing the otters, as they are sensitive to human presence near the shoreline. Shoot from a low angle at water level to create an intimate perspective & to capture the reflection of the otter on the water surface. Look for otters resting in kelp beds, as they often wrap themselves in kelp to anchor themselves, providing a natural & visually interesting compositional frame.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Sea Otter
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.