We spent five tranquil nights anchored in Von Donop Inlet, a large sheltered bay with depths around 8 to 10 meters, perfect for anchoring. The place was quiet, with peaceful mornings and occasional stunning sunsets, though not much wildlife beyond moon jellies and the odd birds. Feeling restless, Captain Anne and I decided to venture out into the straits to test the winds, aiming for Hole in the Wall and Owen Bay, with Octopus Islands as a backup plan. The forecast promised warm weather, around 25°C, 77°F, so we were ready for a pleasant journey, though we knew timing the tides was crucial to navigate the narrow passages safely.
We arrived early at Hole in the Wall, so we cut the engines, drifted, and tried some fishing—unsuccessfully, as it wasn’t a prime spot. The area buzzed with boat traffic, from water taxis to whale-watching Zodiacs, all timing their passage through the rapids. After a smooth cruise through Hole in the Wall, we headed to Owen Bay, where we anchored. The weather turned cloudy with light drizzle, but the bay was serene, with crab traps dotting the water and plenty of bird life. We dropped our own trap and set up my Reolink Argus 4 Pro camera to capture the scenic rock walls and reflections.
The rain persisted all day but eventually cleared, leaving a calm, foggy ambiance. Our crab trap yielded four crabs, including two keepers—a Dungeness and a red rock crab with impressive claws. We enjoyed a delicious crab dinner, using my trusty snap-on channel lock pliers as a crab cracker. By July 10th, 2025, the weather cleared up, and with sunny skies and light winds, we decided to leave Owen Bay. The forecast warned of rising temperatures, so we planned to head north toward the Broughton Archipelago, seeking cooler weather and more sheltered inlets for our next adventure.
Von Donop Inlet to Owen Bay Video
