Drone captures breathtaking view of non-toxic red tide blooming in Saanich Inlet (VIDEO)

If you’ve been anywhere near the shores surrounding the Saanich Inlet lately, you’ve probably noticed the water taking on a reddish tint.

And now, thanks to some recent drone footage, we’re getting a view of what the bloom looks like from above — and it’s even more stunning from the sky.

The phenomenon, commonly known as a “red tide,” happens when tiny, single-celled algae experience a population explosion. Communities all around the inlet, like Brentwood Bay, had a front-row seat to the show as the reddish blooms gathered near the shoreline.

While “red tide” can sound a little scary, experts say this particular bloom isn’t producing harmful toxins — at least, not yet.

According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), red tides are sometimes linked to paralytic shellfish poisoning when certain algae release natural toxins.

The good news? Scientists say the water has to hit about 15°C before there’s any real risk, and we’re not quite there yet.

These blooms happen when conditions are just right — the perfect mix of warm temperatures, nutrients, and salinity.

With climate change warming BCs coastal waters earlier each year, scientists expect we’ll be seeing more red tides popping up sooner in the season.

Over the past few days, the tides have mixed the bloom around a bit, but it’s still visible in parts of the Saanich Inlet and even as far out as Sooke.

And here’s a fun bonus—at night, the bloom puts on an even cooler show. The organisms are bioluminescent, meaning if you disturb the water — with a paddle, a boat, or even a thrown rock — they’ll glow in beautiful blue-green flashes.

It’s one of nature’s most amazing light shows, happening right in our own backyard.

So whether you’re checking it out from the beach or catching a bird’s-eye view thanks to drone footage, this red tide is one for the books.