Rain and snow won't stop WASCO

This morning started out as an incredibly beautiful spring day. It was crisp, cool weather but the sun was shining bright and the snow blanketed the mountains around Tofino. WASCO set out on her trip today after taking part in the 24th annual Whale Festival's, Blessing Of The Boats. With the weather looking promising WASCO's passengers climbed aboard and immediately headed up to the flying bridge which would give them a view from 10 feet above sea level. As the group left the harbour and the weather began to change it seemed as though the fully heated cabin was now the place to be. The seas became a little rougher by the group had a great time. As other boat operators made comments about goggles and guests getting soaked our group came back bone dry and with smiles on their faces from the enjoyable and sometimes thrilling ride. While the weather can't always be perfect in paradise, let the perfectly controlled climate of WASCO's cabin keep you comfortable and our experienced guides at West Coast Aquatic Safaris keep you smiling. We have two Whale Watching trips departing per day during the Whale Festival so give as a call while there is still space.

Welcome back Humpbacks

Another beautiful day in paradise. The sun is shining, the weather is warming up and the whales are plentiful.

Today marks the first official day of the 24th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Town is buzzing with people and excitement as the Festival parade passed by close to the West Coast Aquatic Safaris office today. On the water today there has been lots of Grey whales at the surface and even sightings of 3 Humpbacks passing through the area en route from Maui. This is very exciting as it is still very early in the season for the Humpbacks but we certainly aren't complaining. Keith was back at WASCO's helm today for his first tour of the season so it has been a special treat. We received some excellent photos from some of this years guests already and will have a Photo Of The Week contest winner selected very soon.

We have many confirmed trips departing over the next week during the Festival so be sure to give us a call and get on board. If you stop by our office you can also get you Whale Festival Button which is available for a minimum donation of $2.00. This button will allow you free admittence to any of the advertised Festival button events.

See you soon

ORCA MANIA

There is really no other way to describe today other than truly amazing. There was almost non stop activity from Grey whales, Orcas, Sea Lions and eagles. One individual stated, "I don't think there was anything else we could have possible seen today".

At one point Jeff, our Captain reported that there were small groups of Orcas with 3 or 4 in each, on all sides of WASCO. Even when Jeff tried to move on to view other sea life, there continued to be more groups of whales popping up everywhere. I was forced to look at the calendar to see when the 24th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival begins because it seems as though someone forgot to let the whales know that it begins on March 6th.

We certainly are not complaining as this has been a real treat and there are sure to be many more days like this one. Have a look a our website to see what trips and times will best fit your schedule. Book early to beat the crowds and doing so online will save you 10%.

As February comes to a close, there are many things to celebrate. The Grey whales and Orcas are back and have been seen by several of our guests already. The California Sea Lions have also been around and enjoying a nice meal of salmon with WASCO looking on. Team Canada has not only won the gold medal for men's and women's hockey, but also has the most gold medals won by a country in a Winter Olympic, ever.

As Keith wraps things up at the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show we would like to thank all of you for stopping by to say hello and learning all about West Coast Aquatic Safaris. If you entered your name in the ballot box keep an eye on your email over the next couple of weeks as we will be notifying the winners very soon. We now look forward to the 24th annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival and all of the exciting events that will be taking place in and around Tofino between March 6-10.

If you plan to stop in and see us during the festival be sure to go to our website to save 10% by booking online in advance.

First trip, 4 Orcas

West Coast Aquatic Safaris is very happy to be back out on the water today for the first trip of 2010. We are even happier to say that Jeff our Captain and our guests were treated to 4 Orca sightings today. The group included two adult females, one adult male and one young female. Also seen along the way was the odd California Sea Lion. The weather was questionable this morning but the guests departed the Tofino harbour in the comfort of WASCO's heated cabin as the sun began to break through. What a great start to the year and an excellent lead up to the 24th annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival which begins on March 6th.

We hope that you will join us tomorrow in search of the Orcas and many other exciting things or perhaps a trip to the hot springs to shake the February chills.

We will have a Hot Springs trip departing at 10:00 am and a whale watching trip departing at 12:30 on Saturday February 27. Give us a call.

We are very excited to say that West Coast Aquatic Safaris and WASCO will be back on the water tomorrow for our first trip of the season. I have had many reports on the radio in the last two days from several boaters that there has been lots happening on the Ocean, and tomorrow Jeff will be the Captain with the best chance for you to see everything. At this time we may have a morning trip going out at 9:30 however we currently have a confirmed whale watching trip departing at 1:00 pm. There is still room on the boat so give us a call to be a part of the first run of 2010.

We fully anticipate having several more whale tours and hot springs trips departing over the course of this weekend so visit our website and save 10% by booking online in advance.

The Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show begins tomorrow and Keith is there with lots of free passes to give away. If you contact our office tonight or tomorrow we will give you the details on how to connect with Keith and get your free passes. There is also a chance to win some West Coast Aquatic Safaris merchandise and maybe even a free whale watching trip. See you soon.

As Keith is in Toronto getting ready for the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show, things have been happening here in Tofino. While Jeff, our Captain was aboard WASCO today making sure everything was ready for her first trip on Friday, he happened to spot a couple of Orcas. This answers the question that everyone has been asking of late; Are there any whales out there to see this time of year? I am very happy to say that there certainly are!

Aside from today's sightings there has also been some recent activity with the Grey whales out towards Hot Springs Cove.

When traveling in the warmth of our heated cabin on your way to the springs, the very knowledgeable Captain's from West Coast Aquatic Safaris will ensure that you get the most out of your experience buy pointing out as many of the truly amazing sights that the rugged coastline has to offer. There is always time for the perfect photo and the best place to show off your favourite memory is through our website and our photo of the week contest.

We hope to see you soon.