Whale Watching in Tofino

2010-05-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

We at West Coast Aquatic Safaris would like to send out our condolences to the Ahousat community and the friends and families of those who were lost in the float plane accident on Saturday, May 29th.

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

Our hearts are with you.

2010-05-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Its been another exciting day out here on the West Coast. Even the weather hasn't been too bad. The air is warm, the rain comes and goes, and the animals have been abundant.
This morning on our 7am Bear Watch, our guests were thrilled to catch a pair of mother Black Bears and their cubs. One lucky Mom had 3 cubs! You definitely don't get to see that everyday and not to mention rare.
Later on, on our journey up to Hot Spring Cove, we were lucky enough to catch sight of a Bear, combing the beach for an afternoon snack, as well as a migrating Grey and Humpback. That is all our trips rolled into one. You cant get much luckier than that. This Afternoon, on our Whale Watch, guests were able to catch up to a pod of 7 Orca. One male, a small calf and 5 females. Its not everyday we catch a glimps of these transient mammals, but when we do, you can't help but feel that surge of joy and think "This is why we came here."
Special Thanks to Kevin Sansalone from Whistler BC for sending in this incredible shot of a mother and her roughly 2week old calf. They were able to spot the duo last Tuesday, on their trip aboard Wasco.
We have trips going out daily starting at 7am, so head to our website and sign up early for 10% off, or give us a call. If your interested in booking multiple trips, we offer 10% off the second booking, so again, sign up early to reserve your seats.

Orcas in the sun

2010-05-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day out on the ocean. With a couple of groups of Transient Orcas in the area there was lots of excitement for all those who have chosen West Coast Aquatic Safaris. By mid day day our guest were watching as the male and female Orca were passing under WASCO chasing after the California Sea Lions. While the outside waters had high winds and swell, the water behind Meares Island was quite calm all day and even provided the opportunity to use the hydrophone and listen to the whales communicate.
Today has been sunny again and While en route to Hot Springs Cove the group has had the good fortune to find a Humpback moving up the coastline. The Long weekend has been good to us and everyone that has been in town as the Weather has worked out very well and every possible type of wildlife to be seen has been. We are now really looking forward to receiving lots of photos for our Photo of the week contest.

Thank you to everyone that has been waiting patiently for the new website to be completed. There are still a few items to be completed but the Online Booking section is still working for you to save 10% by making your reservations in advance. By visiting our Facebook page you will see that we have posted some terrific ways to win free passes on our new boat for the 2010 season.

Mid-way Though May... How Time Flies

2010-05-16T09:14:00.001-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris is excited for many reasons this morning! First, owner Keith has been away off doing work, but he is on his way back to Tofino and happy to be coming home. Our new Cataraman is almost up to her home, Tofino and ready for her first Whale or Bear watch. Once she arrives up to Tofino that means West Coast Aquatic Safaris will be having a at least one daily excursion to the Hot Springs! Driver Tim Tom "Can't wait!"

Some more good news... As locals and visitors a like have notice there has been some dreadful construction going on in front of the shop. This has been a requirement by the district of Tofino, to replace the storm drains and build a side walk. Well to all of our relief the curb is supposed to be put in next week, followed by the side walk and then landscaping up to the shop. We are hoping to be complete for the first week in June! Keep your figures crossed!

That first weekend of June also brings Tofino the Food and Wine Festival!!!! Grab a ticket, if there still are some. Our entire staff highly suggests it!

So Much To See

2010-05-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

This past week has been truly excellent the weather and sea conditions have been absolutely ideal and there seems to be an endless amount of things to see. Yesterday in the morning WASCO and our group witnessed a cow and her two bear cubs on the beach enjoying a morning meal when along came four wolves looking for one of their own. The mother bear quickly sent her cubs up a nearby tree for safety and sent a very clear message to the wolves that they were all to be left alone. In the afternoon we were lucky to find many whales up towards Long Beach and again in Cow Bay. West Coast Aquatic Safaris and our guest were just as fortunate today. This morning again there were more bears with cubs and many more Grey Whales feeding in around Cow Bay.

The Victoria day weekend is now rapidly approaching and our schedules are starting to fill up. While visiting our you will find all of our scheduled departure times and can make your reservation online. Doing so in advance will not only guarantee that you and your family have the best possible experience at the time that works best for you but it will also save you 10 %

Does it get any better?

2010-05-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

These past few days have been almost perfect here in Tofino and being on the water has been even better, if that is possible. We have been experiencing very mild temperatures for the past couple of days. The water has been calm, and there have been lots of Whales, Bears and Sea Lions along the coastline. Today WASCO and our Captain found a particularly active group of Grey Whales that were feeding near Cow Bay. Among them were a cow and her calf that were nursing along the rocks. There were many great photos taken by our guests today as there were a lot of Tail Flukes and heads bobbing up out of the water.

Tomorrow is Mothers Day and there is no better way to spend it than with West Coast Aquatic Safaris and a couple of hours aboard WASCO taking in some of the best scenery in the world. With our style of boat there is no age restriction and therefore no reason the whole family can't come. The cabin is heated for those that tend to feel the chill. You can ride up top for those that want the best possible photo or ride on the bow if you really need a thrill. Did I forget to mention the bathroom?

We will be departing at 9:30, 12:30 and 3:30 so give us a call to reserve for the time that best suits your family. We hope to see you out here

2010-05-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Seems like last weeks wind storm stirred up all of Mother Natures little critters. We have been seeing a lot more of the mother black bear and her 2 cubs up Fortune Channel as of late, as well as a numerous amount of Greys out towards Long Beach.

With the weather the way it been, and the animals being as active as they are, I cant think of a better way to spend the day than out on the water with our amazing boat captains and our girl Wasco. So sign up early to reserve your seat.

Dont forget to check out our website and our facebook page for day to day updates and trip times.

Orcas are Back In Town

2010-05-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Well, today started out with a nice Bear watching trip up the inside of Meares Island in Fortune Chanel. After having the chance to see several Black Bears including one young female and her 2 cubs, we stumbled across 5 Orcas looking for a meal. There were 4 adults and one juvenile that were hunting and eating Harbour Seals along Fortune Channel as well. This was a rare opportunity to see so much in a relatively small area and each creature fully engaged in their daily feeding rituals.

Even with Tofino's rain and rapidly changing weather today was a fantastic day on the water for a group of all ages. Because of WASCO's design and the ability to move both indoors for the heated cabin or outdoors to the three viewing decks. The warm, bathroom equipped cabin makes WASCO and West Coast Aquatic Safaris the ideal choice for your family adventure.

Whales Unlimited

2010-04-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris has been having quite a good streak for seeing whales lately. Just about every day for the last couple of weeks we have been able to find a number of Grey Whales. Today was no different. We had a couple of Grey's out towards Long Beach in the morning and as the day moved on and the weather began to change WASCO and the group headed back inside to more sheltered, calm waters to find a couple different Grey Whales. Along the way the group made a run by Plover Reefs to see about 300 Seals lounging out on the rocks in the rain.

For a change tomorrow we have decided to head out to Hot Springs Cove to give people a chance to Soak in the springs and of coarse take every opportunity to see what we can along the way. For those of you that may be visiting Tofino our our website for the first time please feel free to look back at our Blog over the last year and see what types of things people have been seeing at what times of the year.

If you have already been out with us this year we would really like to see your photos. Please send us your best, funniest or most bazaar moment captured on film while on one of our trips and you just might win the photo of the week contest. All winners receive one of our West Coast Aquatic Safaris Travel mugs as a trophy. You never know just what will be the winning photo until you see it on our website.

Sun Whales and Bears in the forcast

2010-04-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

The weather last couple of days has been fantastic. It has been sunny and mild with a slight breeze and feels like summer. West Coast Aquatic Safaris and our guests were very fortunate yesterday to have a young Grey whale in and around Grice Bay just minutes from the Tofino Harbour. Along with the beautiful weather and the calm waters, we have also seen several Black Bears in the last two days. Yesterday we found a female with a couple of cubs and this morning we started with two different small cubs up a tree near the shoreline.

This time of year can be really nice as the days get warmer and longer. There is still a great advantage to taking a tour aboard WASCO. Due to the style of our boat you may dress comfortably in your own close without having to wear the cumbersome floatation suits to enjoy the warmth of the sun without overheating. Early morning or evening trips will still have the flexibility to move freely from the heated cabin to any of the three outdoor viewing decks to allow for the best wildlife viewing possible. While the weather can still be somewhat unpredictable at his time of the year, take us up on the offer to use the complimentary Helly Hansen rain coats and fleece gloves during your trip to provide the utmost comfort for your experience. Please visit our Facebook page and check us out on Twitter for updates on when we will be starting our evening sunset cruises as well.

2010-04-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a day. It started off nice, warm and with just a mild overhang of cloud, but by this afternoon the wind warnings were in full effect and the rain had just began to pour. Not to mention, the ocean jumped to an amazing 10ft swell. That would get your stomach turning. But, as the saying goes, "Every cloud has a silver lining," and it definitely does. There were sightings of Greys traveling past some of the fish farms near Bawden Bay this morning, as well as this seasons first Black Bear cub. Just in time, as we have started to offer our regularly scheduled Bear Watching tours. So be sure to visit our website and sign up early.

Weather won't matter when you areon WASCO!

2010-04-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like its going to be another wet one out there, and, if your on the mainland, I couldn't think of a better way to spend it than with Keith at the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure and Travel show. Its the last day, so head on over and pay Keith a visit. While your at it, ask him how you could win a trip on our new catamaran.
If your not on the mainland, and looking for some local adventure, don't sweat it! We at West Coast Aquatic Safaris have you covered. With our daily trips and a boat that caters to everyone of every age, we are sure that, even with our unpredictable west coast weather, your going to have fun. Today has been a terrific day for Grey whales as we saw 4 or 5 of them out towards Cow Bay as well as many Steller Sea Lions at Plover Reef. Visit our website for tour descriptions, rates and opportunity to save 10% booking online.

2010-04-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

It was a damp day in Tofino today however it was still a fantastic day for Whale watching. We had a couple of trips go out today and our guest were very fortunate to find 4 very entertaining Grey Whales as well as many Sea Lions. WASCO's heated cabin was a real bonus today and offered the guests the chance to be back and fourth between the three viewing decks and the warm cabin. We are starting to see more Bear activity in the area and will now be starting to offer scheduled Bear watching tours as well. We currently have a trip scheduled to depart tomorrow at 3:30pm as the tide will be low and expect to be very successful.

Keith departed today for the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure show and will be there all weekend. We have an unlimited number of 2-4-1 passes that we are looking to give away and all you have to do is email us and we will send them to you. There are a limited number of free passes to the show as well and if you call in the morning we can tell you where to meet Keith at the show to pick one up. While at the show Keith will be offering a chance to win free trips aboard our new 36 passenger catamaran as well as other West Coast Aquatic Safaris merchandise so be sure to stop in and say hello.

Be sure to look at our Facebook page for tour departure times and other promotions.

The Seals are just hangin out or hangin on

2010-04-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful and sunny day in Tofino with strong winds. It was a great day to be on the water, looking for adventure. We experienced swell up to about 3 meters today with some wind chop on top of that. Our group of veteran Whale Watchers didn't seem to mind at all as everyone was smiling from ear to ear at the time of return. Even though the choppy waters can make spotting the Whales more of a challenge it can also enhance the photos taken.

This photo is from Sam Cooper who was with us aboard WASCO back on April 9th. Conditions were similar to today and he has done an excellent job at capturing a group of seals enjoying the sun on a blustery spring day.

I would like to encourage more of our visitors to send in photos for our photo of the week contest. The winners will receive one of our West Coast Aquatic Safaris Travel Mugs as a trophy and have their photo uploaded to our website for all to see. If you have a photo or two that you have been holding onto please forward them to us as it is also great to see how the trip looked through your lens. View our past winners to see what shots have claimed the prize in the past and perhaps you will be there soon.

2010-04-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

We have been very fortunate in the last week to have so much excitement out on the water. With Sea Lions basking in the sun, transient Humpbacks passing through, Greys feeding just off of long beach and not to mention the small pack of Wolves that have been playing on the beaches surrounding Meares Island. How could we not have a good trip?!
The weather has definitely kept us on our toes and continues to do so, but a little rain wont stop our WASCO. With her comfortably warm cabin and her 3 viewing decks, Wasco makes every trip a worth while experience. We cant wait to see what this week will bring.

Dont forget, this weekend is the Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show in Vancouver, so check out our Facebook page, become a fan and check out how you can get your hands on 2-for-1 packages as well as complimentary tickets. While your there, be sure to check us out for some of the best activities the west coast has to offer.

Long Beach and Grey Whales

2010-04-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

Today was about the fourth day in a row that we have been fortunate enough to have Grey Whales feeding out at Long Beach. We often are able to view Whales while they are migrating however to have the opportunity to witness them feeding is very exciting. Our weather did change a little today and we have not been blessed with the warmth of the sun as we have been earlier in the week but the sea conditions have held up and the tours have been terrific today.

Once again there have been three wolves spending time together on one of the beaches on Meares Island just up Fortune Channel and not too far out of the Tofino Harbour. This and the couple of Black Bears make for an extra special Whale Watching experience. It has been great to see all the families taking advantage of the fact that there is no age limitation for being aboard WASCO. We are very happy to offer a comfortable ride and excellent rates for all ages.

We are no gearing up for our final Trade Show of the fall and Keith will be heading to the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure show which begins next weekend. We have many complimentary tickets as well as two for one passes to give away so be sure to visit the West Coast Aquatic Safaris Facebook page for details.
While at the show, Keith will have an unbeatable rate on the two best activities Tofino has to offer. Be sure to stop in and ask about the Ultimate West Coast Adventure Package as well as your chance to win a free trip on one of our boats this season.

2010-04-16T16:20:00.001-07:00

Today was an exceptional day to be on the water with West Coast Aquatic Safaris. We began our day with 3 Grey Wolves and a couple of Black Bears and a pair of nesting Bald Eagles on the insides waters. On the whale front, we were once again very fortunate. There have been several Grey Whales feeding just off Long Beach for a couple of days now and others which have been migrating along the coast. There was one whale in particular that was quite active and putting on a wonderful show with many tail flukes.

The water has been very calm off the shores of Tofino lately which has made the trip aboard WASCO an experience like no other. The weather continues to be mild and with lots out there to see we are expecting a fantastic weekend. Even on the warm and sunny days it is always a great idea to take advantage of the Helly Hansen Rain coats and the fleece gloves provided at no additional cost to maximize your comfort and overall experience.

With our heated cabin, on board bathroom, satellite radio, 3 viewing decks and extremely knowledgeable Captains all it takes is one outing with us to see that we are the best choice for your aquatic adventure.

2010-04-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Our weather has been spectacular over the last couple of days. There has also been no lack of incredible wildlife to be seen from WASCO's 3 viewing decks. In the last two days we have been very fortunate to see both Orcas and Grey whales feeding out towards Long Beach. A little more locally there have been several Humpbacks not too far from the Tofino Harbour. We are entering the time of year now when there are typically more and more Humpbacks entering the area and it is always very exciting. We have also seen a few Black Bears in the area in the last week and are really looking forward to starting to offer a daily bear watching tour. Keep your eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for departure time during the period of you visit.

As our season begins to heat up and there is more and more activity in town and on the ocean it becomes more and more important to make your arrangements in advance. While West Coast Aquatic Safaris does offer several departures per day however with WASCO being the ideal vessel for families and children of all ages it can fill up quite quickly. For your convenience our office is available to take reservations by phone after hours or you can always book online and save 10% doing so.

2010-04-09T15:05:00.001-07:00

The weather has been spectacular in Tofino today. We began the morning with a little snow on the ground but the sun was shining and the air was getting warm. There happened to be Grey whales everywhere today. Some of the most interesting were a pair that were located near Tonquin Beach which is the closest beach to town. The two Grey whales spent there time rubbing against the sand bar and were in no rush to go anywhere. We were also fortunate to have another lone Grey whale pass right through the Tofino harbour and could almost be seen from the West Coast Aquatic Safaris office and another lone Humpback just off of Plover Reef which is usually well known for the high concentration of Seal Lions that Gather there. It is great to have such a perfect day in spring with whales that are as cooperative as this.

Having a full boat today there was real benefit to the additional viewing decks that WASCO has to offer. Having room for six passengers at a time to ride up top, almost ten feet above sea level makes for an ideal spot to get the best photos possible. For those that want to feel they are as close as possible to the whales, WASCO's full walk around bow deck is spacious and when the whales are close can feel like you are right on top of them. Of course even on the perfect day in Tofino it is still nice to have the option to pop back inside and warm up with the dry diesel heater that keeps the windows free of moisture and warms you to the bones.

With weather this great and having the best boat in town it is important to make sure you make your reservations in advance. While there is often room for last minute bookings, making your reservations online at least 24 hours in advance will ensure there is room for the entire family. Visit our website for all the details, departure times and the chance to save 10% for booking online.

2010-04-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

It was nice and sunny today with a little too much wind for any off shore travel but we were fortunate to have some very cooperative Grey Whales in sheltered waters. There were two Greys today that were very enjoyable to watch. They were active with lots of tail flukes. The Steller Sea Loins out on Plover Reef also put on quite a show for our guests as many were enjoying a nice meal.

Keith departed today for Victoria and the Vancouver Island Outdoor Adventure Show. The show opens tomorrow at noon and we will be giving away free passes all weekend for fans of West Coast Aquatic Safaris on Facebook. While at the Show Keith will be giving away some WCAS merchandise and chances to win free Whale or Bear Watching trips for two on our new 36 Passenger power catamaran so make sure you take the time to stop by. This weekend you will also have the chance to get in on The Ultimate West Coast Adventure Package with an extra special rate on the two best activities in Tofino. Surfing with Surf Sisters and Whale watching with West Coast Aquatic Safaris with a few extras thrown in for one incredible low rate. Keith has all of the details and you can only get it at the show so don't miss out.

2010-04-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Island Outdoor Adventure Show begins on Friday and Keith will there to represent West Coast Aquatic Safaris. The show runs until Sunday night and Keith Will be giving away chances to win WCAS merchandise and free trips for two for Whale or Bear Watching. We will also have free tickets to give away for the show as well as some buy one, get one free passes. In order to receive your free ticket visit our Facebook page and become a fan of West Coast Aquatic Safaris. After that, we will let everyone know when to call the office and how to pick up your tickets.

Things have been a little quiet in town since the Easter weekend however there is still lots to see. There have been many Grey whales in the area and often times we are finding them in calm waters close to the Tofino Harbour. We know that many of our guests have taken all kinds of great photos in the last week or so and we would love to see them. Don't forget that winners of the photo of the week contest will receive one of our travel mugs as a prize and your photo will be on our website for the world to see.

2010-04-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

The perfect family outing for Easter weekend. Whale watching With West Coast Aquatic Safaris is a great way to spend a part of the day. It is an exciting informative experience with non stop action from start to finish. Whether it is 200 Stellar Sea Lions on Berryman Point, Orca's finding a meal, a playful Sea Otter doing the backstroke or a Breaching Humpback, WASCO is the best boat in the harbour to take it all in. Our captains are very knowledgeable and highly skilled on the ocean. The boat's cabin is heated and equipped with a bathroom and satellite radio for your comfort. With a full walk around bow deck and flying bridge that can accommodate 6 passengers at a time there is no better way to get photos and memories to last a lifetime. Visit our website to see our rates for each of your family members. View our departure times on Facebook or call the shop for details. Reservations can be made after hours at your convenience.

2010-04-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

Despite the challenging conditions today, Jeff our Captain was still able to find several Grey whales with the help of the WASCO's Flying Bridge. Not only does this deck give our guests a superior view to others but it also allows for the Captain to operate from a vantage point 10 feet above sea level. This provides for a much greater chance at finding the whales on the days like today where the swell is several meters. It was quite a nice show for our guests who enjoyed the option of the heated cabin, walk around bow deck or the bridge.

Tomorrow we are headed for the hot springs for our first trip of the season. Easter weekend is upon us and along with Tofino, West Coast Aquatic Safaris is getting fairly busy. We want to do everything we can to ensure that you and your family have an excellent weekend and that starts with making your reservation in advance. We will be running several trips per day for Whale watching so give us a call or have a look at our Facebook page for departure times and availability.

Grey Whales and Bright Skies

2010-03-31T16:13:00.000-07:00

It was all sunshine and smiles on the water today. The weather was excellent, mild and sunny all day in Tofino. We had one trip out this morning while the sea was still quite smooth. WASCO and the group were able to catch up to a couple of Grey Whales not to far out of the Tofino Harbour. Despite the warm sunny weather it is still a treat to be able to move indoors or out as you please. Take advantage of the flying bridge to get the best views possible then head back into the heated cabin to warm up.

Keith has returned from the Calgary Outdoor Adventure show and would like to thank all those that stopped by to say hello at the West Coast Aquatic Safaris both. We are just in the process of selecting the winners for the free trips on the new catamaran as well as hoodies and coffee mugs.

Easter weekend is almost upon us and we encourage you to visit the website and take advantage of the book online feature to make sure we have room for your entire family while you are here. See you soon.

Best Grey Whale show in years!

2010-03-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

This mornings run was excellent. Just Minutes out of Tofino Harbour Jeff, WASCO and the group picked up a couple of Grey Whales that were very active. Jeff, our Captain said it was the best Grey Whale show he had seen in a couple of years. With lots of tail fluking and plenty of bobbing up and down The group was able to get lots of head shot photos. The timing was perfect with the weather conditions changing and the swell building to over five meters the group was able to take in the action right away then head into the inside waters for shelter, Sea Lions and Otters. The weather held out just long enough for WASCO to get back to the dock before the rain came down. Be sure to have a look at our website for special rates for students, seniors and youth and don't forget children under two can ride for free. It is a great trip for the entire family so make sure you book your spot in advance to guarantee space for everyone. Sorry Fido unfortunately you aren't able to join us however, there are some excellent experienced people in town for dog walking or grooming while the family is out on the boat.

2010-03-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

We had another terrific day here in Tofino with a classic weather pattern that keeps us guessing but turns out great. Our day wound up sunny and warm, the strong winds that were predicted held off and made for fun conditions out on the water. Today Jeff and the group happened across a couple hundred Sea Lions out on Berryman Point and also caught with a couple of Grey whales just off of Tonquin Beach. Looks like West Coast Aquatic Safaris will have a couple of trips departing tomorrow so please visit our Facebook or Twitter pages to see the scheduled times and don't forget to book in advance to guarantee your space.

Today is day one at the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show and Keith has been busy with lots of people stopping by to see what we have planned for the summer. At this point no one has taken advantage of the free tickets we have to give away so please give us a call if you are interested.

Greys, Humpbacks and much more

2010-03-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Keith is in Calgary today getting set up for the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show which begins tomorrow morning and continues though Sunday. As a way to thank our past customers and people who are considering joining us on the water we want to give away free tickets to the event. The show is great, there are lots of awesome things to see beginning with the West Coast Aquatic Safaris booth. Keith will be there to give you a great idea of all that we have to offer on the west coast as well as giving away free trips on our new catamaran, hoodies and a few other items. If you or someone you know wants to get out to the show, visit our website, follow the link to our Facebook page and become a fan. After that All you have todo is call the shop in Tofino and find out where to pick up your tickets. It is that easy!

Back on the home front today, the weather was great, and both of our trips had the chance to see Grey whales and Humpbacks from WASCO's flying bridge. Things are definitely starting to get busier out here so we always encourage you to make your bookings in advance to guarantee you will be able to go on the trip that best fits your schedule. We take reservations until late and if you are an early riser that's not a problem either. Don't forget our book online option, doing so with more than 24 hours notice and receive 10% off.

Orcas in the Harbour

2010-03-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. It was quiet around town and the weather seemed to change every fifteen minutes but there was lots to see and from WASCO's heated cabin it didn't matter. We started out the day with a pair of Orcas in the Harbour which eventually made their way up nearby Browning Passage. After a bit we headed out towards Leonard Island Lighthouse and picked up several Grey whales headed up the coast. Tomorrow is now looking as though it will be quite nice and with a little luck the two Orcas will be close by and the seas will be gentle again.

The Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show begins tomorrow and Keith is there now with a handful of free passes as well as a handful of by one get one free passes. All you need to do is become a fan of West Coast Aquatic Safaris on Facebook and you will be eligible. If you don't live in Calgary, tell your friends, family or their friends that do live in Calgary to go on our website, follow the link to our Facebook page and become a fan and wait for the chance to to collect the tickets.

Humpback in town

2010-03-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days in Tofino the weather has been very mixed but the whales have been consistent. Yesterday and Monday there were many Grey whales to be seen as well as a few Sea Otters and Sea Lions. Today we were fortunate to have a couple more Greys however there was also a Humpback that was sighted. This is exciting as the last time WASCO and the crew saw a Humpback was about a week ago.

Keith has headed off to Calgary to represent West Coast Aquatic Safaris at the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for your chance to win free tickets to the show.

Today has been nice a sunny with a few clouds and I am envious of all of the folks that are enjoying the sun from WASCO's upper viewing deck and with the seas as calm as they Hopefully they are hearing the whales with the help of our hydrophone. Take advantage of the sunny weather and don't miss our next tour.

2010-03-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today was beautiful and sunny with strong easterly wind that was building over the coarse of the day. It made for a challenging day for locating whales however by the end of it there were a couple of Grey whales located. Today is a great example of what Makes WASCO the perfect boat for our tours. The group began their trip with half of the passengers sitting up on the upper deck and the remainder were at the stern. As the wind picked up the group was able to take turns moving back and fourth from the heated cabin to the upper deck to get the best view from ten feet above sea level. By the time the group returned to the office it was raining. Again this was no problem as each person was supplied with the best Helly Hansen rain coats available as well as fleece gloves. All in all it was smiles from everyone and one couple was even planning to return again tomorrow.

Once again Keith is preparing to head over to Calgary for the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show. We will be giving away free tickets to the show to people that become fans of our Facebook page. While at the show, stop in to see Keith for your chance to win whale and bear watching trips, West Coast Aquatic Safaris Merchandise as well as a chance to get in on an extra special Ultimate West Coast Adventure Package Promo. Have a look at our website where there is always big things happening.

The sound of Orcas

2010-03-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first chance of the season to get out on the water. As the group returned to the West Coast Aquatic Safaris office at 3pm, they were so excited about all that they had seen. Word had spread pretty quickly around the airwaves that the local waters were filled with whales. And when I say local, I mean only fifteen minutes of travel before we had the Orcas off WASCO's starboard side. Keith and I had jumped on board and run out just past the Leonard Island lighthouse. With a very large Bull on our starboard, a cow several calves on our port side the day was going to wrap up perfectly. The whales were active and chatty. Keith took the time to place the hydrophone in the water and with no other boats around we heard all kinds of wonderful sounds. For me this was like nothing I had experienced before. It was my first time to actually have Orcas so close that I could hear a clear hallow puff of air as they broached the surface and spouted a cool ocean mist high into the air. To make it even better, the sound of them communicating below the water was unbelievable and with my eyes closed it was better then any National Geographic film. The seas were gentle, the sun was warm and I wished that everyone I knew could experience that feeling at least once. Thanks Keith!

Be sure to visit our Facebook site or follow us on Twitter to find out when the next boat is departing. On our website you will see how you can save 10% by making your booking online.

Sunshine is back

2010-03-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Once again West Coast Aquatic Safaris has weathered the storm and the sun is shining again. We would like to thank all of the dedicated Whale watchers for coming out on the water with us over the last couple of days, some of you were even came out more than once. Today was a superb day on the water and both the Gray Whales and Orcas were back at WASCO's side.

We have started receiving some photos from our guests again and in the very near future will be making the selections for photo of the week. If you haven't already sent in your best, funniest, most embarrassing or most creative shots while aboard WASCO please do as we love to see how the trip went from your perspective.

The weather is expected to be quite nice for the next couple of weeks so this may be the best chance to take advantage of the sun and minimal crowds. Visit our website to book online and save 10% or become a fan of West Coast Aquatic Safaris on Facebook and see how you can win a free trip for two or perhaps tickets to the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show.

The end of Whale Festival

2010-03-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well even though the 24th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival does wrap up today we are happy to say that the whales are here for some time yet. The recent weather conditions have made viewing whales a challenge however, WASCO and our Captain have still had a great deal of success for the beginning of the 2010 season. We want to thank all of the people that have passed through town and taking part in the different events and activities over the last week and a half. There has been a real positive energy around town and especially with the folks that have stopped by to see us here at West Coast Aquatic Safaris.

We are now looking forward to the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show which begins in just 2 short weeks. Keith will be there as usual with chances to win prizes, merchandise and even a chance to win a Whale Watch tour for two on our power catamaran which will be arriving in Tofino soon. Become a Fan of West Coast Aquatic Safaris on Facebook and watch for your chance to get free tickets to the Calgary Outdoor Show.

We are still looking for photos from this years trips so that we can begin posting our winners for the photo of the month contest so please send us your best shots.

2010-03-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

The seas have been quite dramatic lately and as a result WASCO has been getting out to some different areas. Part of venturing into different areas means seeing things that we don't see in our everyday trips. Today Jeff and our group passed around Meares Island they had the opportunity to see roughly 300 Stellar Sea Lions resting on the rocks and taking cover from the estimated 10m swell that we had today. A little further along Meares the group was treated to a Grey Wolf out on the beach having a look at passers by.

West Coast Aquatic Safaris has a photo of the week award, and the photo which I have added today was from our first trip this season. On February 26, this photo of an adult Orca and her calf was taken just out from Mackenzie Beach with one of the local hotels in the background. I like this photo because it was submitted by a mother and her son out for their first Whale watch, it was our first trip of the year and mostly, because it shows that you don't have to go far to see something many people will never see in their life. Sometimes you just need a different perspective. On this day in February WASCO's flying bridge which is 10' above sea level offered just that. Let the friendly staff and very knowledgeable guides help create a special moment for you or your family. Welcome aboard and don't forget your camera.

Rain and snow won't stop WASCO

2010-03-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

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%.

2010-02-28T15:22:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-02-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-02-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

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.

Almost warm enough to go for a dip

2010-02-21T15:27:00.000-08:00

The weather continues to be beautiful here in Tofino but it may not last forever. Things are expected to change again and there is a little rain in the future. Fortunately West Coast Aquatic Safaris will have you traveling in style. WASCO, our boat, is fully equipped with a heated cabin for all of it's passengers allowing you to stay warm and dry en route to the hot springs or for your whale watching adventure. To keep you even more comfortable, you can enjoy satellite radio and and the luxury of a bathroom on board. For those of you that are looking for the best possible photo to submit to our photo of the week contest, WASCO also has a full walk around deck and flying bridge to get you in right spot for the ultimate shot.

Beat the crowds of the 24 Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival and join us for the first trips of the season starting on Friday, February 26.

Migration is on. Don't miss the boat!

2010-02-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

Well our sources tell us that the temperature isn't the only thing heating up these days. With the Pacific Rim Whale festival just 2 weeks away now, West Coast Aquatic Safaris has been getting lots of reports that the whales are making their way into the area. Grey whales have been seen regularly on the way to Hot Springs Cove lately as well as several other points a little off shore. The Festival is a great time of year to be in Tofino with many fun and educational things for the entire family to do. The best way to start out you trip or wrap it up before you head home is is with some exciting ocean adventure aboard WASCO. Whether you are thinking about a relaxing soak in the springs or a chance to welcome the whales back to Tofino have a look at our website and save 10% by booking online. We have trips starting Friday February 26th and several times a day until fall.

2010-02-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful weather has continued for another day and looks like it may still be with us for a while.

West Coast Aquatic Safaris is seeking a few energetic, dynamic individuals to join our team for the 2010 season. If you are passionate about working with people and sharing the beauty of our environment and marine life with travelers from around the globe, then perhaps this is the opportunity for you. We will be looking for knowledgeable, experienced people to work in the office or aboard our vessels. If you are interested, have a look at our website and our Facebook site to see what we have been up to. If you happen to be in Toronto stop by and see Keith at the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show and ask him about the exciting things happening this year.

We look forward to seeing you aboard WASCO soon.

WASCO IS BACK!

2010-02-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

WASCO slipped quietly back into the water yesterday after a nice winter break. She's all polished up with the sun shinning off her hull and ready for the season. Only nine more days until she will head back out to see to visit the whales, sea lions , eagles and so much more.

Things have been getting busier in town in the last couple of days with the nice weather and a few people trying to escape the Olympic crowds in Vancouver. As the Pacific Rim Whale Festival gets closer be sure to take a look at the Hello BC site to help find the activities and the best places to stay to make the most of your time on the West Coast.

Don't forget that the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show is coming up February 26th. Keith will be there with lots of information and details on the many great things planned for this summer. He will also have opportunities to win some West Coast Aquatic Safaris Merchandise, so be sure to stop in and say Hello.

Happy sunny Valentines Day

2010-02-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Today has been spectacular here in Tofino with the sun shinning on us all day at West Coast Aquatic Safaris. There have been lots of great people stopping buy today, some of them from Germany, Seattle or as near by as Nanaimo all wanting to know if there have been whales in the area? There has been some activity lately however, things will just get better and better everyday. Over the next couple of weeks we will continue to have more Whales moving into the area or passing through. All perfectly timed with 24th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival. There is lots of exciting things to during the Festival but why not arrive early, beat the crowds and and maybe even have the Hot Springs to yourselves. As of Feb 26th we will be beginning daily trips to Hot Springs Cove or Whale Watching tours. Have a look at our website and save 10% by booking online.

Energy in the Air!

2010-02-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

The staff at West Coast Aquatic Safaris have been feeding off the weather's energy over the last few days. Tofino has been having wild storms - with the wind howling like the wolves on Vargas Island and rain watering our forests. It is like mother nature is waking us up and giving us energy for the 2010 Pacific Whale Festival! Don't But don't let us at West Coast Aquatic Safaris allow you to forget that tomorrow is Valentines Day! Several days of sun showing on the long range forecast, including February 26th, WASCO's first day back at work. The toughest decision now is, how to spend the sunny hays ahead? Perhaps a surf at Chesterman's Beach or a nice long walk down Long Beach. But get yourselves ready for our 2010 season and come have a good visit with sea lions and gray whales aboard WASCO! Feel free to come by or to call West Coast Aquatic Safaris and get on the list for the best place to be on the sea.

2010-02-12T16:13:00.000-08:00

The Olympic Torch has found its way into Vancouver today in time for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 winter Olympics. Oddly enough Keith just happens to be passing through Vancouver today en route to the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show, which starts Feb 26th. This seems convenient. There has been people coming into the office today looking to get out on the water for the first glimpse of the Grays, Humpbacks or perhaps even an Orca. We are still a bit early as WASCO is not quite in the water yet. After speaking with the folks at Rod's Power and Marine today, we are happy that things are on Schedule and Jeff will be at the helm to take her out for the first trip of the season on February 26th. Keep in mind that if you book online you will receive 10% off the price. We have also been busy working out some great new ideas and specials for this year so watch us on Facebook or Twitter for upcoming promotions.

2010-02-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

Some time has now past since Keith was out to Seattle to represent West Coast Aquatic Safaris at the outdoor trade show. We have now selected the winning names from the ballots that were collected during the show and the lucky people have been contacted. Several people will receive a West Coast Aquatic Safaris Hoodie, others will receive one of our travel mugs and many more will be receiving one of our Eco friendly cloth shopping bags. Thanks to all of you for stopping by to say hello and we hope to see you in Tofino soon.

Keith is now getting ready to head east where he will be spending a few days at the International Centre in Toronto for the Outdoor Adventure Show. The show runs from February 26-28. Please be sure to come out and say hello, Keith will have more chances to win and lots of great information for planning your getaway to the west.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook or our Twitter sites to see where we will be next or to find out more about tours departing soon.

We are also hoping that some of you will forward some of your favourite photos and memories with West Coast Aquatic Safaris from seasons past so that we may share a few of them with our fans and friends. If you would like to contribute please send photos with a brief description to info@whalesafaris.com

2010-02-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

Well it's official, just over one more week until the good folks at RPM will be picking up WASCO for a once over before setting her out to sea for the first trip of the season. We are now in the office from Wednesday through Sunday between 9am and 5pm. At this point we a anticipating having our first tour of the season on Friday February 26th.

These days in a world that seems to have become so fast paced, with people moving in all different directions at the same time, it is often difficult to celebrate a special occasion on the day of the occasion. This year take the time to make your own special occasion. Come visit West Coast Aquatic Safaris in one of the most romantic places in the world. The last week of February or the beginning of March is the perfect time to plan a getaway to Hot Springs Cove or go Whale Watching before the crowds arrive for the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Contact us in the office or make your reservation online and save 10%.

2010-02-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

As the winter storms have been hitting the east coast, the rain in Tofino has stopped today and the clouds have parted above West Coast Aquatic Safaris. With the blue sky and warmth of the sun reflecting off of WASCO, we decided to climb aboard enjoy the view out into the inner harbour. With the weather improving there are more people stopping by each day in search of adventure and anxious to get on the water.

The energy is really building for and incredible season, and with the excitement of the Olympics next week, Tofino is just the place to relax and unwind when they wrap up. The best way to do that, is with a long soak in Hot Springs. Keep an eye on our website for details and updates to our schedule.

2010-02-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well folks, the days are getting longer, milder, the bulbs are coming up in the garden and WASCO is getting restless. Only a couple more weeks until WASCO will go for the first swim of the spring season. It has been a long winter but we are getting fired up with some changes to the office and some new faces on the West Coast Aquatic Safari team.

Be sure and join us at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival in March but in the meantime if you are planning your first visit to Tofino or you are an old friend, follow us on Facebook and Twitter so you don't miss the first trip of 2010 or even better stop in and say hello.

WASCO's Put to Bed

2009-12-11T14:03:00.001-08:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris wants to thank the community of Tofino for all its support. WASCO, our first class boat has been put to bed for the season. Thank you Method Marine for keeping us fueled up, Rods Power & Marine for keeping everything serviced, EMC Construction (250.266.0163) for updating our shop and to all the resorts, restaurants, and individuals who have recommended our first class service. We are also looking forward to our spring trips taking out new and different people from our community to enjoy wind through their hair or the warmth of our cabin.

As we all hid away this winter remember that Whale Fest is not too far away and that WASCO will be cruising the Clayoquot Sound helping millions of visitors to see whales, bears, bird, and the hot springs.

Have a great winter season and see you soon.
WASCO

End of the Season

2009-11-28T15:20:00.001-08:00

Well this weekend it is official. West Coast Aquatic Safaris will be closing our doors tomorrow for the winter. There have not been any gray whale sightings in the past week and it looks as though they have headed to warmer waters down in Mexico. Our office will be closed as of tomorrow and we will reopen March 1st just in time to welcome the gray whales back!

Staff are looking forward to a quiet winter with lots of rest. You will be able to find Keith surfing the waves and Jeff is expecting a new addition to his family in January!! As for myself (Ellie) I will be enjoying my first Tofino winter with Juliet and I am looking forward to some good storm watching. Over the winter months Keith will be updating the blog. So with this being my last blog of 2009 I just wanted to say thank you for reading! It has been a pleasure writing the blog and great to meet some of my blog readers this summer! I look forward to more blogging in the 2010 season. Keep your eyes on Facebook and Twitter this winter for great deals on next seasons trips and great giveaways!!

First Class Trip

2009-11-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

It's showers in the foreseeable forecast... However, tomorrow looks to have less rain than the rest of the week. We would suggest touring with us at West Coast Aquatic Safaris and enjoy our First Class Service.

Tomorrow you will be cruising aboard WASCO and be kept warm and dry throughout the trip. WASCO has 3 different heating systems; some heaters are set up to keep the windows clear from fogging up and others are there to keep you and captain nice warm. On these wet days it helps to keep our guests smilling on their trip.

Another feature WASCO has to help on the grayer days a is Sirius Satellite Radio this feature can make for little bit more entertainment while exploring the Clayoquot Sound.

We at West Coast Aquatic Safaris are looking forward to be hearing from you and your friends when you decide to explore the Hot Springs Cove.

Winters here...

2009-11-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris has not been going up to the Hot Springs for the last few days the weather has not let us. Storms have kept WASCO tied to the dock. However, the forecast looks to be getting better for the weekend... it looks to be clearing up, hove a look at our Five Day Forecast provided by Environment Canada. Another great site to see Tofino's ocean and surf forecast is Magic Seaweed.

The dark and overcast days provide a perfect environment to soak in the springs allowing deep relaxation. This is the time of year that local Tofitian go to the springs to relax after a busy Spring, Summer and Fall season. Some Tofitian then get ready to hibernate away the winter, while others plan their winter surf safaris anywhere from Chesterman Beach to the South Pacific.

Keep in contact with West Coast Aquatic Safaris to follow our schedule and watch our Facebook and Twitter pages to find out about deals for the 2010 Season.

More events and wildlife!

2009-11-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

It is a rainy day here in Tofino and West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests are enjoying a hot soak at the hot springs today. It's the perfect weather for a hot springs trip today. With the cool weather it makes the springs that much more enjoyable! There are still gray whales in the area and guests have been enjoying watching them feed.

A fun upcoming event in Tofino next weekend is the Oyster Festival! Tofino is home to many oyster farms and what better way to celebrate this tasty treat than with a whole weekend of fun events! Click here for more details on specific events. Haven't started on your Christmas shopping yet? Then the Jingle into Christmas is a great opportunity to get started. Many local stores will be open late and offering great deals. This event will be held at the end of November. So stayed tuned for the dates! There is still lots going on in Tofino for November and we hope you have some time to come and see for yourself!

Fun day at the springs!

2009-11-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

It was a fun day for West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests at Hot Springs Cove! Despite the rainy weather lately, the sun managed to come out as we were heading down to WASCO. The sun continued to shine for most of the day in fact giving our guests a chance to enjoy the hot springs with a bit of sun!

On the way up to the hot springs WASCO stopped to look at some gray whales feeding. There was also a sea otter spotted today as well! It was a great day to be up at the springs and enjoy a hot soak! Just a reminder that our office is closed Monday to Thursday for the month of November. We will be offering hot springs and whale watching tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Follow the rainbow!

2009-11-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of year here at West Coast Aquatic Safaris. We have reduced our operating hours and we are now only open Fridays 1:00 - 5:00, Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 - 5:00. But even though Tofino is slowing down that doesn't mean that the sightings have! The gray whales have still been hanging around Ahous Bay and just behind Bartlett Island too. The sea lions have still been out and about as well. The hot springs is also a great place to visit at this time of year. With the cooler weather soaking in a natural hot springs in the perfect way to beat the cold weather blues!

We have been having on and off rain here followed by breaks of sunshine here. Yesterday there was a great rainbow just outside our office! It was a great way to find us...just follow the rainbow! But if you need more specific instructions you can always click here. We hope to see you soon!

The Olympic Torch

2009-11-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

Last night the Olympic torch made its way in to Tofino. What a great ending to a memorable week for our little town on the west coast of Canada.
This last week started out with Tofino hosting Canada's first professional surf contest, the O’Neill Cold Water Classic 6 Star ASP World Qualifying Series. By Saturday, Halloween, underdog local
Peter Devries, came out of the water at North Chestermans as the over all winner! Awesome Pete!!
As the torch came down the Esowista Peninsula it had a little detour and was carried out by Ruth Sadler into the surf and brought back to shore by local Surf Legend Raph Bruhwiler.
In town waiting for the torch to come we had already been entertained by gymnast and dancers. As well, singer who once spent part of her life in Tofino and voted Canada's Best Independent Artist, Kim Kuzma preformed as we waited. What a show!
What a week!!

Hot Springs Photo of the Week!

2009-10-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris would like to thank Paul for sending in some great photos of his hot springs trip with us. Paul joined us for a hot springs tour on the Thanksgiving long weekend and it was perfect weather for a soak! The cooler weather made the springs that much more enjoyable. This time of year is a great time to go and you can see from the picture just how nice it is in the pools!

Whale watching has also still been really good. The gray whales have been staying in Ahous Bay for the past few weeks providing our guests with great views in calm waters. The sea otters were out yesterday in a group bobbing around. And more and more California sea lions have been seen. With WASCO's heated indoor cabin even with the weather getting cooler you can still see all of the wildlife from the comforts of our indoor cabin. Don't mind the cold? Then enjoy our outdoor seating and walk around deck to get great up close views of all the wildlife Tofino has to offer!

Playful California Sea Lions!

2009-10-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Well the sun has decided to shine today! The winds were a bit high today but luckily the gray whales were in Ahous Bay which was a perfect place for whale watching! The California Sea Lions were very playful today and gave West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests a great show. They were rolling around and porpoising in the waters having a great time!

We are in day two of the O'Neill Cold Water Classic surf competition. The surfing was happening at North Chesterman today. With great weather, great surfers to watch and lots of wildlife to view there is plenty to see here in Tofino in October!

Lots happening!

2009-10-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well even though the warm summer months have passed there is still a lot going on here in Tofino! This weekend we have the Tofino Film Festival and West Coast Aquatic Safaris is proud to be a part of it! There will be some great films being shown here this weekend. And to top off the weekend there will be a wrap party at Shelter!

And if you are looking for some surf action then the O'Neill Cold Water Classic is where you need to be! This will be from October 25-31 and there will be world class surfers here in Tofino to compete!

Still looking for more?? The Olympic Torch will be coming through Tofino on November 1st as part of the route. They have some amazing plans for this very special arrival and it is an event not to be missed.

And to top it all off...the wildlife sightings are still amazing! West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests have been enjoying great rides out on WASCO and seeing gray whales, sea otters and some California sea lions have been showing up as well. Things will be very busy for the next couple of weeks with lots to see and do!

Another sample has arrived!

2009-10-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Well the goodies just keep on coming and we have received another sample! West Coast Aquatic Safaris has received their sample of reusable bags! Pictured here is what we will be offering next season and we are very excited to have a few samples to test them out! You will be seeing Ellie, Jeff and Keith with these new bags around Tofino.

Also pictured here are our travel mugs. We received these in the summer and all of our photo of the week winners have received one of these in the mail. They are available at our office for $14.95 but if you send in your photos from your trip on WASCO and we pick yours as the winner you get one sent to you for free! We are continuing to add to our West Coast Aquatic Safaris stock so keep an eye on our blog and Twitter for the latest! Also, we will be doing giveaways, and great deals on our Twitter so keep following for a chance to win great stuff and great discounts!

Hot Springs is where it's at!

2009-10-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well the weather has gotten cooler here in Tofino. So when you come to visit West Coast Aquatic Safaris recommends a relaxing soak in the hot springs as a great trip! It is the trip that combines it all. Our trips have been seeing whales on the way up and back from the hot springs including humpbacks and grays. We have also been lucky and got to see sea lions out on the rocks and sea otters bobbing in the water. With great scenery all the way up and back it is a trip that is hard to beat! When you arrive at the hot springs you have a walk along a boardwalk up to the springs and then plenty of time to soak and enjoy. And what better way to enjoy the cooler weather than to soak in a natural hot springs!! Our trips leave everyday at 10:00. We hope you will make the time for this trip as it is an unforgettable experience!

A sample of hoodies!!

2009-10-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris staff were thrilled to get the sample hoodies in yesterday! We have been eagerly awaiting their delivery for quite some time and were very happy to finally get to see what they look like. The samples included two different prints for the women which are available in baby blue or navy. The men have one print that is available in black or navy. You can see them pictured here. With this arrival we are looking forward to the full shipment which is scheduled to arrive just in time for next season! So our guests can purchase a great West Coast Aquatic Safaris hoodie or keep checking our blog and homepage for your chance to win one!

We will be adding more photos later on Facebook but this will give you a sample of the sweaters we are offering. We are looking forward to having these available next season for everyone!

New Photos...and the power is back!

2009-10-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

It was quite the day yesterday in Tofino. We lost power around 11:30 yesterday and it was out until 6:30. Despite this power outage we still had a great day of wildlife sightings. West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests went to Ahous Bay yesterday and the gray whales were very friendly. On both trips they came up close to WASCO and gave our guests some great tail flukes. There were some great photo opportunities!

And speaking of photos...we have a new photo of the week winner!! Thank you Michael for sending in some great photos. And an extra bonus photo of Keith and Ellie! It isn't very often that we get photos of ourselves so this was a nice treat. Check out our homepage to see the winning photo. Pictured here are the other two great photos that Michael sent us. Thanks again for the great photos Michael!

New Hours

2009-10-13T15:35:00.001-07:00

Well like many in Tofino, West Coast Aquatic Safaris is reducing our hours. It is that time of year when things slow down and the demand for being open late gets less and less. Our new office hours are 9:00 - 5:00 seven days a week. As always we are available by phone after hours for any questions or reservations. But don't let the reduced hours fool you. This does not mean it has been reduced wildlife!! We have been seeing lots of humpback and gray whales still. The sea lions, seals and sea otters are still around and the bald eagles can still be spotted while aboard WASCO. And with this cooler weather it's nice to be on WASCO with a heated indoor cabin! So we hope you have some time to come and see all the great sights.

Lunging Humpbacks on Thanksgiving Day!

2009-10-12T13:27:00.001-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests got a great show today while out on WASCO on a whale watch! Keith who was driving WASCO today said that he saw at least 10 different humpbacks out there. One humpback lunged right in front of WASCO several times giving our guests front row seats to an amazing show! The humpbacks also did lots of tail fluking and gave our guests some great photo opportunities!

It is a crisp fall day here in Tofino. Perfect weather for a turkey dinner! Everyone here at West Coast Aquatic Safaris wants to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that you are enjoying a great turkey dinner with family and friends. It's been a great long weekend and we were happy to have so many guests come out on trips.

A surprise guest!

2009-10-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests were surprised on Friday with a minke whale stopping by and breaching for everyone on board WASCO. There have only been a handful of sightings of minke sightings this season and this is the first active one for West Coast Aquatic Safaris. And the wildlife viewings just keep on coming! Humpback whales have been seen everyday and gray whales as well. The sea otters have been seen bobbing around in the ocean and the sea lions have been spotted out on the rocks. We have even been seeing some bald eagles! Typically there are less around this time of year as they follow the black bears to the rivers sometimes to catch the fish the bears are catching. But there have still been some around and we were happy to see them on our trips.

Our guests are enjoying a hot soak in the hot springs today. Humpback whales were seen on the way up and gray whales were seen in Cow Bay on the way home. So in addition to a great soak in the springs they got to see lots of wildlife as well.

A bear-utiful picture!

2009-10-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris has a new winner of our photo of the week contest! Thank you to Greetje Smit for submitting some great bear watching photos! He sent us quite a few so we have created a photo album on our Facebook page so everyone can see them all. He was able to get some great photos on a bear watch of a black bear walking the shoreline looking for crab. Pictured here is one of the photos he sent in.

Today our guests were headed to the hot springs. The weather has still been incredible and the wildlife sighting have still been amazing! Yesterday our 1:30 whale watch caught up with a pod of 5 orcas and saw gray whales as well. The sea lions are still out on the rocks making lots of noise and bald eagles are still seen flying by WASCO. The weather forecast is for more sunshine tomorrow. We are hoping the weather will hold out for the upcoming Thanksgiving long weekend!

Great sightings and weather!

2009-10-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well it is October in Tofino and the morning and evenings are getting a bit more crisp. However, this week we have had some amazing weather during the day! The sun is out and keeping things warm here. The ocean conditions are amazing and we have been seeing lots of different wildlife while out on WASCO. Yesterday gray whales, humpback whales and orcas were seen in our waters. But no one is here to enjoy it!! West Coast Aquatic Safaris has noticed the usual slow down in Tofino that is inevitable at the end of peak season. However, we want to be able to share these great sightings with everyone! So with Thanksgiving long weekend approaching we want to remind everyone that the whales are still here and there is still lots to see from WASCO. So come join West Coast Aquatic Safaris for a tour!

Hot springing it!

2009-10-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests had a sun filled day at the hot springs! The weather is looking incredible for this week and today was no exception. Our guests departed at 10:00 am and had a great ride up to the hot springs. It was a great October day to soak up there. With the sun out but a cool breeze to make sitting in the hot springs enjoyable our guests had the prefect conditions!

On the way home on WASCO our guests saw a little sea otter bobbing in the water out by Sea Otter Rock. There were also gray whales to be seen along the way. The gray whales were tail fluking again today and humpbacks were spotted along the way giving our guests some great photo ops! It was an exciting trip to the hot springs today with lots to see!

Whale soup!

2009-10-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests got some great views of gray whales yesterday! Jeff was driving WASCO yesterday and when they found the gray whales he had to shut off the engine as they came and swam around WASCO. Gray whales are very curious and have been coming to check out WASCO all season and yesterday was no exception.

Today's trip continued with the whale soup theme! West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests got to experience another rare triple header! A pod of six orcas were seen swimming in our waters today. The gray whales were happily feeding and as WASCO was making her way home a humpback whale came right next to WASCO and surprised all of our guests. It was a great day out on the water with lots of sunshine and lots of whales!

The great photos keep coming!

2009-09-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Nancy Robertson a West Coast Aquatic Safaris guest who sent in some amazing photos! Nancy is this weeks photo of the week winner and I am sure if you check our homepage you will understand why. Pictured here are the 3 runner up photos that Nancy sent in. It was a tough choice as you can see!

We have had a good start to the day today with gray whales found feeding on our 10:30 whale watch. Orcas also stopped by and surprised our guests. Steller sea lions have been out on the rocks giving our guests some great photo opportunities as well! It is hard to believe that October is only a day away. West Coast Aquatic Safaris will have new office hours starting tomorrow. The new hours will be:

Sunday to Thursday 8:30 - 7:00
Friday and Saturday 8:30 - 8:00

So stop by the office and say hi!

Wind and Whales!

2009-09-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

The sun was shining today despite the forecast for rain! But with the sunshine came some wind. West Coast Aquatic Safaris is Transport Canada Certified and has very experienced drivers. We would never take our passengers out on dangerous waters. So despite the winds it was still safe to go out on the waters to view whales. The whales decided to stay in more protected waters which provided comfortable viewing for our guests. And our guests came back with big smiles! Gray whales were seen feeding and tail fluking in the waters. And our 1:30 whale watch trip also caught up with a humpback whale! It was a fun day out on the water with some great sightings.

Orcas again!

2009-09-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

More orcas were seen today from WASCO! Keith was able to catch up with a pod of four orcas found earlier in the morning. West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests were able to get some really good looks at these killer whales as they seemed to be on the hunt. Also seen today were gray whales! They were seen feeding and tail fluking. Keith was also spotted a California sea lion. So our guests were able to see lots!

With October close upon us we have changed our schedule slightly. We are no longer offering bear watches as there have been less and less sightings. The black bears have headed into the rivers for fish to fatten up for winter! So our new schedule will be:

10:00 Hot Springs
10:30 Whale Watch
1:30 Whale Watch
4:30 Whale Watch

We hope you have some time to come out. The air is crisp but the sun is still shining!

Triple header!

2009-09-24T13:37:00.001-07:00

It was a busy day on the water yesterday. While Jeff was driving WASCO on a bear watch they came across orcas! It was a great find and they watched the orcas swimming circling for food. It was an unexpected find as they were working their way around Meares Island!

With an orca spotting so early on in the day our 12:30 whale watch trip headed straight out to find them again. They were lucky and the orcas were still around and still hunting. West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests got to watch these killer whales for quite some time. Then Jeff took them to the outside waters to see more whales! They found gray whales and humpback whales out there and officially made the trip a triple header! And as well as all of the whales that were seen, Steller Sea Lions were out on the rocks and a sea otter was seen bobbing in the water. It was an amazing day out on the water for all of our trips.

More great photos!

2009-09-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris has a new photo of the week winner! Raj Singh sent us some great photos that he took while out on WASCO. You can see the winner on our homepage by clicking here. It was a tough choice and here are the other photos that he sent in. Staff member Ellie of course picked the picture of her dog Juliet as the winner but it was a slightly biased opinion! These pictures will also be posted on our Facebook page as well.

The weather today is gray and misty. However, the sea conditions and visibility are great! So don't let the gray skies scare you away from going on a whale watch! The humpbacks and gray whales are still here and giving our guests some great shows!

Beautiful Day!

2009-09-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

It was an incredible day out on WASCO yesterday for West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests. Blue skies and the sun shining it was warm with very little wind. This made for great sea conditions and there were great sightings! Yesterday eight different humpback whales were spotted. And of those eight at least four of them were a mother and calf. On the 3:30 trip guests were surprised by a humpback coming up right next to WASCO and doing a big tail fluke!

It was a short trip over to Ahous Bay where the gray whales were seen feeding. One gray whale came right next to WASCO and guests got a great view of just how large these whales are! The gray whales did lots of tail fluking and came close to WASCO several times as guests took lots of pictures. It is another beautiful day again today with more humpbacks and grays. So come out and enjoy the amazing views!

It's that time of year...

2009-09-20T13:54:00.001-07:00

When West Coast Aquatic Safaris starts to say goodbye to our summer staff. It has been an amazing season with lots happening here at the office and we couldn't have done it without our great staff! It is always sad to say goodbye but we know that they are all heading on to new adventures and we wish them all the best in the future!

To say thank you for all of their hard we went out for dinner at Shelter restaurant on Friday. It was a great evening filled with lots of laughter and great food. Thank you again to Beth, Richard and Eva for all of your hard work. It has truly been a pleasure having you as part of the West Coast Aquatic Safaris team and we will miss you all! Jeff, Keith and Ellie are staying on to finish up the season which will come to an end at the end of October. So not to worry if you are planning to come to Tofino for whale watching. We will still be here, just with a smaller staff!

Facebook!

2009-09-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris is now on Facebook! With our new page you can follow our updates, see photos and most importantly - BECOME A FAN! Thank you to all of our supports who have added us so far. We really appreciate your support.

The weather is a bit rainy today but that hasn't slowed down the sightings! Jeff is driving WASCO today and our 9:30 whale watch got to see gray whales and humpback whales. The humpback whales decided to put on our show and did some breaching for our guests. The gray whales are busy feeding and have done some great tail flukes.

Our bear watch yesterday was very successful. The weather cleared up and our guests got a nice sunset. They also got to view four different black bears up close. So the bear watching is still good. Come see the black bears before they decide to head to the rivers for some fish!

Lots to see!

2009-09-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

We have been getting lots of questions recently about whether this is still a good time to see wildlife in Tofino. West Coast Aquatic Safaris staff always answer "Most definitely!". We have been seeing humpback whales almost everyday. They have still been out near Long Beach breaching and slapping the water with their fins. The gray whales have been seen everyday. And we have had some big days with lots of gray whales. They are continuing to feed and show off their tails for our guests.

Black bears are still coming to the shorelines to look for crabs. Check out our photo of the week winner on our homepage! Tom Middleton sent in some amazing photos from his bear watch. Here are the two runner ups that he sent in. These are some incredible photos of black bears. We still have bear watches this week and the sunrise is at 7:00 am so our trips are still going out in the early morning. September is a great time in Tofino with less crowds and still warm weather. So come out for a ride on WASCO!

Still feels like summer!

2009-09-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well the rush of peak season is over but the weather still feels like it is August! September in Tofino is a great time. The weather is still warm but there is less crowds and still lots to do! West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests have been enjoying rides out on WASCO to view all of the different whales and the black bears are still coming out.

Yesterday there were lots and lots of gray whales to view! Our guests got quite a show while out on WASCO. The low tide bear watch trips have been great including another sighting of gray wolves. These often very elusive animals have now been spotted twice in a short span of time. The sea lions are still out on the rocks and the sea otters can be found bobbing out in the ocean. So even though the summer is technically over it is actually a great time for that vacation!

New Photo of the Week

2009-09-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris was wowed by the amazing photo Sam North sent in for the photo of the week competition. A humpback had breached really close to WASCO and Sam was able to capture the moment in this amazing photo. Sam is our new winner of the photo of the week contest and he will be receiving his travel mug in the mail soon!

We have been seeing humpback whales regularly these past 4 weeks. Our guests have been seeing humpbacks on every trip. Lots of mom and calf humpbacks. The calves have been giving our guests quite the show on some days. Yesterday our guests out on WASCO had the amazing opportunity to see the humpbacks lunge feed. This is the first time this season we have seen that! Still lots of whale watching weeks left in the season. So we hope to see you soon.

Bears and Wolves!

2009-09-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests got a rare view this morning while out on a bear watch. The ever elusive gray wolves made an appearance! There was a pack of six that were seen on Meares Island and our guests were thrilled to see them. It is not very often that we get to see these animals. You can sometimes hear them in the distance but to see a whole pack out was incredible!

On top of seeing wolves our guests also got to see several black bears. The black bears were walking along the shoreline looking for crabs and our guests were able to get close up and get some great views. The bear watching will be coming to an end mid September as the black bears head to the rivers for the salmon. So if you are planning a trip to see the black bears don't wait too long!

The whales are still out and giving our guests a great show. Whale season goes on longer than the bear season and West Coast Aquatic Safaris will be continue doing whale tours in to November. So come out on a tour on WASCO and see all the beautiful wilderness Tofino has to offer.

100th Post and a Long Weekend!

2009-09-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well this is West Coast Aquatic Safaris 100th post! We hope that everyone has enjoyed our blog so far and that we have many more posts to come! With the last long weekend of the summer upon us and school starting in just a few days the end of peak tourist season is coming. But don't let September fool you into thinking that just because the kids are back at school that the whales have headed out too. West Coast Aquatic Safaris staff think that September is the best time in Tofino. A little quieter, smaller line ups and still lots to see while out on WASCO.

While the bear watches will be coming to an end soon we have still been seeing lots of black bears on our trips. We still have bear watches available for the next week so come out and see them before they head in to the rivers for the salmon. The whale watches have been amazing! Guests aboard WASCO have been seeing lots of humpbacks and gray whales. The humpbacks have been sticking around for over 3 weeks now and we are happy to have them. So come out and enjoy September in Tofino. You won't be disappointed!

Great action shot!

2009-09-01T10:38:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Maartje Daverveld for sending us an amazing humpback whale breaching photo. This humpback whale gave quite a show to West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests while out on a whale watch on WASCO. And Maartje managed to capture the action and sent us in the photo! Pictured here is the big splash the humpback whale made. Want to see the action shot? Just click here to see the photo on our homepage. Maartje is our photo of the week winner and will receive a West Coast Aquatic Safaris mug in the mail soon!

We have been seeing gray whales and humpback whales everyday for over 2 weeks! Our guests have been seeing a lot while out on WASCO! Our bear watch yesterday got up close to two different bears and gave our guests some great opportunities to view the black bears in their natural habitat!

Foggy days

2009-08-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

It has been foggy starts to our last two days here in Tofino. WASCO has had the radar going for our morning trips to help guide Keith and Jeff through the waters. However despite the fog everywhere West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests have been having some great trips. Our bear watch this morning had a foggy start but once out on the water our guests enjoyed watching two different black bears. They were able to get up close to these bears and got some great photos!

Our whale watches have been very successful as well. The gray whales have been seen every trip and the humpbacks have also been making appearances everyday. We have had some very curious gray whales that have come close to the boat. And a humpback whale caught some of our guests by surprise by fluking it's tail right by the boat. The picture shown here is of a gray whale seen last year that came right next to WASCO. So don't let the fog discourage you! There is still plenty to see out there on WASCO!

Photo of the week!

2009-08-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you Terry Shields a West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests who came out with us for a bear watch and a whale watch! Here are some of the other pictures that Terry sent in to us. Terry is our photo of the week winner. To see the winning photo just click here to see!

We have been having a lot of sightings on our trips this week. The humpback whales have been very active with lots of breaching and fin slapping. The black bears have also been coming out to the shoreline giving our guests some great views up close. The Steller sea lions have been out on the rocks making lots of noise sunning themselves. Great fun out on WASCO!

New mugs!!

2009-08-26T14:52:00.001-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris is pleased to announce that we have just received our new shipment of mugs! These great travel mugs are durable and great for keeping your beverages hot or cold while you are on the go. We have them for sale here at our office for $14.95. Want to win one? Enter our photo of the week contest! Each week we have guests send us photos from their trips out on WASCO. The winner each week gets their photo posted on our website and we send them a travel mug anywhere in the world! Check out our homepage to see our current winner.

In order to get great photos you need to come out on a trip! Our whale watching trips have been great with lots of humpback whales breaching and the gray whales have been tail fluking! Our bear watches have been seeing lots of black bears coming right to the shoreline. We have gotten close up with these great bears and gotten some great photos! So come out for a ride on WASCO. The views are amazing!

Windy day!

2009-08-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

So the sun has decided to shine today but the winds have come in strong today. It is still safe to go out to the ocean for whale watching however there is an increased chance for sea sickness on days like this. West Coast Aquatic Safaris wants to help our guests have the best possible time out on the water and will always inform our guests of the conditions. Here are a few tips for when you are out on the water and starting to feel a bit sick:

1. Focus on the horizon. Keeping focused on a stable point of land helps.
2. Fresh air! Going inside is not a good option. Stay outside and get as much fresh sea air as you can.
3. Water - always help settle the stomach.

These are just a few tips for when you come out on a whale watch. The benefits of the whale watches is the incredible nature that you get to see from WASCO. We have been seeing humpback whales everyday for the last 4 days. Gray whales have been seen every trip and the Steller sea lions have been out on the rocks making lots of noise. It is an amazing trip with so much to see!

Sunny day!

2009-08-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful day here in Tofino. West Coast Aquatic Safaris staff are trying their best to soak it up because the forecast is looking cloudy for the next couple of days! It has been great for whale watchers out on WASCO. We have been watching humpback whales today down at Long Beach. Yesterday was what we like to call whale soup! There were humpbacks, gray whales and orcas! With so many whales we are looking forward to some great photos from our guests for the photo of the week contest!

A common question we get from guests is if there is a better time to view the whales. We offer 9:30, 12:30 and 3:30 trips so people always want to know what time is better. We are happy to tell you that all times are good! We have been seeing whales everyday on every trip. It's a great time out on WASCO with lots to see!

Humpbacks and a Sunfish!

2009-08-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

The last few days West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests have been enjoying seeing the humpback whales down at Long Beach. It is not too often that the humpbacks can be found at the same spot for several days in a row. So we have really been lucky to have them there. They have been doing a lot of breaching, tail fluking and fin slapping and our guests have been getting some amazing photos.

Another fun surprise our guests had on a whale watch yesterday was the opportunity to see a sunfish! This is the first one we have seen this season and our guests were fascinated by this 5 foot long fish! Jeff who was driving WASCO was able to get some great photos of this unusual looking fish and we have posted all of them on our Flickr!

More orcas have been seen today as well. Despite the high winds our guests have been enjoying some great sightings as a pod of six orcas have been passing through. We hope to see you soon!

Orcas and photos!

2009-08-19T09:58:00.001-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests had a great day out on the water yesterday. The humpback whales were very active down at Long Beach again. It has been three days in a row that we have been able to view these great animals down at Long Beach. We also were able to catch up with the orcas later in the day. Our guests were thrilled to have the opportunity to see these transient killer whales passing through.

We also have a new photo of the week! Tineke van Geel sent us some amazing photos (shown here) and of course you can see the winning photo on our website! Want even more photos? Check our our galleries. And for even MORE photos go to our Flickr account. Our drivers have been taking some amazing photos. See what they get to see everyday!

Humpback days!

2009-08-18T08:18:00.001-07:00

The last couple of days have been great for West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests for viewing humpback whales. Jeff has been taking WASCO down to Long Beach where the humpback whales have been for the past couple of days. And they have been giving our guests amazing shows! The humpbacks have been very active with lots of breaching, fin slapping and tail fluking. Giving our guests a great opportunity to see these great animals active in the wild.

Our bear watch trips have also been great. Yesterday Jeff found a few black bears and our guests were able to get up close and view them for quite some time. This mornings bear watch our guests were also able to get up close with the bears. Great wildlife sightings and lots of happy guests!

Farewell to a dear friend

2009-08-16T14:16:00.001-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris staff really enjoy being able to bring their dogs to work. Juliet is always happy to greet guests coming by the office and is always looking for a pet! When Henry stops by he is immediately your best friend and is happy to play with anyone who is willing. Oscar who was supposed to only visit for a couple of weeks ended up staying here for over a month and a half and enjoyed his time at the office greeting guests and walking down to WASCO with everyone.

West Coast Aquatic Safaris lost our dear friend Oscar to cancer recently and are sad that he had to go so young. Oscar really enjoyed his time here going down to WASCO and taking a dip in the ocean off the boat loading docks when he could. He was always out on the front porch enjoying the sunshine and greeting guests as they came in. We are happy that he was able to spend his last days in Tofino running on the beach, playing in the ocean and spending time at the office. We are sad to have lost such a great loyal companion and he is greatly missed.

Sunshine!

2009-08-13T11:18:00.001-07:00

The sun finally came out yesterday and is trying its best to show up today too! West Coast Aquatic Safaris was busy with lots of people stopping by the office. Staff enjoyed walking the guests down to WASCO and getting a bit of sunshine along the way. Juliet made a point of spending most of the day on the front porch basking in the sunshine.

Yesterday our guests were very happy to see some black bears up close while out on WASCO. The bear watching tours typically require a pretty low tide in order to encourage the bears to come out to the shoreline to look for crabs. Yesterday was our last bear watch for a few days. The tides sometimes just don't work and unfortunately for the next few days the low tide is not very low at all. So if you want to go on a bear watch we would reccommend taking a trip with us on Monday. The tides are much better for viewing then!

Bear bears bears!

2009-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests have been getting some great views of the black bears this week. The cooler weather has encouraged the bears to come further out from the cool forest to come to the shoreline and look for crabs. Our guests have been getting up close and seeing these great bears in their natural environment.

More orcas were spotted yesterday as well on our afternoon whale watch. A bull and female orca were seen together. Our guests were very excited and were able to get some great photos from WASCO. Thinking of coming out on a trip with us? We have been filling up all of our trips at least one day in advance. So if you want a particular time make sure to book ahead!

Finally some rain!

2009-08-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

It has been gray and overcast here in Tofino for the past week but very little rain has come! Today was the first day of some really good rain fall that was much needed! We are currently in a stage two of water conservation so we really needed some rain. West Coast Aquatic Safaris guests are taking full advantage of the heated indoor cabin today for our bear and whale watches. The Helly Hansen jackets are also popular with our guests.

We have a new photo of the week posted on our homepage. This is the first winner that submitted a Tufted Puffin photograph! Leonie Stoffels was able to capture an amazing action shot of these birds while out on WASCO. They are often seen out on our whale watche s. If you let us know that you are a bird enthusiast we will also try and take you by Cleland Island which is a bird sanctuary that has a variety of different bird species.