The sound of Orcas

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

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

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.

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

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

Welcome back Humpbacks

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

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

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

See you soon

ORCA MANIA

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

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

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