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

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

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

First trip, 4 Orcas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We hope to see you soon.

Almost warm enough to go for a dip

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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%.

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.

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.