Grey Whales and Bright Skies

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!

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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%.