Archive for February, 2010

Rapping Up the Olymipcs & Revving Up for Whale Fest

Sunday, February 28th, 2010


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.

First trip, 4 Orcas

Friday, February 26th, 2010

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.

WASCO’s Back in the Water!

Thursday, February 25th, 2010


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.

Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010


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.

Almost Warm Enough for a Dip

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

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.

Migration is On. Don’t Miss the Boat!

Saturday, February 20th, 2010


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.

February – Beautiful in Tofino

Thursday, February 18th, 2010


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.

WASCO IS BACK!

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

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.

Happy Sunny Valentines Day

Sunday, February 14th, 2010


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!

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

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.