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.
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Archive for March, 2010
Grey Whales and Bright Skies
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Best Grey Whale Show in Years!
Sunday, March 28th, 2010
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.
Sunny & Warm and It’s March!
Saturday, March 27th, 2010
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.
Greys, Humpbacks and Much More
Friday, March 26th, 2010
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!
Orcas in the Harbour
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
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.
Humpback in Town
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
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.
WASCO Saved the Day!
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
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.
The Sound of Orcas
Friday, March 19th, 2010
Yesterday was my first chance of the season, as Office Manager 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!
Sunshine is Back
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
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.
The End of Whale Festival 2010
Sunday, March 14th, 2010
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.