The sea and air conditions have been ideal in the last couple of days and are expected to continue for several. Warm temperatures and calm seas have combined to provide some spectacular viewing opportunities for our guests. As we are beginning come towards the end of our bear watching season we are still seeing black bears in the early mornings when the tidal conditions are suitable. While on route to the Hot Springs this morning, Tim, WASCO and our group managed to find several Humpbacks and a small pod of Orcas as well. This afternoon the NANUQ headed back out for our whale watching tour with Jeff and Diana to enjoy the company of some Grey Whales, Humpbacks and a group of Sea Otters. As we move into the fall season we are still offering daily Hot Springs Tours at 11:30 as well as Whale Watching at 10:30 and 2:30.
1.877.594.2537
News Topics
Archive for September, 2010
Perfect Conditions
Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
Finishing the summer of 2010
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
The summer of 2010 is now behind us, but West Coast Aquatic Safaris welcomes Autumn to Tofino, and looks forward to an extended season out on the spectacular waters of Clayoquot Sound. There is much to look forward to beyond the early days of fall and into the commencement of Winter, notably the Cold Water Classic, and wonderful tours provided by West Coast Aquatic Safaris including: the Hot Springs Cove, Bear watching, and Whale watching!
Come on down to our office on 4th Street in Tofino, telephone us at 1.877.5.WHALES, or check out our website to reserve your seat aboard a first-class wilderness tour with us today.
Black Bears!
Monday, September 27th, 2010
Black Bears
Despite our rainy weather conditions this morning, our Bear Watch was very successful. Our guests saw 3 mother bears with their cubs and were comfortable while viewing the bears. Our vessel, WASCO has a heated cabin with a dehumidifier so that you stay dry and warm and can see out of the fog-less windows. You are not required to stay seated in the cabin though, there is plenty of room to get up and walk around, including 3 viewing decks. Our Bear Watchers came back to the office very happy this morning. Black bears are plentiful in British Columbia and we are very lucky to be able to give our guests such an close experience with these wonderful creatures. To book your Bear Watch with us, call the office or book online and receive 10% off.
Stormy Seas
Sunday, September 26th, 2010
Even though the past couple days were windy and rainy our 12 passenger vessel WASCO took our guests on a cruise of the inside waters to seek out some bears. And thanks to the comforts of WASCO, our guests were able to stay dry and warm. It’s good to know that our vessels are comfortable to be on regardless of the weather. After two days of stormy weather, we had a lot of visitors itching to get out on the water for some adventure . Today started off a bit foggy but as the morning wore on the fog gave way to the sunshine. Our Bear Watchers enjoyed their misty morning on the inside waters and our Whale Watchers boarded NANUQ in anticipation of an afternoon on the water. And the weather is getting better and better as the week goes on. Thursday is forecasted as sunny and 17 degrees celsius. Contact the office to make your reservations or book online and receive 10% off.
The Harbour Seal
Saturday, September 25th, 2010
A harbour seal resting on some rocks.
Harbour Seals are furry marine mammals that are commonly seen by our guests on Whale Watching Tours, Bear Watching Tours, and even our Hot Springs Tours. Clayoquot Sound makes a great home for Harbour Seals. Harbour Seals live their lives along coast lines rarely venturing further than 20 km off shore. Harbour Seals are agile swimmers; they court and breed under water but give birth on land. They eat mostly fish, but will also eat crustaceans and molluscs. Usually when viewing Harbour Seals on our wild life tours, the seals are resting on rocky islands, sunning themselves or just relaxing. Seals are an important indicator species. Harbour Seals are a key indicator species; they are predators and the state of the seal population can help researchers observe the health of the marine ecosystem.
Bears, Wolves & Orcas!
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
It’s not that often that anyone can depart on a tour and find Bears Orcas and Wolves on the same trip. It was the case this week as West Coast Aquatic Safaris departed on our morning Bear Watch Tour just the other day. Since we can’t Guarantee bear sightings on these tours it is important that we put a great deal of effort into making sure that we schedule out tours for the best possible conditions and lowest tides. It does mean that there are days when we do not have a Bear Watch scheduled as the last thing we would want to do is depart when the odds are slim. There has been so much to see this year and September has been some of the best action all season. Thanks to a healthy bear and wolf population this year we have had the privilege of seeing many of each this year and often on the same tours. Each have seemed to have plenty of cubs and pups and have been active and cooperative for those that have joined our tours. On the rare occasion when we have seen Orcas in Fortune Channel at the same time it has offered an experience and memories unlike any other. Weather has not been an issue as our boats are designed to offer the best possible view regardless of the conditions and our highly seasoned, experienced Captains and guides have a natural ability to put you in the right place at the right time.
Life is sweet here today…
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
- Orcas
Sunny Days
Orcas
The sun is shining bright and warm on Tofino today. The harbour was absolutely gorgeous this morning as WASCO departed for our Bear Watch.The office at West Coast Aquatic Safaris is buzzing with visitors signing up for Whale Watch Tours, Bear Watch Tours, and Hot Springs Trips. Everyone is smiling and excited to get out on the water. We’ve already seen Orcas, Wolves, and Eagles today and we still have one more Whale Watching Tour yet to depart. Franzi and Mariah are pretty sure days at work do not get better than this. The weather forecast for tomorrow is similar to today’s. Get a hold of some of this West Coast bliss by booking your adventure with us. If you want to get on a boat tomorrow give the office a call
Surf’s Up
Sunday, September 19th, 2010
North Chesterman's Beach at Sunset
If you are visiting Tofino for the first time or you are new to town you’ve probably noticed that surfing is a huge part of Tofino‘s culture. If the talk of surfing around town has peaked your interest enough, you might of had the urge to try riding a wave or two yourself.
Here’s some guidance for a first timer or for someone who is learning the ways of the water:
If you have never surfed before it’s probably a good idea to get some lessons. It’s worth the investment. You’ll learn how to surf safely and efficiently. Check out Surf Sister for details.
Large or Small We Provide Comfort & Quality
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
As the summer begins to pass our weather begins to change and become somewhat less predictable. It is also possible that we may vary which vessel we are using from trip to trip depending upon the number of people. One thing that will not change however, is whether you are on a tour aboard NANUQ our 36 passenger vessel (left), or WASCO our 12 passenger vessel (right), you are guaranteed, the same comfort, quality, expertise and passion from all of the West Coast Aquatic Safaris team. We will go out of our way to provide you with the experience you are looking for from Whales, Bears or a trip to the spectacular Hot Springs Cove. We will always be prepared and offer you the luxury of choice to ride inside or out on each of our vessels. We will provide you with the very best in Helly Hansen rain wear to ensure you stay as dry as possible and a toasty warm cabin with windows free from condensation it you desire an experience from a sheltered space. Viewing our website will give you an idea of what we offer, our Guest Book page will highlight how well we do it and our Book Now page will allow you to save 10% when making reservations 24 hours in advance. Give us a call for any further questions or to see just how accessible our boats are for your special requirements.