West Coast Aquatic Safaris

Taking Care of Our Oceans and Wildlife

wcasblog — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:45:49 +0000

We hate to think that we are in any way responsible for the injury of any wild animals of even worse the elimination of a species. Even if we are not directly responsible we see things on a daily basis that greatly effect the lives of creatures on land, in the sea and in the air. When you travel with West Coast Aquatic Safaris, you will see us haul garbage out of the water, report injured or tangled wildlife to the local task force that has formed to help free such creatures and respect the established guidelines for safe wildlife viewing even when it means the view won’t be as stellar. We take our responsibility seriously as wildlife viewing tour operators and do not want to see things such as the story in the link below continue.

“We humans are having a devastating impact on sperm whales – not least because we pollute their habitat with plastic bags and other waste – and the terrible problems they face as a result”Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2096142/Sperm-whales-How-plastic-bags-poisoning-planets-greatest-predators.html#ixzz1lS058R6a

Our goal is to minimize our impact on both the environment and its inhabitants. This is evident in the style of vessel we use by choosing diesel, offering a larger vessel that carries more people rather then 3 smaller vessels to crowd the animals and create more noise and by educating our staff and guest with our highly trained naturalist that have years of experience in biology and wildlife research.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT – Book Now and SAVE for the 2012 Season

wcasblog — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:24:12 +0000

West Coast Aquatic Safaris Naturalist

Book before midnight on February 29th and use the booking code NYE2012 and Receive 20% off all Bookings for the 2012 season.

BOOKING CODE: NYE2012

Remember if you are not quite sure when you want to explore the West Coast with us. Just pick a day in the Spring, Summer, or Fall and remember to change it at least 48 hours in advance of the booking date and you will NOT be charged any extra fees!!

We will be running Scheduled Trips from March 1^st onward!

Mother & Cubs - Black Bears

INSTRUCTIONS:

Go to our HOME page and enter in your DATES of interest on the RIGHT side under BOOK YOUR TRIP. You do NOT need to indicate the trip type or number of guests traveling.

After queering you trip. It will walk you through booking. You do not enter the BOOKING CODE until just before you enter your charge card info. Once Entering the Code: NE2012 click APPLY DISCOUNT. At that Point you will see your EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!

Grey Whale Tale

Dolphins learn to speak in whale song

wcasblog — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:46:17 +0000

While West Coast Aquatic Safaris continues preparing for the season we are simultaneously looking for more stories from around the world that we find interesting and think you will enjoy as well. Today we share with you a piece about Dolphins that learn to speak in whale song.

We have always know Dolphins to be very clever and they have been the subject of great study. It is fascinating to see that there is still lots to learn and that they continue to impress and entertain themselves as well as us.

Here is an exerpt from the story, please follow the link for the rest and we hope that you will tell us about your dolphin or whale experience in our Blog Comments section.

“Researchers from the University of Rennes 1 discovered that the dolphins actually mimicked the whale song after they hung underwater microphones in the tank overnight. One night they recorded over 25 unidentified new sounds and when they compared them to the sounds that the dolphins encountered during the day, they discovered they were nearly impossible to distinguish from real whales either through computer programmes or using human volunteers.

Up until now, dolphins have only been observed to mimic sounds immediately after hearing them. If it is confirmed that the captive-bred dolphins are genuinely copying the soundtrack, it would mark the first time that dolphins have been heard to rehearse new sounds hours after hearing them rather than right away, providing insights into how they store and process memories.”

Have you ever been involved with wildlife research if so what were you studying?

Black Bear Caught on Tape Giving Birth to Cubs

wcasblog — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:05:48 +0000

Photo and story by: Kelly Hamilton, Greenanswers.com

West Coast Aquatic Safaris is always looking for interesting stories both locally and abroad.

Today we came across a great story of a black bear caught on tape giving birth to cubs. This amazing sight was captured for online views and was a truly incredible experience.

“This past Sunday (January 22), online viewers all over the world were given the opportunity to witness something not many humans have gotten the opportunity to do before. Deep within her den in the woods of Ely, Minnesota, momma-bear-to-be, 3-year-old black bear Jewel gave birth to at least two bear cubs in front of a live online audience. Researchers at the Wildlife Research Institute have been installing webcams into bears’ dens in the area in order to give viewers everywhere a better insight into a very important and private aspect of the animal’s lives”.

West Coast Aquatic Safaris is hoping that not only will you follow this story but that you will share your thoughts on it here at the end of our blog but also let us know if you come across interesting stories such as this one including Jewel! Share your links here in the comments section or on our facebook page and please include photos we love them.

Whale advocates sue Navy over sonar exercises

wcasblog — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:13:09 +0000

NANUQ with Grey Whales

Over the past couple of years we have heard comments from captains from various companies state that they felt military air exercises have perhaps scared off the Humpback Whales or that Humpbacks had not been spotted for several weeks coinsiding with a period when there has been training going on. This article on “Whale advocates sue Navy over sonar exercises” is and interesting one that we felt was worth passing on.

If you have experience with this from either standpoint we would be very curious to hear your thoughts after having a read. Thanks to CBSnews.com for posting the article and to all those that share an opinion with West Coast Aquatic Safaris!

When Do We Open for 2012?

wcasblog — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:27:17 +0000

WHAT A GREAT QUESTION!!

You can only guess how many times I have been asked that this year. It is a 2 part answer. As of TODAY, Saturday, January 21, 2012 West Coast Aquatic Safaris’ office is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Please feel free to call and we will be more than happy to answer any questions. As mentioned this is a 2 part answer. Our vessels and tours start at the end of February and our scheduled trips start as of WHALE FEST (Spring Break for the kids).

This year West Coast Aquatic Safaris will be offering guaranteed departures. This means 2 things for people and hotels who want to travel with us. First thing is you can count on the fact that the adventures will happen and second remember to PRE-BOOK as adventures can and will be sold out!!

So here is to 2012 and the fun experiences that will be had by both guests and staff!! Remember book before the boats are in the water and receive BIG SAVINGS!!

New Years in TOFINO, BC!!

wcasblog — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:58:32 +0000

West Coast Aquatic Safaris - Whales, Bears, Hot Springs

Well everyone thank you for following our BLOG for the last year or more!!!

First What is there to do in TOFINO for NEW YEARS??

FIREWORKS down on COX BAY 7PM

NEW YEARS Party at Schooner Restaurant

OUR 2011

We just wanted everyone to note what has happened for US, West Coast Aquatic Safaris! First of all NANUQ our 36 passenger vessel was extended… She ran better than we could image for the 2011 season and she is getting ready for the 2012 season. NANUQ should be back in the water well ready for SPRING BREAK aka Whale Fest!

Don’t worry we have WASCO out for the moment doing some normal Winter Maintenance and she will be ready for cool winter HOT SPRING COVE Tours! And Whale Watches!!

BOOK NOW for 2012 and receive 20% OFF!!

Booking code NYE2012

Click the dates your interested on left of page and BOOK

This year we implemented a online booking system and Remember to use our booking code: NYE2012

starting tomorrow and receive 20% next year bookings for a limited time!

HAVE A GREAT 2012!!!

Thanks

Cap Keith

Where Did You See Your First Whale?

wcasblog — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:48:40 +0000

For many of us the first time we have a chance to see whales can be quite a profound experience. Whether they are in a far off part of the world and we are traveling or perhaps in our own back yard for those that live in or around the Pacific, it is something truly amazing that will stick with us forever.

We would love to hear from past visitors, local residents and those that have had the chance to be in the presence of a whale. Tell us what kind of whale you saw, where you were when you saw it and what it meant to you. We also welcome you to post your photos on our Facebook page so that we can add them to a future gallery of whales around the world!

What Is your Favourite Time Of Year In Tofino?

wcasblog — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:30 +0000

Today we are asking our guests, both past and future what is your favourite time of year to visit?

For many people Tofino is a town that is frequented over and over again and for some it is always the same time of year for very specific reasons. With so many people looking to get the inside scoop on this special place we are asking individuals to share with our viewers their personal favourites, tips and tricks for Tofino 101. We are looking for discussion so please feel free to write or respond to posts from others as well as us.

Thank you for sharing!!!

More then just a Bear Watching Tour!

wcasblog — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:22:28 +0000

We will be the first to admit that the wildlife on the west coast is absolutely fantastic! There is almost nothing better than watching a Black bear feeding at a low tide. Flipping over massive rocks as if they weigh nothing, picking at crabs and mussels from underneath. What you may not know is the bear watching tour is more then just wildlife. The tour takes place completely in the sheltered waters of the calm inlet, and the scenery is truly breathtaking. Luscious temperate rainforest covers every inch of land, high and low. It is an unforgettable experience, there is no better way to view the Tofino rainforest then aboard our first class vessels WASCO and NANUQ, they can take you where your feet may not able you to go!