West Coast Aquatic Safaris

08/19/2024

Did you know you can see Tufted Puffins right here in BC? 🐧 Start your adventure from the shores of Tofino, the vibrant waters around Victoria, or the wild beauty of Port Hardy. These are just a few places to begin your tour and catch a glimpse of these iconic birds in their natural habitat!

📸 by taylor_lundin via Instagram, taken on a tour with West Coast Aquatic Safaris out of Tofino
⁠
Tourism Vancouver Island is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish peoples.

07/10/2024

Presenting our dynamic team both on and off the water! Each person works hard and brings their best everyday. They are always willing to help out and adapt as needed. They get along as friends outside of work and that shows at work too ❤️

05/24/2024

Orcas, rainbows and waterfalls (oh my!)
This was one of the highlight tours of the season so far ❤️

Some trips are about more than just the whales we see, like this adventure on Sunday with and .captain ! We had a long run to see the T068Cs at the head of Herbert Inlet but here …

04/18/2024

Now is a great time to see Whales and Bears in Tofino! The weather is lovely and the wildlife is lively! Don't miss out on our $10 off offer. All Bear and Whale tours discounted until May 1, 2024. Book Now!

04/13/2024

As part of our on-going quest to make sustainable choices, we are happy to offer these gorgeous water bottles in our shop. Pick one up before you head out on tour and stay hydrated like the whales stay 💦🐋

04/11/2024

Hanging with the cool kids.. twice in a row, a single gull has been sitting on this exact rock, right beside the sea lion haul out at Cleland Island. Pairings like these always make me think of cute children's picture books with unlikely animal friend pairings.

Photo taken on tour with

📌 Taken on the Territories of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nations
•
•
•

04/11/2024

Beauty day 🤩

03/14/2024

We are proud to sponsor the current conversation about ocean cleanup next Tuesday, March 19th evening. Join us there to learn about the current status of plastics in our oceans, and local projects working to clean up our coastline, share discussions of optimism for the future and learn about ocean currents and what we can learn about them through tracking ocean debris.

Following the presentations and discussion, we will open the room with networking, drinks, light bites and crafting with repurposed ocean debris.

Be part of the conversation that shapes the future of marine conservation and deepens our understanding of our coastal waters!

Location: Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet, Wine Cellar.

Doors: 7 pm, presentation starts at 7:30 pm. Cash bar available. Light snacks provided.

Tickets: Button event - minimum $5 suggested donation. No reservations, limited capacity.

Crafting: $10 minimum donation

12/25/2023

Wishing you a wonderful holiday with your loved ones. We look forward to seeing you on the west coast in 2024!

12/23/2023

Why should sleighs have all the fun? Our covered and heated vessels bring you and your loved ones to the wild. This holiday season give them an experience they will never forget... a West Coast Aquatic Safari in Tofino, BC, Canada.

Book now to save your seat and have the whole spring to look forward to the whales, sea lions, eagles, otters and more that our guests rave about. Happy Holidays from WCAS.

Tofino whale watching tours let you see whales feed and frolic on our coast line. Book your whale watching tour, Hot Springs Cove & more.

08/31/2023

Great news! Highway 4 will be fully reopened as of 5 PM on August 31, 2023. Travel to Port Alberni and onward to Tofino will be unencumbered by construction closers. Drive safely and come see us for a Whale, Bear or Cultural Tour. Fall is a great time to experience Tofino and the wild from the water. https://www.whalesafaris.com/tours/

07/24/2023

A common question we get asked is if we have covered boats. Yes we do! Our all weather vessels have a heated indoor cabin and onboard restroom as well as outdoor seating and viewing decks. Our catamaran has a covered back deck and we provide rain jackets for guests who prefer to be outside on the observation decks out front or up top! Luckily for us, whales and bears don’t mind rain and neither do we. In fact, with the drought we have experienced so far this summer, we are “bear-y” grateful for the wet skies today 🙏.

07/19/2023

It’s sunny and warm in Tofino but we always recommend that you dress in warm layers for coming out on tours as the temperature out on the water can be deceivingly cooler than in town. We also have weather and wind proof jackets you may use while on tour if you didn’t pack a jacket with you or if you want an extra layer on top of what you already have.

07/04/2023

Two calves ❤️❤️🙏🙏

05/05/2023

Captain Jax, our Marine Manager and Head Captain is a consummate professional. She runs tours with finesse and leads vessel maintenance with expertise. On top of this, over the past couple of years, Jax has spent the winters hitting the books as a full time student studying meteorology, ship construction and stability, charting, collision regulations, navigational safety…in pursuit of obtaining her 150GT Master Certification.

Earlier this week, Jax successfully passed her 3.5 hour oral examination with flying colours which was the final step in this process! We couldn’t be prouder of Jax and her incredible achievement. She is, without a doubt, a Master Mariner and our guests and crew couldn’t be in better hands.

03/21/2023

We are anticipating a busy season ahead and are looking to hire a full-time Skipper! We are certainky biased but spending your days on the ocean blue watching beautiful marine mammals and meeting people from all over the world is not the shabbiest way to make a living 🤙. This position offers competitive pay, extended health and dental benefits, bonus pay and even comes with accommodations in Tofino. Please send your resume in to [email protected].

Canadian Signature Experience - Tofino's premier eco-tour operator with daily whale, bear and hot sp

03/18/2023

Our season opening has been pretty magical so far with lots of whale action and warm weather. You never know what beauty you’ll find on a tour - this perfect rainbow from a few days ago was an unexpected but spectacular part of the trip 🌈. We are running daily departures for whale watching and Hot Springs Cove tours.

03/05/2023

Toques are back in stock! Come by and check out the newest colours and styles.

03/04/2023

Today is season opening day! We have whale watching and Hot Springs Cove tours daily. Bear watching tours will start late March. Open 7 days a week at 101 Fourth Street 🤙

02/02/2023

Eugene started the season last year with a different mindset. He said throughout the season that his eyes were on the prize - that he would become Master of Nanuq. He served as deckhand onboard acquiring sea time. He learned how the boat maneuvers, spent hours in the engine room, completed oil and filter changes, cleaned and polished the boat from top to bottom…and then as soon as our touring season ended for winter break, he hit the books. Eugene spent a month away from home to complete courses (chart work and pilotage, navigation safety). He passed his written exam and today, passed his oral exam to become a Master 60GT! His determination and commitment to his goal has been inspiring and we couldn’t be more proud to upgrade his title to Captain Eugene Stewart! Congratulations - this achievement is well earned and well deserved 🙌

12/25/2022

Our entire family got hit with the flu this holiday but we are grateful to be on the mend and together. We wish you a healthy and happy Christmas. Thank you for your support and friendship.

12/12/2022

This one of a kind human loved Tofino more than anyone. He was the type of friend who was more than loyal - he supported me and our business and promoted us to everyone he ever met. He raised a beautiful family and became a part of my family as well. He loved meeting new people and listening to their stories. He had a knack for connecting people and made everyone feel at ease right away. We met sitting next to each other and learned we went to the same high school and played rugby. It was meant to be like all great friendships are. I am thankful I was able to give you one last hug on Friday. Rest in peace my friend.

10/14/2022

We are all about this great weather October but it is starting to feel like toque season is upon us! We have scheduled whale watching, bear watching and hot springs cove excursions happening daily for the next two weeks so if you’re in town and haven’t explored the west coast by boat yet - come on by the shop to sign up! All ages are welcome aboard 🙂!