Ocean Outfitters Tofino Adventures

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Ocean Outfitters Tofino Adventures

WHALE & BEAR WATCHING, HOT SPRINGS COVE, MEARES ISLAND, FISHING CHARTERS, CUSTOM TOURS! Our programs are fun and educational. Excursions to Hot Springs Cove.
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Ocean Outfitters is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the village of Tofino. We offer whale and bear watching programs. Remote Kayak and SUP Tours (guided day-trips). Service to the Big Tree Trail and Lone Cone on Meares Island. We also offer exceptional Fishing Charters and custom adventures. We are committed to preserving the ecology of Clayoquot Sound through our 3% for the fish

fund and our conservation fund. We offer custom programs and can host large groups in intimate environment. Dream up an adventure and we will bring it to life!

10/28/2022

Dear Friends,

As you know, Ocean Outfitters had become a deeply personal endeavour with an environmental and community mission that we have felt very passionate about. Nonetheless, after deep consideration, Daan & I have made the difficult decision to close Ocean Outfitters.

Our last day of tours will be Oct 30th, 2022; then we begin the work of simplifying our lives. The past year’s health challenges and our awareness and sensitivity to the undeniable impact of even ‘conscious tourism’, has brought new direction and clarity for us moving forward.

We couldn’t come to terms with selling and having our passion project revert back into a for-profit business model. We know this decision to close will be hard for our incredible Team, many of whom worked for the Ocean Outfitter’s vision wholeheartedly. They are the absolute best and I know they will find new families and will continue to contribute to the community in meaningful ways.

It has been a wonderful dream building a responsible tourism company in the face of so many obstacles. We have donated many hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. We survived a pandemic and began to thrive once again. Having a values based mission and bringing it to life in today’s world made it all worthwhile.

We have been incredibly fortunate to work with some amazing people over the years and we’re proud of all we accomplished. We would like to extend a huge thank you to our conservation partners. We have loved working for you, supporting local restoration, science and research, stewarding and standing for the environment.

We wish to thank our wonderful, dedicated, and passionate crew. We were so fortunate to have the finest guides and land base an organization could imagine. It has truly been an absolute honour.

Finally, to our community and all our customers who brought their spirit for adventure and believed in us and our brand over the years. We are full of gratitude. THANK YOU!

We won’t be strangers to Tofino. We hope to connect with our friends locally and hear about your lives and projects on a personal basis in the near future.

Nothing but love,

Ocean & Daan Delen

10/25/2022

💥📣Have your say in the future of wild Pacific salmon 📣💥

The Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) has launched a multiple-choice survey and is seeking public input on how to transition open-net pen fish farms out of BC waters.

Despite the federal government’s promise to “transition open-net pens from BC waters by 2025,” DFO is suggesting options like “semi-closed,” “hybrid,” or “offshore” farms in their survey. These options will continue to keep open-net pens in the water, exposing wild Pacific salmon to parasites, pathogens, and pollutants. 

You can help by completing the DFO survey by October 27 to ensure that government receives balanced input in the survey responses.

Every voice helps to make a difference! Link to the survey below:

https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/aquaculture/bc-transition-cb/survey-sondage-eng.html

Some questions are confusing, here is a helpful guide to complete the survey:

https://livingoceans.org/sites/default/files/parking/salmon_farming/DFO%20Tran

Photo:

10/24/2022

Did you know?

Out of the 400 million tons of plastic produced annually only 9% is actually recycled - much of it ending up in landfills or waterways.

🎁 Join the and revolution and receive a free stainless steal mug or water bottle with each seat booked on an Ocean Outfitters tour from now until October 31st 💫🎉

🎁 Receive a free towel with each Hot Springs Cove tour 🎁

Valid to October 31st, 2022

📷 .holmann

10/21/2022

Watch ocean swell lap over the rocky shoreline that makes up hot springs cove as you settle into warm geothermal pools and start to unwind after an adventure up the coast 😌

This 6 total round trip takes you 20 miles up Vancouver Island’s coastline in search of wildlife including bears, whales, seals, sea otters and bald eagles before before dropping you off at the dock in Hot Springs Cove. From here you’ll follow the historic cedar boardwalk through an enchanting rainforest to pools, water falls and a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. An amazing day trip for all ages!

Currently offering 1 trip per day. Call the office of visit the link in our bio to book now 🌊

10/19/2022

An adult grey whale diving to feed in Clayoquot Sound 🌊

Adult male grey whales can reach a length of 45 feet, adult females are slightly larger, and reach about 50 feet in length. The gray whale's fluke or tail (pictured here) can span up to 10 feet long 🤯

Wildlife tours are still running from now until the end of October. Catch them before they’re gone and receive a free stainless steel water bottle with every seat booked 🎁

Visit the link in our bio or call the office to book your spot 🐋

10/13/2022

🎉🎊FREE GIFT 💫🎉
🎁 Receive a beautiful refillable stainless water bottle with each wildlife tour seat booked.
🎁 Receive a free towel with each Hot Springs Cove seat purchased. (Promotion excludes Meares Island). Valid to Oct 31.

10/11/2022

As transient whales (such as greys and humpbacks) being their southbound migration for the season we will continue to see them passing through Clayoquot Sound during the fall months 🐋  Whale watching tours are available until November, so join us on your next fall visit to Tofino and keep your eyes peeled for magnificent mammals!

10/03/2022

We've teamed up with our friends at & for an amazing GIVEAWAY that supports our local chapter and their many campaigns designed to raise awareness about plastic pollution, beach access and youth education for the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches. Explore & Stay in our Tofino paradise with a prize package valued at $1800 and we'll match the prize value in cash and donate it to the Pacific Rim Surfrider Foundation. We're a small town with lots of might, so join us in making a change!

THE PRIZE:

*2 nights stay in a Deluxe Beachfront Room at Long Beach Lodge Resort.
*A Nature Excursion in Clayoqout Sound with Ocean Outfitters.
*Rhino Coffee House Gift Box

HOW TO ENTER:

1️⃣Follow

2️⃣Like this post

3️⃣Tag your friends in the comments. Each comment counts as 1 entry - multiple entries are encouraged!

4️⃣Share this giveaway to your story for three bonus entries!

This contest will run from October 2nd until October 6th at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on October 7th via Instagram Stories. Some restrictions may apply. Good luck to all participants!
-
We will not contact you, or ask for any personal information. Beware of scam accounts, and please report any suspicious activity!

10/01/2022

Soak in the natural geo-thermal Hot Springs with a waterfall overlooking the ocean when you visit Hot Springs Cove!

On this 6 hour adventure, you’ll boat past 20 miles of gorgeous coastline while your captain keeps an eye out for whales, black bears, seals, sea lions, puffins, sea otters and bald eagles.

After arriving at the Hot Springs Cove dock, you will follow the historic cedar boardwalk through an enchanting rain forest (1.5 km). At the end of this incredible walk lies a succession of natural geothermal hot spring pools, a cascading waterfall and a stunning view of the mighty pacific ocean – an amazing day trip for all ages!

09/29/2022

💥🚨Hot Springs has reopened 🚨💥

Limited access only. Offering one trip a day. Book Now!

09/26/2022

Update with one of our incredible partners, !

They have officially completed their 8th year of monitoring the health of sea star populations for Sea Star Wasting Syndrome on our coastline.

Some positive news from their findings: This year's surveys showed a lower percentage of individuals with signs of wasting! Overall, 2.48% of the total number of sea stars across all locations had Sea Star Wasting Syndrome in 2022, significantly lower than 8.74% of wasting seen in 2021.

Follow the link in their bio to take a stroll through their last field season and meet some of the amazing folks who make this project possible!

09/03/2022

We love getting to experience seasonal visitors such as grey whales in Clayoquot Sound!

These large whales can grow to about 49 feet long and weigh approximately 90,000 pounds! Lacking a dorsal fin, they instead have a dorsal hump about two-thirds of the way back on the body, and a series of 6 to 12 small bumps, called “knuckles,” between the dorsal hump and the tail flukes. The tail flukes we see when they dive are nearly 10 feet wide with S-shaped trailing edges and a deep median notch.

Call the office or visit the link in our bio to book a whale watching tour and experience these majestic giants while they’re in town!

08/17/2022

Enjoy the summer heat from sheltered bays in Tofino’s inlets as you glide along the surface admiring wild shorelines and untouched wilderness.

Your adventure starts by boarding one of our boats that will take you away from Tofino’s busy harbour to our floating paddle base tucked away in Clayoquot Sound.   

Your experienced instructor will go over basic skills, techniques and maneuvers before you depart to explore the coastline and intertidal zone of this unique temperate rainforest ecosystem, paddling amongst islands and shore, looking for flora and fauna along the way!

08/15/2022

This week we got to experience something truly magical 10nm off shore of Tofino

A group of over 30 humpback whales congregated in an astonishing “lunge” feeding event that lasted for hours. When feeding, a humpback whale will sometimes swim in circles on the surface, slapping the water with its fin and trapping the krill, herring and other food in a circle of foam. The whale will then dive and resurface with its mouth open in the middle of the ring.

To book whale watching tours, visit the link in our bio or call the office at (250) 725-2866

07/29/2022

On their migratory routes from Baja, Mexico to the frigid waters of Alaska, passing grey whales often stop to feed in the rich waters of Clayoquot Sound for the summer. They are frequently observed traveling alone or in small, mostly unstable groups. Like other baleen whales, long-term bonds between individuals are thought to be rare!

Grey whales are primarily bottom feeders that consume a wide range of benthic (sea floor) and epibenthic (above the sea floor) invertebrates, such as amphipods. They feed by sucking sediment and food from the sea floor by rolling on their sides and swimming slowly along, filtering their food through 130 to 180 coarse baleen plates on each side of their upper jaw (pictured above). In doing so, they often leave long trails of mud behind them and "feeding pits" on the seafloor.

Join us for a whale watching tour to experience these majestic animals while they’re in town until for the summer!

Photo:

07/29/2022

Tofino’s Clayoquot Sound offers the most incredible coastline for viewing black bears. Daily low tides expand the shoreline and reveal expanses of intertidal zones brimming with crab, kelp and other delicacies.

Join us for a bear watching tour and cruise through the protected and calm waters surrounding Meares Island and other scenic small islands throughout the Sound on the search for these majestic animals. You never know who else we’ll spot along the way 🦅🐋🦦🦀🐺

Photo: .holmann

07/19/2022

Two grey whales spotted on a recent whale watching tour 🌊

Each year, grey whales travel 10,000-12,000 miles round trip between their winter calving lagoons in the warm waters of Mexico and their summer feeding grounds in the cold Arctic seas. High numbers of them stop in Clayoquot Sound all summer long to feed, making for great whale watching between the spring and fall months.

In order to feed, grey whales suck sediment and food from the sea floor by rolling on their sides and swimming slowly along, filtering their food through 130 to 180 coarse baleen plates on each side of their upper jaw. In doing so, they often leave long trails of mud behind them and "feeding pits" on the seafloor.

Call the office or visit the link in our bio to book a tour today 🐋

07/14/2022

A few resident harbour seals beautifully captured by on a recent whale watching tour!

While only their hands and feet extend outside the body envelope and their arms and legs remain concealed, seals are the ultimate divers. They use oxygen already in their blood and muscles while under water, and their heartbeat slows from about 100 beats per minute to 10. In one breath a seal can exchange 90% of the air in its lungs. For comparison, humans can only change 20% of air per breath.

Call the office to book your tour today! You never know what wildlife we'll spot along the way 🦅🐻🐋🐺🌊

07/09/2022

The Bald Eagle’s scientific name, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, means sea (hali), eagle (aeetos), white (leukos), and head (cephalos) as in the feathers on the eagle’s head. Commonly known as bald eagles, these birds get their name from the distinctive white feathers of the adult’s head, but maybe not for the reason you might think! “Baeld” is the Old English word for “white”, and explains the origin behind the word “bald”.

Bald eagles are commonly spotted on all of our tours. Join us for a whale watch, bear watch, Meares Island water taxi, stand-up paddle board, kayak or custom trip for your chance to see these iconic birds in the wild!

Photo:

07/09/2022

We've had a number of precious sightings of coastal black bears with their cubs this summer!

Year year from spring until the fall we see them venturing down to the beaches at low tide to forage for food such as rock crab, starfish and even a bit of kelp 🦀

Book a bear watching tour today to witness these magnificent animals along the pristine inlets of Clayoquot Sound. You will also have opportunities to view an eagle aerie, harbour porpoises, seals, river otters, blue herons and other species of wildlife along the way 🌊

Photo by captured from an ethical viewing distance with a telephoto lens and cropped.

07/06/2022

Ocean Outfitters guide highlight: Cali Mitchel

Cali is passionate about being in, on and around the ocean. She grew up on the shores of Lake Erie and made her way west where she fell in love with the rugged and raw coast of Vancouver Island.

Curious about our coastline she hopped in a kayak to learn, observe and explore. She traded in a career in Construction Management for Ocean Guiding, and she’s in her happy place sharing her love for local ecology, wildlife, cultural history and the interconnection of it all. While kayaking is a super fun activity, Cali loves the intimacy it provides with elements. She is always smiling and stoked to facilitate and share a safe ocean experience with you!

Thank you Cali, we couldn’t be more stoked to have you on board

07/06/2022

Escape Tofino’s busy downtown core and explore the remote corners of Clayoquot Sound via standup paddle board or kayak!

Your adventure will start with a boat ride to our floating paddle based tucked away in a quiet inlet. From there, our expert guides will teach you the techniques, maneuvers and skills to explore this unique intertidal zone and temperate rainforest. Listen to the sound of your paddle cutting the water as you stand inches away from the surface of the ocean, searching for new flora and fauna.

You never know who else you’ll spot along the way 🦀🐋🦅🦦🐾

Photo: .holmann

07/04/2022

On July 1 2022, Master Carver Joe Martin raised and unveiled the totem he carved with Robinson Cook, Gizele Martin, Patrick Amos, Gordon Dick, Ken Easton and Robin Rorick, on behalf of Chief Nookmis of Tlaoquiaht Nation in the village of Opitsaht.

It was an incredible sight to witness as three teams on ropes to the front pulled to raise the totem. A fourth team held a rope at the back while others hurriedly filled and stamped down the soil going back in the hole. This method of raising totems has been used for millenia... no heavy machinery needed!

This totem commemorates pandemics from the past and present, missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, the residential school children who did not survive as well as those who live on today, the power and sacredness of women and non binary youth in the community.

Words and photos by: .coast.soul

06/30/2022

A beautiful capture of one of a few local residents!

Did you know that sea otters eat 25 percent of their body weight in food every day?

Their diet includes sea urchins, crabs, mussels, and clams, which they’re known to crack open with a rock and eat while floating in the water.

Join us on a whale watching, bear watching, kayak, stand-up paddle board or Meares Island tour for a great chance to experience sea otters in their natural habitat!

Captured from an ethical viewing distance with a telephoto lens.

06/28/2022

From now until October, join us to witness Gray Whales, humpbacks and orcas as they make their way through sheltered bays near Tofino.

Pictured above is a Gray Whale in the middle of the longest known migration known to any mammal. Gray Whales travel 10,000-12,000 miles round trip every year between their winter calving grounds in Mexico and their summer feeding locations colder seas.

With 20,000 migrating Gray Whales passing by the west coast of Vancouver Island, it is common that many will stay in the area for the summer.

Visit us online or call us at 1-250-725-2866 to book your tour 🌊

06/21/2022

Great environmental news 🙌

On Monday June 20th, Canada announced its National ban on several unnecessary single-use plastics!

The ban included some of the most common plastics found polluting the ocean:
🔹Plastic Bags
🔹Cutlery
🔹Stir sticks
🔹Six-pack rings
🔹Straws
🔹Some plastic takeout containers

Not only will this ban keep these harmful plastics out of waste streams and marine environments, but it will also open the door to deepening the conversation about more comprehensive single-use plastics bans, extended producer responsibility and systemic change 🌱

Photo:

06/17/2022

A Vancouver Island black bear foraging along the shore at low tide 🐻

Did you know, that contrary to popular belief, the Vancouver Island Black Bears do not truly hibernate? Instead, they enter a state similar to a deep sleep. Unlike true hibernators, their metabolic activity is still close to normal, and their body temperature does not drop more than a few degrees.

In the summer months they are an absolute pleasure to watch as we keep quiet and a respectable distance up wind!

Learn more about our bear tours and the local conservation projects you support when you book a tour with Ocean Outfitters on our website (link in bio!) 🌊

06/14/2022

With less than one month to go before federal fish farm licenses come up for renewal, internal government emails reveal sea lice levels were multiple times higher than Cermaq was reporting on Tofino’s factory fish farms.

1 sea louse on a juvenile salmon is enough to kill it. When DFO audited Cermaq’s self reported numbers, they found up to 14 lice per fish.

This happened during the critical migration window of an already collapsing salmon population nearing the brink of extinction.

Every Island, inlet, tree, whale and bear we experience on excursions exists because of wild salmon. It’s our responsibility to form a reciprocal relationship with this beautiful coast and play a role in safeguarding its future 🌎🌊

Follow .action to stay updated and take action 🙌

06/12/2022

Set off on an authentic West Coast experience by kayak to explore the inlets and islands that weave into the heart of Clayoquot Sound.

As you’re sitting inches away from the surface of the ocean our experienced guides will teach you about the rich biodiversity you’re witnessing first-hand as well as interconnectedness of all life and the role humans need to play in protecting this piece of paradise.

Call the office 1-250-725-2866 or visit us online to book your tour today 🌊

Photo:

Address

368 Main Street
Tofino, BC
V0R2Z0

Website

https://www.oceanoutfitters.bc.ca/

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Videos

This month, the @wildernesstourismassociation launched their #BellyUp campaign in partnership with tourism operators across British Columbia to save wild salmon - and everything that depends on them - from open-net pen fish farms. Wild salmon form the backbone of this coast ecologically, culturally and economically. If Canada doesn’t get the open-net fish factories out of BC waters, the wild salmon will disappear forever - and so will orcas, bears, wolves, old growth forests, indigenous culture and all tourism jobs. Help us turn things around. Visit bellyupBC.ca to show your support for BC’s tourism industry and say NO to open net fish factories. 🙇‍♂️@modestwhale 🎥 @nicole.holmann with wildlife footage from @jeremy_mathieu_photographie

It’s that time of year again 💪 Biannually, we perform regular safety training programs with our staff. During these training drills, the entire Guide Team comes together to discuss and practice various scenarios such as Man/Woman over board, abandon ship, fire, loss of power, and towing. We believe in keeping these skills sharp, fresh and regularly practiced so that when you step aboard one of our vessels your Tofino adventure is in good hands 🙌

It’s time for our weekly Sustainability Spotlight! This week, meet Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society's previous Executive Director, Michelle Segal. SIMRS is a group of naturalists dedicated to conducting long-term research and monitoring, providing emergency marine mammal response, and educating the public about marine ecosystems. Thank you Nate Laverty for the video and Strawberry Isle Marine Research Society for all that you do! We’re so proud to donate our profits to such incredible partners. We’ll be posting weekly Sustainability Spotlights in hopes that it energizes you, invigorates your week and inspires you to take action!

Grey Whale on Whale Watch Experience (Aug 2019)

Plankton Tuesday Fun (July 7 August 2019)

Eagle catches a fish (June 2019)

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Our Story

We believe in restorative tourism. Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in the village of Tofino, our programs are carbon neutral, fun and educational. We want to show you the beauty and importance of our natural world.

We offer whale and bear watching programs. Excursions to Hot Springs Cove. Remote Kayak and SUP Tours (guided day-trips). Service to the Big Tree Trail and Lone Cone on Meares Island. We also offer exceptional Fishing Charters and custom adventures.

We are committed to preserving the ecology of Clayoquot Sound through our 3% for the fish fund and our conservation fund. We offer custom programs and can host large groups in intimate environment.

Dream up an adventure and we will bring it to life!

10/28/2022

10/25/2022

10/24/2022

10/21/2022

10/19/2022

10/13/2022

10/11/2022

10/03/2022

10/01/2022

09/29/2022

09/26/2022

09/03/2022

08/17/2022

08/15/2022

07/29/2022

07/29/2022

07/19/2022

07/14/2022

07/09/2022

07/09/2022

07/06/2022

07/06/2022

07/04/2022

06/30/2022

06/28/2022

06/21/2022

06/17/2022

06/14/2022

06/12/2022

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Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Videos

Grey Whale on Whale Watch Experience (Aug 2019)

Plankton Tuesday Fun (July 7 August 2019)

Eagle catches a fish (June 2019)

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Our Story