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about us

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about us

BOOK NOW

the west coast advantage

Join us aboard WASCO and NANUQ for your Tofino whale watching adventure to view the multiple species of whales feeding in our water; or watch black bears from the safety of our boat. Get off the beaten path and experience eco-tourism that is environmentally responsible, safe, and fun for the whole family!

Tour Tofino and see our wild side with West Coast Aquatic Safaris!  Experience eco-tourism that is environmentally responsible, safe and fun for the whole family. The temperate rainforest of the Clayoquot Sound presents the perfect environment for feeding multiple species of birds and animals including marine wildlife.

We wanted to create these curated wildlife tours of Tofino to give you the ultimate West Coast experience. Our Tofino wildlife tours focus on the natural environment without disturbing the ecosystem, giving you a safe viewing experience for whales, harbour sea life, black bears, eagles, and all of the sights of Tofino nature.

BOOK NOW

the west coast advantage

Join us aboard WASCO and NANUQ for your Tofino whale watching adventure to view the multiple species of whales feeding in our water; or watch black bears from the safety of our boat. Get off the beaten path and experience eco-tourism that is environmentally responsible, safe, and fun for the whole family!

Tour Tofino and see our wild side with West Coast Aquatic Safaris!  Experience eco-tourism that is environmentally responsible, safe and fun for the whole family. The temperate rainforest of the Clayoquot Sound presents the perfect environment for feeding multiple species of birds and animals including marine wildlife.

We wanted to create these curated wildlife tours of Tofino to give you the ultimate West Coast experience. Our Tofino wildlife tours focus on the natural environment without disturbing the ecosystem, giving you a safe viewing experience for whales, harbour sea life, black bears, eagles, and all of the sights of Tofino nature.

BOOK NOW

as seen in
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  • whale watching tours tofino logos
  • seatle_Web_840_340
  • whale watching tours tofino
  • whale watching tours tofino

as seen in
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  • whale watching tours tofino logos
  • seatle_Web_840_340
  • whale watching tours tofino
  • whale watching tours tofino

the boats
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the boats
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wasco

WASCO is our 12-passenger high speed Coastal Cruiser. It was designed to provide guests the opportunity to cruise inside the cabin or outside and with 20 seats onboard there is room for guests to move around throughout the tour.

WASCO was purpose-built in the Pacific Northwest for the specific function of eco-touring these waters. It offers inside seating for all guests in her Heated Cabin with a Restroom on board. There is additional Outdoor Seating available on the upper deck and ample space for guest on our Tofino whale watching adventures to move around throughout the tour without needing to worry about being confined to a single seat. A unique feature is the 360-Degree Walk-Around Decks that circle WASCO so that every guest has a front row view of the wildlife regardless of your height or size.

The name WASCO means Sea Wolf, a prominent sea creature from Haida mythology. It is described as a giant sea monster – half wolf and half killer whale, but for West Coast Aquatic Safaris, WASCO means a First-Class Transport Canada Safety Certified vessel outfitted with a knowledgeable and certified marine crew.

  • tofino boat tour
  • Wasco_Portrait_950x710

wasco

WASCO is our 12-passenger high speed Coastal Cruiser. It was designed to provide guests the opportunity to cruise inside the cabin or outside and with 20 seats onboard there is room for guests to move around throughout or Tofino whale watching adventures.

WASCO was purpose-built in the Pacific Northwest for the specific function of eco-touring these waters. It offers Inside Seating for all guests in her Heated Cabin with a Restroom on board. There is additional Outdoor Seating available on the upper deck and ample space for for guest on our Tofino whale watching adventures to move around throughout the tour without needing to worry about being confined to a single seat. A unique feature is the 360-Degree Walk-Around Decks that circle WASCO so that every guest has a front row view of the wildlife regardless of your height or size.

The name WASCO means Sea Wolf, a prominent sea creature from Haida mythology. It is described as a giant sea monster – half wolf and half killer whale, but for West Coast Aquatic Safaris, WASCO means a First-Class Transport Canada Safety Certified vessel outfitted with a knowledgeable and certified marine crew.

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  • Nanuc_Portrait_950x710

nanuq

NANUQ — Polar Bear in the Inuit language — is our 37-passenger with over 50 Seats throughout the vessel. It is an all Weather Vessel, built and designed with our guests’ experience in mind! Three Viewing Decks with Seating, Inside Seating for all, more available seating than allowable passengers, and a clean Restroom are just a few of the characteristics that help provide an amazing experience. In addition, the catamaran design delivers a fast, efficient and stable journey.

It and its crew are Transport Canada Safety Certified providing a first-class experience. Accessibility for all is a priority for West Coast Aquatic Safaris with a gangway to board NANUQ allowing for wheelchair accessible Tofino whale watching adventures. Not to mention it has a heated cabin with large windows so all can stay warm while enjoying the wildlife, and it is spacious enough to allow guests to move around throughout the trip. Click the link learn more about NANUQ’s wheelchair accessibility ♿

nanuq

NANUQ is our 37-passenger twin-hulled all weather catamaran with over 50 seats for guests to choose from while touring.  It offers guests the most stable and comfortable experience on the west coast as NANUQ was designed and constructed in the Pacific Northwest to tour these waters with guests’ experience in mind.  NANUQ boasts three Stable Outdoor Viewing Decks (offering the perfect platform for photography equipment) and provides Indoor Seating for All guests in heated cabin.  There is a clean Restroom onboard and additional Outdoor Seating for those guests who prefer to move around during the voyage.

Accessibility for all is a priority for West Coast Aquatic Safaris and we are proud that NANUQ offers wheelchair accessibility with a boarding gangway, a heated cabin with large windows so all can stay warm while enjoying the wildlife.  Click the link learn more about NANUQ’s wheelchair accessibility ♿

The name NANUQ means Polar Bear in Inuit language.  She was aptly named so given her square and solid shape is akin to a broad bear.

the features
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the features
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West Coast Aquatic Safaris invests in your safety and comfort

Our boats are custom built to make sure your comfortable and safe viewing experience. We transport our guests to the wildlife rich environments around Tofino in style. Both Wasco and Nanuq have unique features to keep you warm, dry and engaged. We are recognized for being a leading provider of accesible nature experiences in Canada.

tofino boats bathrooms

Washrooms Onboard

accessible whale tours

Wheelchair Accessible

family friendly tours tofino

Family Friendly Tours

rainy day activities tofino

Rain Jackets for Everyone

safe whale tours tofino

Transport Canada Safety Certified

heated cabin tofino

Heated Indoor Cabin

whale sounds tofino

Stereo + Hydrophone

boat tours tofino

All-Weather Vessels

friendly bear tours tofino

Extra Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff

best whale watching tofino

360 Degree Indoor and Outdoor Viewing

the crew
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the crew
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keith

Captain

Keith has mastered the art of having his finger in every aspect of West Coast Aquatic Safaris. He is one of our Captains; most often you will see him behind the helm of our 37 passenger catamaran NANUQ, but don’t let him fool you, as every now and then he will take out our 12 passenger vessel WASCO! Keith has been with West Coast Aquatic Safaris since the beginning 2008 and has been driving boats for over a decade. He came to Tofino to live the surf culture life-style and is here to stay. Captain Keith can be describe as an Ecological Tourism Captain, nature lover, and a smiling friendly guy!

theresia

Business Manager

diondra

Operations Manager

royce

Office Supervisor

jackie

Captain

aaron

Captain

shane

Captain

layla

Social Media Manager & Sales Associate

ina

Sales Associate

lena

Sales Associate

jobs in tofino

adam

Deck Hand & Naturalist

maxtin

Big Blue

Big Blue story is little different. He swam up to NANUQ on one of our Whale Watch Tours and ask to speak to the boss. Since I (Keith) was the captain on board, he was directed to me. He told me he has been watching our operation for while and thought we did the Best job whale watch by first respecting the wildlife and second by provide our guests with a safe and fun activity. He then asked if he could work for WCAS and help people find the way a truly memorable experience. We thought about it for a night or two and figured we would love to have a whale on the team!! So if you see Big Blue around make him feel welcome and go up and say HI! PS he loves getting his photo taken.

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