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Frequently Asked Questions

We're here to help you plan your perfect wildlife adventure in Tofino, BC.

We know that planning a trip can raise a lot of questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common ones to make your experience with Adventure Tofino as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you're here for whale watching, bear watching, or our scenic Hot Springs Cove tour, we're excited to have you join us!

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When is the best time to see whales in Tofino?

  • Whale watching in Tofino is best from March through October.

  • Most of our guests spot gray whales, who make their incredible migration from Mexico to Alaska. Some stay with us during the summer to feed close to shore, while others continue their journey to Alaska.

  • We occasionally see humpback whales, but they tend to stay farther out at sea.

  • Orcas (killer whales) are rare visitors, showing up only a few times a month, especially in the summer.

  • There’s no “best time of day” for whale watching here. The whales can be spotted at any time throughout the day!

 

When is the best time to see bears in Tofino?

  • Our bear watching tours run from April to October, timed to align with low tide when black bears head to the shoreline to forage.

  • We time the tours around the low tide to give you the best opportunity for sightings, but morning or afternoon works equally well!

 

Can we see whales during the Hot Springs Cove tour?

  • It’s definitely possible to spot whales on your way to Hot Springs Cove! If the weather permits, we’ll take the outside route through the open ocean, where sightings are common.

  • If the weather’s a bit wild, we’ll take the inside route — and while whale sightings are less frequent on this route, they’re still possible.

  • It’s not guaranteed, but we’ve had plenty of guests enjoy surprise whale sightings during their Hot Springs tours!

 

Can I combine the whale and bear tours?

  • We’d love for you to experience both, but the two tours go in opposite directions, so it would take around 5+ hours to combine them.

  • For your comfort, we recommend doing them separately, with time in between to relax and enjoy Tofino.

 

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

  • While we can’t guarantee sightings (because wildlife is just that — wild!), we do our best to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

  • If you don’t see any whales or bears, we offer a 75% refund or a rain check to come back for another tour, based on availability.

  • This guarantee applies to our whale and bear watching tours only.

 

What kind of boats do you use?

  • We use 26-ft open-air Zodiac boats, which hold up to 12 guests. These boats are perfect for close-to-nature wildlife viewing and getting you to the best spots safely and quickly.

 

Is a Zodiac tour right for me?

  • If you love adventure and a close-up wildlife experience, our Zodiac tours are for you!

  • Keep in mind, the boats are open to the elements, so expect to get a bit wet (but don’t worry — we provide full body flotation suits and rain jackets to keep you dry and cozy and dry bags for your camera). 

  • For our Whale Watch Tours and Hot Springs Tours, you’ll need to be in good health as it can be physically demanding. This is not only a requirement for zodiac tours but for all boats this size as on the open ocean where we always have swell, sudden movements could happen and affect people with serious neck/back/spine issues, recent surgeries, other serious medical conditions and women who are pregnant. Children must be at least 8 years of age.

  • For our Bear Watch Tours there are few restrictions because we will be going on calm, mainly wind sheltered areas with no waves. This tour is suitable for almost everyone. \Children must be at least 6 years of age.

  • Please note that our tours are not wheelchair accessible.

 

What about sea sickness?

  • Whale and hot springs tours take us out into the open ocean, so some guests may feel the motion.

  • We recommend taking motion sickness medication beforehand if you’re prone to it and eating a light meal.

  • On the bear tours, which stay in calmer inlet waters, sea sickness is rarely an issue — so you can relax and enjoy the scenic views!

 

What equipment do you provide?

  • We provide Mustang Survival Suits for each guest, which keep you warm, dry, and safe while on the water.

  • The suits are fully certified and include built-in flotation.

 

What should I wear on the tour?

  • Dress in layers — we suggest long sleeves, fleece jackets, long pants, and closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops, please!).

  • Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen — yes, even if it’s cloudy.

  • Bring a waterproof bag for your phone or camera, so you can capture all your memories without worrying about the weather. We can also provide you with a dry bag for your camera.

 

Should I book in advance?

  • We highly recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer months when tours fill up quickly.

  • Our small group sizes make for a more intimate experience, but that means space is limited — so once you’ve decided on your dates, be sure to get in touch!

 

Do you offer discounts for multiple tours?

  • Yes! We offer discounts if you’re planning to book more than one tour:

    • $10 off per person on your second tour

    • $20 off per person on your third tour

  • Just let us know before booking, and we’ll provide you with a special coupon code to apply to your booking.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

  • We understand plans can change! If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 48 hours before your tour for a full refund (minus a 3% processing fee).

  • Cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour are non-refundable. If you're unable to make it, please let us know as soon as possible so we can try to accommodate another guest.

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