Ocean Outfitters
Ocean Outfitters
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About
Tofino's carbon neutral adventure tour company. Join us for ethical bear & whale watching, remote kayaking & SUP tours, Hot Springs Cove programs, Meares Island service, and custom private adventures. We operate both Zodiacs & cabin vessels offering programs for both families and for the adventurous. Our experienced local guides will pilot you through beautiful scenic Clayoquot Sound in search of wildlife including grey whales, humpbacks, orca, black bears, sea otters, sea lions, wolves, eagles and seabirds. Deep respect for nature and ethical business practices are our core values. Our self-determined mandate demands that we go beyond education. That’s why we are committed to supporting local projects and programs that affect real and measurable change in the environment around us. We offer safe, professional programs that encourage stewardship. Reservations are recommended. Our waterfront location on Main Street in the Shore building also has a in-house organic Espresso Bar.
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,147 reviews
Excellent
999
Very good
93
Average
23
Poor
18
Terrible
14
Lady G
New Brunswick, Canada134 contributions
Oct. 2022
We enjoyed our bear watching tour with Callie. The boat ride to get to the bear viewing spots is very scenic and we were able to see two black bears and some seals during the tour. We chose Ocean Outfitters for our tour because the company seems respectful of the community and environment that it operates in - some of the proceeds from the tour go back to various initiatives in the community. On the tour, Callie was very knowledgeable about the environment and how we should be mindful of where we are and of the animals that we are observing. Overall, a very fun tour and a business I was happy to support.
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan Hill
London, UK3 contributions
Amazing experience, knowledgeable and passionate guides who ensure a safe and fascinating experience
Oct. 2022
We went on two tours, the Bear watching tour in the morning with Cali, and the Whale watching tour in the afternoon with Antony, both of whom were fantastic guides - it was clear from the outset that they are passionate about wildlife conservation and knowledgable about the area, which really added to the experience.
On the tours we saw... a black bear, a bald eagle, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises and multiple grey whales - it was truly an awe inspiring experience!
I'm actually afraid of the ocean, so going on a whale watching tour (especially on the Zodiac, which is open air), was a big deal for me, but from the outset I felt incredibly safe with our guides. We were kitted out in flotation suits, and walked through all the safety procedures in place before the tour began - because the guides were so engaging, kind and knowledgable, I felt safe throughout both tours (despite my irrational fears of the ocean!)
The company is also very eco-concious, and support conservation in the local area
Would recommend to anyone thinking of wildlife watching in Tofino
On the tours we saw... a black bear, a bald eagle, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises and multiple grey whales - it was truly an awe inspiring experience!
I'm actually afraid of the ocean, so going on a whale watching tour (especially on the Zodiac, which is open air), was a big deal for me, but from the outset I felt incredibly safe with our guides. We were kitted out in flotation suits, and walked through all the safety procedures in place before the tour began - because the guides were so engaging, kind and knowledgable, I felt safe throughout both tours (despite my irrational fears of the ocean!)
The company is also very eco-concious, and support conservation in the local area
Would recommend to anyone thinking of wildlife watching in Tofino
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl O
1 contribution
Oct. 2022 • Couples
We had the most amazing experience on our whale watching excursion with ocean outfitters. Not only did we see several whales, we also saw otters, sea lions & bald Eagles, the scenery was amazing.our tour guide Dave was super knowledgeable & informative, I was very impressed with his knowledge of the wildlife & also his boatmanship.
I highly recommend taking this excursion.
I highly recommend taking this excursion.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John O
1 contribution
Oct. 2022 • Couples
Great trip. Would have been great even if we hadn’t seen whales … driver was so knowledgeable on area and wildlife.
Saw a raft of otters, 5 grey whales surfacing loads of times, sea lions, seals and…. Two bald eagles.
Thoroughly recommended !!
Saw a raft of otters, 5 grey whales surfacing loads of times, sea lions, seals and…. Two bald eagles.
Thoroughly recommended !!
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
3 contributions
Oct. 2022
The guide was very knowledgeable about the whales habits and was very good at finding spots with wildlife to see. He also knew when to be quiet and let us just enjoy the animals. We loved learning about the individual whales and their personalities, and also the differences between humpbacks and gray whales. We also saw sea otters and had a wonderful encounter with sea lions.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sienna M
1 contribution
Oct. 2022
We did the trip to Tofino Hot Springs on Friday, and it was amazing! 1.5 hour boat ride to get there where we saw tons of birds, sea otters, sea lions, and a gray whale. Hot Springs were awesome, and we got plenty of time to hang out there.
I'm happy we chose Ocean Outfitters because their dedication to preservation and ethics is unmatched! Our guide, Antony, shared so much knowledge about the area and wildlife we saw. He shared a lot about practices in the area and in the world that are harming the environment, wildlife, and native peoples and things that can be and are being done to help solve these issues. The experience was eye-opening and inspiring! Much appreciated :)
I'm happy we chose Ocean Outfitters because their dedication to preservation and ethics is unmatched! Our guide, Antony, shared so much knowledge about the area and wildlife we saw. He shared a lot about practices in the area and in the world that are harming the environment, wildlife, and native peoples and things that can be and are being done to help solve these issues. The experience was eye-opening and inspiring! Much appreciated :)
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia P
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
Amazing experience out searching for black bears in their natural space. We go to watch them forage on the beach and go about their day undisturbed. Definitely recommend.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lyzz D
Austin, TX32 contributions
Oct. 2022
We had an incredible experience taking the boat to Hot Springs. Cole was our guide and you could tell he has a passion for nature and wildlife and it translated to a focused and educational tour up the islands to the Springs. The Springs were amazing and worth the 30 minute, somewhat slippery walk on the boardwalk.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn L
Colwall, UK34 contributions
Sep. 2022
Went out on the open top boat togged out in survival suits. A great boat trip and saw our first bear coming down to forage at the water's edge. Our guide gave a great commentary of information about the location, history and wildlife. Expensive, but worth it!
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arjenth
Apeldoorn, The Netherlands36 contributions
Sep. 2022
After three weeks of seeing just the trails (and poo) of bears, we wanted to see them live. On a safe distance of course. And boy, were we lucky. This trip proved fruitful, two solitary bears and one mother with cub showed up on the shores where we visited.
Meanwhile our captain / guide proved to be very knowledgable about the surroundings, while also being careful with mother nature. So don't expect african safari-situations where everybody dives on top of the wildlife once encountered, we keep a safe distance not to disturb the animals in their habitat. Binoculars or a camera with zoomlens are highly recommended.
Meanwhile our captain / guide proved to be very knowledgable about the surroundings, while also being careful with mother nature. So don't expect african safari-situations where everybody dives on top of the wildlife once encountered, we keep a safe distance not to disturb the animals in their habitat. Binoculars or a camera with zoomlens are highly recommended.
Written October 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen L
Burnaby, Canada
Hi, I'm planning to stay for 2 nights in Vancouver Island in early Aug. We're interesting in whale watching, bear watching, hot spring cove and fishing too. But due to the time limit, we have to choose some out of the above four. Please advise if there is a whole day trip for whale watching and hot spring cove. Furthermore, please advise where to gather as I may not staying in Tofino but Parkville.
Besides, please advise the rates for different trip. Many thanks.
Nichola L
Belfast, UK309 contributions
If I were you I would choose bear watching and the whale watching then squeeze in sea plane excursion
We did do the hot springs and it was lovely but the best bit was boat ride out
Ally
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico131 contributions
How long does the tour last and how much is it? Easy to find?
OOutfitters
Tofino, Canada5 contributions
Hello Alejandra,
Hot Springs is a 6 hour program. 1.5 hours by boat up and 3 hours at the Cove. 1.5 hours return. The board walk is 2 km and takes approximately 30min to walk. We do scout for wildlife along the way! We are located on the waterfront in Tofino between 3rd and 4th streets. 368 Main Street. Hope you'll visit us for some adventure!
Susanxu131
Shanghai, China
I will go visit Tofino in the end of January and I'm wondering is that ok to take a boat trip at that time? Thanks
OOutfitters
Tofino, Canada5 contributions
Ocean Outfitters offer winter Hot Springs Cove programs year round plus taxi service to the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island. We still have whales in the area however it is not whale or bear season. Call the office 2507252866 and we will be happy to assist you.
I have just booked a tour to hot Springs cove, leaving at 2:30pm - will this get us there at high tide such that we can't go in the springs?
Thank you
Leanne
rpperkins1
Pleasant Hill, CA1,334 contributions
You will be fine. Enjoy the tour.