Quick Details
Zodiac Bear Watching in Tofino
If you’re looking to experience a fast-paced and exciting excursion in search of black bears, join us on one of our fast-paced Zodiac tours in the inlet waters of Clayoquot Sound.
Starting in April once the Black Bears start to emerge from their winter dens, we depart daily at low tide to travel through Browning Pass to the rocky coastline of Fortune Channel as the bears roam out of the rainforest and onto the shores to forage for food. Abundant in Clayoquot Sound, Black Bears are often seen turning massive rocks in search of crabs and clams.
Cruising through these scenic passageways allows for many opportunities to view other wildlife like Seals, Porpoises, Eagles, Herons and more. Throughout your tour, our informative and personable crew will keep you entertained with interesting and fun facts about wildlife and the surrounding area.
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Our Zodiacs offer a chance to experience the thrill of a fast-paced boat ride on our way to view the diverse amount of wildlife along our coastline. Some of the features of our Zodiacs include:
- 12-passenger vessels
- Comfortable forward-facing seats
- Protective flotation suits, gloves, and toques (beanies) provided
- Emergency marine toilet
*Zodiac Warning* – PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING THIS TOUR
NOTE: While Zodiacs are a fun way to experience a bear watching tour, they’re not suitable for everyone. We do not recommend this tour to anyone with a history of serious medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to, anyone who is pregnant, those with back, neck or knee problems, osteoporosis, incontinence, recent surgery or limited mobility. Anyone under the height of 4’8″ (142cm) is also unable to join our Zodiac tours. If you have any questions, please reach out prior to booking.
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While we love sharing the experience of watching bears and other wildlife with our guests, we also follow guidelines to ensure we’re not encroaching on or disturbing the wildlife in its natural habitat.
On our bear watching tours, we aim to keep a safe and respectful distance from the bears to ensure that they never feel threatened by our presence or that we affect their behaviour in any way.
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With over 40 years of experience, we know where and how to find bears for you. We have a High Sightings Success Rate in finding bears on our tours.
If you join us on a Bear Watching tour and do not see a bear, we will provide you with a Raincheck Ticket, allowing you to join us on another tour – FREE of charge!
Guests using a Raincheck Ticket for Bear Watching tours:
- Are able to join tours aboard our large cruiser vessels, or our open zodiac vessels, from either Tofino or Ucluelet.
- Are on a stand-by basis, dependent on capacity levels.
- Are able to confirm seats 60 minutes prior to departure.
- Can not use a Raincheck Ticket for a Whale Watching or Hot Springs Cove tour.
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What is the best time of day for a bear watching tour?
On our bear watching tours, we set our departure times according to low tide, as that is when the bears come down to the shoreline to find crabs and other shellfish to feast on.
What is the best time of year for a bear watching tour?
Our bear watching tours run April through October when the bears are out and about feeding and raising their young, offering us plenty of great opportunities to be in their presence.
Can I bring my camera on a Zodiac tour?
You can absolutely bring your camera on your Zodiac tour. We do recommend that you bring a protective bag to help keep your camera equipment dry throughout your tour.
What should I bring on my tour?
We recommend that you dress in warm layered clothing for all our tours. It is always cooler on the water, even in the warm days of summer. Also recommended are a camera, sunscreen, gloves, hat, rain gear (if raining), binoculars, and most importantly – your sense of adventure!
Do I need to worry about seasickness?
You do not have to worry about seasickness on our bear watching tours as we mostly stay in calm, protected inlets.
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Our Bear Watching tours have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If any cancellations are received, including a reduction in the passenger numbers, within 24 hours of the tour departure refunds will not be issued. Any cancellations outside of 24 hours will receive a 100% refund.
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At Jamie’s, the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, we have extensive training and vessel maintenance schedules in place and have made significant investments in ensuring we have safety and life-saving equipment on our vessels that not only meet, but exceed Transport Canada standards.
Before each tour, our crew will gather all guests for a safety briefing while also distributing flotation suits to each individual.
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Waivers
All tours are subject to the signing of a waiver releasing Jamie’s Whaling Station from liability. Reading, understanding, and accepting the terms of this waiver is necessary in order to take part in any Jamie’s Whaling Station tour. If you are purchasing tickets for other guests, you must ensure that all guests read and sign their own waiver.
Booking Fees
In addition to the listed rates on this page, all bookings will have the additional fees added at checkout:
-5% GST
-$3 Research, Rescue & Education Fee (per person)
-6% Booking Fees (online only)
Price Match Guarantee
At Jamie’s, we’re committed to offering you the best adventure experience at the most affordable price. If you find the same tour offered at a cheaper price we will match that price based on the following conditions…
-proof of the cheaper fare such as a print ad or screenshot
-the tour is identical in destination and length
-the tour price is the listed price before taxes/fees
Minimum Passenger Requirements
Our Zodiacs require a minimum of 4 passengers to confirm the tour. If the tour doesn’t confirm, we will either move your reservation to a different vessel, a different location (Ucluelet), or a different day. We will contact you to let you know if your tour has not been confirmed and to give you alternative options.
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Book a Whale Watching or Hot Springs Cove tour or even another Bear Watching tour with Jamie’s and receive $15 off per person for every tour after your first tour. Once you book your first tour, email our team to book the next tour using the discount. Include the date, time, location and vessel you wish to go out on.
Restrictions
-Can not be combined with any other discounts