What is the minimum age for the Coastal Bear Watch?

Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this excursion.

Are flotation suits provided on the trip?

Yes, full flotation coveralls are provided for all guests to ensure safety and warmth.

Can I bring my camera on board?

Absolutely. Waterproof or weather-sealed cameras are recommended to protect gear.

What wildlife can I expect to see besides bears?

In addition to black bears, seals, bald eagles, herons, and porpoises are commonly seen during the tour.

How many people are on each Zodiac?

Group sizes are limited to 12 passengers per Zodiac, allowing a comfortable and intimate experience.

What should I wear for the excursion?

Dress in warm, layered clothing and waterproof footwear; you will be given a flotation suit to wear over your clothes.

Coastal Bear Watching with Remote Passages in Tofino | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

Clayoquot Sound, located on the rugged west coast of British Columbia near the town of Tofino, is a place where wild landscapes meet the cool Pacific. Remote Passages Marine Excursions offers the Coastal Bear Watch, a 2.5-hour cruise aboard a 24-foot Zodiac designed for quiet, close-up encounters with the region’s iconic black bears. This excursion provides more than wildlife viewing—it’s a thoughtful immersion in a dynamic coastal ecosystem where bears forage along rocky shores, seals slip through the water nearby, and eagles wheel overhead.

The fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound form a mosaic of forested shorelines and sheltered bays that are prime feeding grounds, particularly rich with crabs, clams, and barnacles. The sturdy Zodiac’s rigid hull and custom oversized design ensure a smooth ride even at speeds of 25 to 30 knots, while comfortable flotation suits provide warmth and safety without compromising mobility. Guided by experts trained in Wilderness First Aid, this tour moves deliberately and quietly, giving participants a chance to absorb the nuanced behaviors of the animals without disturbance.

Remote Passages' commitment to responsible wildlife viewing and small group sizes—up to 12 people—makes this experience personal and impactful. Alongside bears, guests often spot harbour seals, porpoises, herons, and bald eagles, reflecting Clayoquot Sound's status as a hotspot for biodiversity.

This trip complements other marine adventures in the area, adding depth to any visit by combining natural history with exceptional wildlife moments. Running from April through October, departures are tide-dependent, ensuring prime wildlife activity and safe navigation. Meeting at 51 Wharf St. in Tofino, this excursion balances adventure with thoughtful, low-impact travel, ideal for visitors seeking a close connection to British Columbia’s coastal wilderness.

About Remote Passages Marine Excursions

Remote Passages Marine Excursions is a Tofino-based marine tour operator offering wildlife and coastal adventures in Clayoquot Sound and surrounding waters.

The company operates guided Zodiac and cabin vessel whale watches, sea kayaking trips, coastal bear-watching excursions, and Hot Springs Cove transfers to Maquinna Provincial Park. Experienced local guides lead small-group Zodiac outings (24’ ZODIAC) for Coastal Bear Watch trips where guests observe black bears foraging along fjord shores, plus sightings of seals and bald eagles. The Whale Watch Plus Program is offered aboard both Zodiac and cabin vessels, drawing on more than 30 years of regional expertise to locate Grey and Humpback whales, sea otters, and diverse marine habitats. Sea Kayaking • Islands tours provide guided paddle experiences around Tofino’s outer-coast islands, with opportunities to view eagles, otters, and intertidal life while learning about the area's cultural and natural history. The Hot Springs Explorer includes a boat transfer and a scenic 2-kilometre boardwalk to Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Provincial Park, about 32 kilometres from Tofino, allowing visitors to access geothermal pools year-round.

Safety equipment and knowledgeable direction are emphasized across trips; flotation suits mentioned for some Zodiac excursions improve comfort in cool water conditions. Remote Passages focuses on responsible wildlife viewing within Clayoquot Sound’s protected ecosystems and supports visitor education about marine and coastal environments. Reservations, seasonal schedules, and accessibility details are available through the company’s booking channels. Tours operate seasonally with multiple daily departures during peak months and private charters available on request for groups and photographers.