About Coastal Rainforest Safaris
Coastal Rainforest Safaris started offering wildlife viewing boat tour in the summer of 2020. The company is owned and operated by Mike Willie and Andrew Jones. Both have separately run successful wilderness tourism companies on northern Vancouver Island for over five and twenty years, respectively. Their individual companies both have tours recognized as “Canadian Signature Experiences” by Destination Canada. The partnership between Mike and Andrew at Coastal Rainforest Safaris combines their strengths in customer service, wildlife viewing and cultural interpretation, along with their love of welcoming visitors from around the world to show them all that this incredible region has to offer.
Coastal Rainforest Safaris is proud to be a member of Indigenous Tourism BC, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, and the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association.
Mike Willie
Owner/Lead Guide
Mike is a member of the Musgamakw Dzawada‘enuxw First Nations, part of the Kwakwaka’wakw people who reside in the Northern Vancouver Island region and adjacent mainland. As a leader in his community, Mike has immense knowledge of the history, culture, and environment of this unique region.
In addition to Coastal Rainforest Safaris, Mike is also the owner and founder of Sea Wolf Adventures, which welcomes travellers in the Broughton Archipelago and surrounding areas for grizzly bear viewing day trips, sightseeing, water taxi services, and First Nations’ guided cultural tours.
Andrew Jones
Owner/Lead Guide
Andrew has had extensive experience in B.C.’s tourism industry since 1998, when his passion for people, adventure, and nature prompted him to launch his kayaking adventure tour business, Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures. In 2012, Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures’ Kayak with Whales – Base Camp tour was recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience by the Canadian Tourism Commission.
In addition to his 20 years of experience working in the North Island tour industry, Andrew also holds a vast personal knowledge of its history, wildlife, and culture. Andrew has more than three decades of experience working in sales, operations management, customer service, and developing staff at every level of business.
William George
Lead Guide
Thomas Wamiss
Lead Guide
Port Hardy Whale Watching and Sea Otter Viewing Tours
We are located in Port Hardy at the north end of Vancouver Island.
The coastal rainforest of British Columbia, particularly on Vancouver Island, is a lush and biodiverse ecosystem teeming with life. Characterized by towering ancient trees, including Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and Western red cedar, this rainforest is a vital habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. The mild, wet climate supports the growth of dense vegetation, from ferns and mosses to unique fungi and lichens. It’s also home to iconic wildlife such as black bears, cougars, bald eagles, and salmon, which rely on the rich resources provided by the forest and nearby ocean. The Indigenous peoples of the region, the Kwakwaka’wakw, have inhabited and stewarded these lands for thousands of years, with deep cultural connections to the rainforest and its resources. Despite facing threats from logging, urbanization, and climate change, efforts to conserve and protect this valuable ecosystem are ongoing, recognizing its ecological importance and intrinsic beauty. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #rainforest #coastalrainforest #vancouverisland #mystic #mystical #healthyecosystem
Humpback whales, renowned for their majestic presence in the world’s oceans, exhibit fascinating social behaviors that highlight their affinity for companionship and connection. These charismatic giants are known to form intricate social structures, often congregating in groups to engage in various activities and interactions.
One remarkable aspect of humpback whale socialization is their tendency to form alliances and friendships within their pods. These pods, typically consisting of individuals with familial ties, provide a supportive environment where whales can forge bonds through communication, play, and cooperative behaviors.
During the breeding season, male humpback whales are particularly social, competing for the attention of females through elaborate displays of acrobatics and vocalizations. These competitive yet cooperative interactions emphasize the dynamic nature of humpback whale societies, where individuals collaborate and compete for reproductive success.
Beyond breeding activities, humpback whales also engage in communal behaviors such as feeding cooperatively using bubble-net feeding techniques. This cooperative feeding strategy involves a group of whales working together to corral and trap prey within a bubble net, allowing them to efficiently harvest vast quantities of food.
Furthermore, humpback whales are known for their captivating songs, which play a crucial role in socializing and communicating within their populations. These intricate vocalizations are thought to serve various functions, including mate attraction, navigation, and maintaining social bonds within pods.
Overall, the social lives of humpback whales offer a glimpse into the complex and interconnected nature of marine mammal societies. Through their shared experiences, cooperative behaviors, and expressive communication, humpback whales exemplify the importance of social bonds in the vast blue expanse they call home. #humpbackwhales #humpback #whales #gonorthisland #vancouverislandwildlife #majestic
🦅 Majestic Bald Eagles 🦅 Did you know that bald eagles are not actually bald? Their name comes from the Old English word “balde,” meaning white, referring to the bird’s striking white head. These magnificent creatures are not only a symbol of strength and freedom but also play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Let’s celebrate the beauty and resilience of these incredible birds! #BaldEagles #Nature #Wildlife #Freedom #MajesticBeauty 🌿
🌊🐺 Dive into the fascinating world of sea wolves with these fun facts! 🌟 Did you know...
1. Sea wolves are coastal specialists, uniquely adapted to thrive in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. 🏞️
2. Unlike their inland relatives, sea wolves are exceptional swimmers, often traversing between islands in search of prey. 🏊♂️🐟
3. Their fur is lighter in color, providing perfect camouflage against the coastal rocks and cliffs. 🌿🌊
4. These coastal predators play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems by controlling prey populations. 🦌🐬
5. While they face challenges like habitat loss, efforts are underway to study and conserve these majestic creatures for generations to come. 🌎💙
Join us in celebrating the beauty and importance of sea wolves in our coastal ecosystems! 🌟🐺 #SeaWolves #CoastalAdventures #WildlifeFacts 🌊🐾 #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #safetrueeducational
Capturing moments between two indigenous gems; Coastal Rainforest Safaris and Sea Wolf Adventures!
Good day everyone! Here are some fun facts about sea otters! 1. Sea otters are the smallest marine mammals and are known for their playful behavior.
2. They have the densest fur of any animal, with up to 1 million hairs per square inch, providing excellent insulation.
3. Sea otters use tools, such as rocks, to crack open shellfish, making them one of the few non-human animals to use tools.
4. Unlike other marine mammals, sea otters don’t have a layer of blubber to keep them warm; instead, they rely on their fur and a high metabolism.
5. Sea otters are often seen floating on their backs, using their chest as a table for eating and grooming.
6. They have a “pocket” in their armpits where they store their favorite rocks or snacks.
7. Sea otters hold hands while floating in groups, called a “raft,” to stay together and prevent drifting apart.
8. Mothers often carry their pups on their chests, using kelp to anchor them in place while they hunt.
9. The sea otter’s gestation period is about six months, and they give birth to one pup at a time.
10. Sea otters are considered a keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of the kelp forest ecosystem by controlling sea urchin populations. #coastalrainforestsafaris #crs #seaotters #gonorthisland #willdlifephotography #wildlifeplanet #indigenousbc
Sitting there with authority waiting for the right moment. Watching every movement of salmon swimming by making their way up to spawn! #blackbear #wildlifeplanet #bear #vancouverislandwildlife #gonorthisland #explorebc #explorecanada #kwakwakawakwterritory
Witnessing the untamed beauty of the ocean is truly a privilege, and this past summer, we were incredibly fortunate to be part of a very special encounter with a group of Biggs orcas.
At first, these majestic creatures eluded us with their deep dives, making the anticipation grow. Suddenly, the ocean erupted as they surged forward in pursuit of Dall`s porpoises, creating a spectacle of nature`s raw power.
In a display of teamwork, a couple of the orcas chased the speedy porpoises towards their waiting companions. Although the initial chase proved unsuccessful, the relentless pursuit unfolded for over 15 minutes, leaving us on the edge of our seats.
It was a captivating sight to witness T002B, a female born in 1979, leading the charge. Joining her in the pursuit were T109B, and her offspring T109B3, T109B4, and T109B5.
In a sheer sprint, the speedy Dall`s porpoises would outpace the orcas every time. However, the orcas` success lies in their cooperative hunting strategy, allowing these intelligent predators to improve their chances of securing a meal.
Swipe through these extraordinary snapshots to catch a glimpse of T002B in action and the coordinated effort of this group of orcas during an unforgettable hunt.
I forgot my camera this day, and these photos were graciously provided by our guests. 🙏📸
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#whalewatching #orcas #biggs #killerwhales #visitporthardy #vancouverisland #gonorthisland #indigenousbc #wildlifephotography #explorevancouverisland #explorebc #explorecanada
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year from our team! Looking forward to meeting and greeting you in 2024. Happy holidays! #charliebrowntree🎄
Many great sightings of whales, while on our safaris. If you’d like to check out our website, please click the link in the bio!
Hanging out in the Great Bear Rainforest can be exhilarating! 🎥 - @taylormichaelburk
Capturing Magical Moments! Hanging out with the brothers was absolutely amazing! @downtofilm @noahshumka @seawolfadventures