Exploring the shores of Tofino and Long Beach
The other night, Josh Lewis, Long Beach Lodge Resort's marine adventures captain and resident photographer, happened upon a wind sailor.
A wind sailor - also known as velella velella – is a tiny animal which has a small, rigid, crystalline-like sail which suspends above the waterline and into the air, catching the wind, pushing the hydrozoa downwind. At the mercy of the prevailing airstream, wind sailors - usually found in warm and temperate waters in all the world's oceans - will sometimes arrive on the shores of Tofino and Long Beach.The wind sailor is but one of many interesting and unique flora and fauna to be found on Cox Bay Beach, Tonquin Park Beach, Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park, Chesterman Beach and South Beach.
Often, the most interesting are also the most elusive.
Mixed among the rocks, driftwood, bull kelp, swimming in the tidal pools and hiding in the beds of seaweed washed ashore is a menagerie of fish, anemones, sea stars, sun stars, crabs, mussels, barnacles and many other remarkable creatures. Often, the most interesting are also the most elusive. That is why it is nice to have a little local insight and knowledge before embarking on your first beach exploration outing.
The staff at Long Beach Lodge Resort can help you out. They have put together a list of their favourite beaches to help you get started, as well, be sure to inquire about Resort-guided beach walks. Knowledgeable staff will walk with you, showing you some of the more prolific spots and offer tips on what to look out for.
