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Hi,
I actually left Tofo on the 11th Jan after spending a week there, first time there. They've had unusual weather this year, with thermoclines on the deeper dive sites (had 18C or lower a couple of times, it's supposed to be 27C at this time). This has been associated with low vis and apparently fewer manta sightings, but still plenty of whale sharks. I only saw 2 mantas the whole trip, but often saw whale sharks going to and from the dive sites. On the dedicated "ocean safari", which all the centres do, I saw 8 whale sharks. I think they're fairly guaranteed at this time of year.
I dived with Tofo Scuba, and stayed at Casa Barry, which is the lodge associated with them. They're actually about 15 minutes walk apart down the beach, though they will pick you up. esp if you have dive gear with you, I usually walked. There's fairly limited accommodation in Tofo - a couple of fairly expensive places and a couple of backpackers, most of the rest is self-catering. I was travelling alone and felt very safe at Casa Barry, it felt secure. Thought it was rather expensive for what it offered and the food is overpriced; one issue is that staying there it's about 10 minutes walk down the beach to most other places you can eat. I walked down the beach on my own at night and wasn't worried but I'm not certain it's safe to do so.
Tofo Scuba are on Facebook - having read their most recent posts the vis is improving and they apparently saw 45 whale sharks on an ocean safari the other day, and the mantas are coming back, I would say go now if you can!
Catherine
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