| watching is an amazing, exhilarating experience!! | | | | to some sort of cord such as Croakies so they |
| Seeing these magnificent, gentle mammals first hand is | | | | don’t fall off in the water. |
| most humbling. Experiencing the power of a | | | | SEASICKNESS: If you’re prone to motion |
| Humpback whale as he propels his 40-50 ton body out | | | | sickness it’s a good idea to take something. |
| of the water is mind numbing. | | | | You should check with your doctor or pharmacist, |
| California offers some of the BEST whale watching in | | | | especially if you’re taking other medications. |
| the world! It’s possible to go out any month of | | | | Make sure to read and follow the directions on the |
| the year and see whales and/or dolphin. | | | | motion sickness medication. Often they suggest taking |
| The tips we offer here can be used for whale | | | | it at least an hour BEFORE you’re trip is |
| watching trips anywhere, not just California. | | | | scheduled to leave. Another possibility is BioBand, the |
| WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WHALE WATCHING | | | | acupressure wrist bracelet. Also, eat a light meal |
| COMPANY | | | | before going out-avoid heavy, greasy food and alcohol. |
| Before you make reservations find out about the | | | | FOOD: Most whale watching excursions don’t |
| company. Check out their web site and see what they | | | | offer food. What you bring is dependent on the length |
| offer. Look for one that has a marine biologist or | | | | of your trip. Check with your whale watch company to |
| naturalist on board to give you information about the | | | | see what they suggest. It’s always a good idea |
| animals and answer your questions. | | | | to bring water, ginger ale and crackers. Many |
| Make sure you know what the company’s | | | | companies allow you to bring a small cooler for your |
| policy is on sightings. Some companies offer a money | | | | lunch and drinks but check to be sure. |
| back guarantee, some offer rain checks if they | | | | BINOCULARS: If you have some bring them but they |
| don’t find any whales or dolphin and others | | | | aren’t essential. |
| don’t offer anything. It’s best to be | | | | CAMERA AND FILM: Make sure your camera battery |
| informed before you go out. | | | | is charged and if you have a spare battery, pack that |
| Another thing to look for is how well the boat is | | | | too. Don’t forget extra film or memory cards. |
| equipped. Some companies have invested in special | | | | It’s also a good idea to put the camera in a |
| equipment to make the experience more enjoyable. | | | | plastic bag to protect it from spray. If you don’t |
| Find out if they have a hydrophone so you can hear | | | | want to take your expensive camera on the water |
| the sounds that the whales make or some sort of | | | | you might want to pick up a single-use camera. You |
| underwater camera. If the company does have special | | | | can get great shots with them too. |
| equipment, find out what their policy is if the equipment | | | | NOTEBOOK & PEN: Take notes about the type |
| malfunctions. You might want to ask if they’ve | | | | of sea life you see. You also might want to note any |
| had any problems with it recently. | | | | identifying marks on the whales in case you see the |
| WHALE WATCH DRESS CODE | | | | same ones again! |
| Layer those clothes!! It’s much better to | | | | DISCMAN OR MP3 PLAYER: It can take a while |
| overdress than underdress-you can always take a | | | | before any whales are spotted so bringing along a little |
| layer off if you get too warm but you can’t put | | | | entertainment is a good idea. It also helps to pass the |
| it on if you didn’t bring it to begin with. | | | | time when you’re headed back to the dock at |
| CLOTHES: Long pants, shirt, sweatshirt and a | | | | the end of your trip. |
| waterproof jacket (for ocean spray). | | | | PLEASE DON”T FEED THE WHALES AND |
| SHOES: Closed soft-sole shoes, aka tennies or athletic | | | | DOLPHIN! The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits |
| shoes with good traction. It’s best not to wear | | | | any activity that interferes with the behavior of the |
| open toed shoes or flip-flops. | | | | whales and dolphin and that includes offering them |
| HATS: Hats are ALWAYS a good idea! It’s | | | | food. |
| good if they’re wide brimmed such as a | | | | LEAVE YOUR EXPECTATIONS ON THE DOCK! |
| baseball cap or a safari hat. Make sure they fit snug | | | | Sometimes whales just can’t be found. |
| (you don’t want them to blow off). During the | | | | Remember, as big as whales are the ocean is A LOT |
| winter, knit caps are a really good idea too. | | | | bigger!! It’s kind of like looking for the needle in |
| SUNSCREEN: Always a must-it doesn’t matter | | | | the haystack. The captain will make every effort |
| what time of year you go out. It’s a good idea | | | | possible to find the whales and will stay out as long as |
| to put some on before getting on the boat and take it | | | | he can. They usually are incredibly good at finding |
| along to reapply as needed. | | | | whales but occasionally there just aren’t any to |
| SUNGLASSES: Make sure you have them attached | | | | be found. |