How to Take a Pelagic Trip

Although you may have to contend with crowded boats, rough seas, seasickness or sunburn, a pelagic trip can still be one of the most productive birding experiences. If you've booked with an experienced trip organizer, you should be able to add a long list of species to your life list. All aboard!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Backpack
• Binoculars
• Seasickness remedy
• Notebook and pencil
• Soft cloth
• Camera
• Warm clothes
• Water
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Food

1. Reserve your spot on an upcoming pelagic trip.

2. Take measures to avoid seasickness before the date of the trip. If you are especially prone to seasickness, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for a Scopolamine patch. Put the patch on the night before the trip as instructed.

3. Avoid fatty or spicy foods the night before the trip. A bland diet--and no alcohol--will help your stomach to feel better the next day.

4. Pack for the trip. Space is limited on boats, so you're best off putting everything in a backpack. Include food for snacking (crackers, ginger snaps, pretzels), water, sunscreen, a soft cloth for wiping spray off your optics, a hat or visor, sunglasses, binoculars, layers of clothing and a notebook and pencil for keeping track of your sightings.

5. Get a good night's sleep the night before the trip. Waken in plenty of time and eat a bland breakfast such as a bagel and non-acidic fruit. Avoid greasy foods and coffee. Do not ingest large amounts of liquids.

6. Get on the boat. Avoid going into the cabin or locating yourself on the upper deck if you are prone to seasickness.

7. Keep both feet on the deck. Don't stand on seats or benches or put a leg over the side while trying to see a bird.

8. Use common courtesy. When a rare bird is sighted, everyone wants a look at it. Once you have seen the bird, stand aside for others, or help by indicating where the bird can be seen (think of the boat as a clock with 12:00 being the front of the boat, and describe the position of the bird in such language as, "I have a jaeger at 3 o'clock!"

Tips & Warnings

• Other options for preventing seasickness include wrist pressure bands, or over-the-counter pills such as Dramamine or Bonine. If you do get sick while on the boat, simply lean over the rail and vomit into the sea. Most birders consider this good chum for pelagic birds.
• You should not bring a spotting scope on a pelagic trip. It would be virtually useless to use on a moving boat.
• Pelagic trips can last for hours or for days at sea. Be sure you are prepared for the amount of time you will be aboard the boat.
• Many pelagic boats have a galley where you can purchase food or drink, but it's always cheaper to bring your own.
• It's a good idea to anchor things like eyeglasses and hats to avoid them blowing off or falling into the ocean. Use an elastic band to hold your glasses in place; attach your hat or visor to your clothing with a string so that if it blows off, it can be easily retrieved. Also, if you have elected to bring a camera, make sure it is secure with a strap around your neck.
• No matter how violently seasick you get, the boat will not return to the dock. If you're not sure how the sea affects you, go on a shorter trip--like a whale-watching cruise--before you sign up for a pelagic trip.