How to Choose a Whale-Watching Tour

Whale watching is a popular activity for the whole family. A little advance planning will ensure a perfect day on the water, although the appearance of whales cannot always be guaranteed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Camcorders
• Warm jackets
• Hats
• Film
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Seasickness remedies

1. Obtain information about whale watching in your area or the area you're planning to visit. Look in the yellow pages under "Whale Information," or contact the local convention and visitors' bureau for information.

2. Call a company that sponsors whale-watching excursions. Ask about the best time to go whale watching and what you might expect to see. Also get information about ticket prices and the dates and times of whale-watching trips.

3. Ask how big the boat is, what safety features it has and whether it has a snack bar or galley.

4. Make reservations when you find a company you like. Arrange to pick up your tickets when you arrive for your excursion, if possible. Or, you may be able to hold them with a credit card number.

5. Get a book about whales, dolphins and other sea life that you might see on your trip. Although there is usually a guide on board, he or she will not be able to see everything on all sides of the boat, and the more informed you are, the more you will be able to see and identify on your own.

6. Consider the possibility of seasickness. If you decide you might need a prescription seasickness remedy (such as a Transderm Scop patch), you'll need to notify your doctor and fill the prescription before your trip.

7. Figure out how much time it will take you to get to the dock so that you'll be on time for your departure.

8. Find out about the parking situation at the harbor and how much parking will cost. Leave some extra time if parking is tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ask about whale-watching guarantees. If you don't see whales on your first trip, some companies will allow you to go again–—free–—until you have seen whales. (Some companies limit these extra trips to two or three, whether you see whales or not, so be sure to ask.)
• Make sure that if you are sick or otherwise unable to go on the whale-watching trip, you can get your money back.
• Don't plan to take anything more than a day pack with you on the boat. There will be a lot of other people aboard, and keeping track of too much stuff could be a hassle.

on 11/22/2005 Whales are not fish!