The Best Ways To Enjoy Whale Watching
A whale watching experience is one you won't soon forget, whether you see the enormous shadow in the water and a fin, or a colossal beast leaping and playing in the water next to your boat. Before you leave, be sure you take a good look at the weather forecast and don't let your impetuousness ruin a good thing. In some cases, the tour operator will be happy to take your money, only to take you out on a madcap whale watching cruise over choppy seas that churns your stomach, which makes you throw up and shows you more giant waves than giant whales. In this article, you will learn more practical tips to help you get the most out of your excursion.
Choosing where you'd like to head to catch a glimpse of these exquisite animals is a challenging task given that they roam without restraint throughout the globe. However, there are lots of whale spotting destinations right in the United States.
Watching whales off the coast of California is really popular since pods of blue, humpback and gray whales move from the northern climates to more temperate waters for the winter. Hawaii is also a favorite playground for these species. In Boston, cruises in Stellwagen's Bank provide surefire views of grays, blues, pilots, minkes or humpbacks. If it's long been your desire to see killer whales in the flesh, then your best bet is to reserve a tour in Alaska, Seattle or British Columbia.
Before you go whale watching, check out several tour operators to find which one will suit you best. Companies may vary in the length of time they're out at sea. Most tours range from 2 to 4 hours, with some of the time spent traveling out to the whale's habitat. Since you could pay anywhere from $40 to $100, you'll want to make sure you're getting on board a sailing vessel you feel comfortable with. Some ships offer water and soda, while others may serve snacks, cocktails and full-service lunches. Some companies have onboard marine biologists, naturalists and historical narrators. Some companies are affiliated with whale research or non-profit organizations. Be sure you check the company's cancellation policy and look for the International Whaling Commission logo that lets you know they're ethically responsible.
It's a good idea to book your excursion in advance, as whale watching cruises sometimes sell out early, especially if you're traveling during the peak whale watching season or planning your adventure on a busy weekend. If you are traveling early or late in the season, then be sure to call for tour schedules, since trips may not run as frequently or may not run at all if there isn't enough interest. Since many tour operators offer guaranteed sightings, it's a good idea to plan several days before you plan on leaving. That way, if you happen to go out on a fluky, unfruitful day, then you will be able to return to take them up on that "next trip free" offer before your vacation ends.
