Plan your trip

1. Be Rested Get a good night’s sleep. Being rested will keep you alert and guards against the effects of sun and sea. Remember: your whale watch is 3 ½ -4 hours long and you can’t go home early.

2. Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water. This is especially important on hot summer days offshore. Being hydrated minimizes headaches, nausea, and can help prevent motion discomfort. Remember: sodas, juices and beer are not water. Drink water to stay hydrated.

3. Dress Warmly It will always be a minimum of 10 degrees cooler on the ocean. Choose warm and windproof layers that you can change as needed.

4. Wear Appropriate Shoes Comfortable sneakers or walkers are best. High heels compromise balance on a boat; resist the urge. Flip-flops and sandals make your feet susceptible to stubbed toes.

5. Bring Sunglasses The most important tool for viewing whales is Polarized sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses cut surface reflection, even on cloudy days, and enable you to see far more detail. You can buy them anywhere ($20 and up), but remember to buy Polarized.

6. Bring Sunscreen Direct sun and reflection from the water make sunscreen essential. Even on cloudy days it is possible to get sunburned. Look for waterproof, sweat-proof formulas with a SPF rating of 30 or higher. Apply liberally and frequently.

7. Bring Your Camera Any camera is better than no camera! If you can choose, bring a camera with a zoom feature to get close-ups. If you are a real pro, pack a polarizing filter, lens cloth, and both wide-angle and zoom lenses. Charge your batteries. Protect lens surface from whale breath. It has oils that are difficult to remove.

8. Personal Items Bring playing cards, games, books or electronic items, whatever you wish. You may bring snacks and drinks, BYOB  in cans or plastic bottles (no glass or alcohol, please). Small coolers please. Remember your prescription medications. Please, no pets. Please leave your pets at home; nobody wants to be stuck in a hot car for four hours.

9. Your Comfort is Key Some people are susceptible to motion discomfort, we do not sail  on rough days! Over-the-counter medications can help only if taken one hour before the trip (Bonine is a non-drowsy formula). Accupressure bracelets (Sea-bands) and ginger are alternatives to medications. There is less motion on the main deck of the boat than on the upper deck. Stay outside if you feel uncomfortable.

10. Use our resources Our naturalists are experts and love sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with our guests. Interns from the Gotham Whale Research gather and record whale research on every trip and can tell you about the whales you saw that day. They love to talk Whales!