What to Bring for a Day of Watching Whales
- Hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Binoculars (we do keep some loaners aboard)
- Camera.
- Extra batteries.
- The bottle of water (no glass please)
- Snacks, as well as lunch or dinner, sometimes both.
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Do you get wet during whale watching?
Article Downloading Available Article Downloading Available When packing for a whale-watching excursion, thorough planning is very necessary, regardless of whether you want to observe whales from the shore or embark on a cruise. You will want to carry a range of equipment with you on your trip so that you can get the most out of it. 1. Dress in a number of layers. In general, the temperature is going to be lower out on the ocean than it is going to be inland or even on the coast. For the duration of your journey, it is going to be necessary for you to dress in a number of layers. Expect the temperature to be 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (11-16 degrees Celsius) lower on the water to be on the safe side. Items like as sweaters, sweatshirts, scarves, and flannel shirts can be utilized effectively as layers of clothing.
- 2 Pack a blanket. Whale-watchers, particularly those who go in the spring and fall, may be taken aback by how chilly the water may become during their excursions. On days that are exceptionally chilly and windy, you may assist shield yourself from the elements by taking a blanket with you. Advertisement
- 3 Pack gloves. If you are going to be traveling during the winter months, it is highly recommended that you carry along a pair of gloves in the event that your hands become chilly while you are out on the lake. In conditions when the cold is not very severe, gloves made of cotton or a cotton-blend should suffice. If you anticipate the weather to be exceptionally chilly, though, you should probably carry some wool gloves or gloves that are coated with insulation.
If you intend to use your phone or any other electronic devices, you might want to bring along a pair of gloves that you can use even if the screen is touch-sensitive.4 Put on some sunblock. When going whale watching, you should always make sure to protect your skin by using sunscreen, regardless of the time of year or the weather.
- To protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which may cause premature aging and even skin cancer if left unchecked over time, you should apply a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30.
- Because there is no sunscreen that is totally waterproof, you will need to reapply it frequently if you get wet while whale-watching.
- 5. Put on some sunglasses. A tremendous glare is produced whenever the sun is reflected off of water. Wearing sunglasses will not only help you see more clearly but will also safeguard your eyes from harm. Be sure to have sunglasses with you that provide 100 percent coverage from the sun’s harmful UV rays for the greatest possible defense against the sun. This will help safeguard your eyes from potential issues such as cataracts and damage to your retina.
- 6. Put on a visor or a cap. If you wear a hat that has a large brim, it can assist shield your eyes from the glare and provide additional protection for your face from the sun. Even when the wind comes up, if your hat has a chinstrap, it can stay securely fastened to your head.
- 7 Be sure to bring along a water-resistant jacket that has a hood. When whale-watching, it is quite simple to get wet, especially if you are on a boat, since the ocean water will frequently spray up onto the passengers of the boat. Wearing a waterproof jacket with a hood can help you stay warm while also protecting you from the elements. Be careful to wear a thick coat or even a winter coat if the forecast predicts that the temperature will be really low.
Be aware that there is a distinction between coats that are labeled as “water-resistant” and jackets that are labeled as “waterproof” while you are shopping for a waterproof jacket. Jackets that are waterproof offer an increased level of protection but typically come at a higher cost. Advertisement
- 1. Ensure that your footwear has a rubber outsole. It is common for the decks of boats to become wet and slippery as they move through the water. When strolling around the boat, it is recommended that you wear shoes with flat, rubber bottoms, such as tennis shoes or boots. This will help you maintain your balance. On the other hand, the danger of tripping and harming oneself when walking while wearing shoes with leather soles or high heels is significantly increased.
- 2 Always have a spare pair of socks in your closet. During the course of the journey, there will be instances in which water will spray up upon the passengers. If anything like this were to occur, it would be convenient to be able to replace your socks if they became wet. You might also try wearing socks that are weather-resistant to help keep the moisture off of your feet.
- 3 Make sure to bring some food with you. It is advisable to carry some food with you on whale-watching excursions because they might last for a significant portion of the day. This will avoid you from being uncomfortably hungry. On board sales of food are available on some boats
- however, before beginning your journey, you should confirm this information with the business you are going with.
- Consider packing some nutritious snacks that are high in protein, fiber, or healthy fats. These will help you feel filled for a longer period of time.
- Some examples of nutritious snacks are almonds that have not been salted, eggs that have been hard-boiled, fruit, chia seeds, and Greek yogurt.
- 4 Please bring bottled water with you. Because you will be on the boat for a good number of hours, you need to take precautions to ensure that you do not become dehydrated. Bring along at least one bottle of water for every member of your group to ensure that everyone stays hydrated throughout the day. Be careful that the bottles aren’t made of glass, though, as some tour operators won’t let you bring glass bottles on board the vehicle.
- 5 Make sure you take your motion sickness medication. When riding on boats might make some individuals feel sick to their stomachs. You can prevent this from happening by taking one of many drugs that are designed to prevent motion sickness. Be careful to read the label on the medication or follow the directions given to you by your doctor. In most cases, you will need to take the first dosage well before going on the boat.
- 6 Bring a game or book with you to keep yourself occupied. During whale-watching cruises, there are sometimes times when there is nothing to do but sit around and wait for whales to come into view. To assist pass the time during these intervals, it is helpful to have something to do, such as a game or a book, to keep your mind occupied.
In the event that you do not have service while you are out on the water, you might want to reconsider your plans to use your phone for entertainment purposes. 7 Different types of toys that keep young toddlers occupied. During the more uneventful portions of the trip, young children are especially prone to experiencing feelings of boredom or frustration. If you are going on a trip with small children, you should carry some toys or games for them to keep themselves entertained with. 8 Make sure that all of your items are stored in a backpack or bag that is watertight. When water from the ocean splashes up on board the boat, keeping all of your belongings dry is possible with the help of a carrier that is waterproof. As is the case with coats, there is a distinction to be made between bags that are water-resistant and those that are waterproof.
- 1 Bring binoculars. There may be moments when whales approach quite near to the boat, and other times when you will only be able to spot them in the distance. Even though the whales are quite a distance away, you will be able to get an excellent glimpse of them if you have a pair of binoculars.
- 2 Bring a camera. You are able to snap images utilizing the camera on your phone if it has one. On the other hand, there are others who would want to remember their time spent whale-watching with photographs of a greater quality than those they could snap with their phone. If this is the case, they might consider bringing either a second compact camera or a DSLR camera with them.
You should consider using a telephoto lens if you want the photographs you take to seem as good as possible.
- 3 Pack additional batteries. Because you will be on the water for a considerable amount of time, you should check to see that your phone and camera do not run out of battery life in the middle of your excursion. USB battery packs and power cores are only two examples of the many different ways that electronic gadgets may be powered when away from home. These gadgets may be used to charge your electronic devices by just connecting them to a USB port.
- 4 Bring a second memory card with you just in case. If you bring along some more storage for your camera, you’ll be able to snap as many images as you like without worrying about running out of space. Memory cards may be found in a wide variety of speeds, storage capacities, and unique features on the market today. These differences can be seen in the cards. After you have a better idea of what you want, you can begin researching different credit cards to find one that meets all of your requirements.
If you want to take more images with your phone, you may increase its storage capacity with an external memory unit. This will allow you to shoot as many pictures as you like with your phone. Advertisement Please enter a new question.
- Question Can I swim in the water during the springtime? It is dependent upon your location. There is little question that it will be a touch chilly, but the water temperature in the south could be ideal.
- Question In the spring, is it possible for me to swim in the ocean in California? Springtime temperatures in the Pacific Ocean tend to be on the cooler side. You are going to require the usage of a wet suit.
Put It Into Words! Still available, 200 characters Include your your address to receive a notification when a response is made to this query. Submit Advertisement We appreciate you sending in a suggestion for our consideration.
What shoes do you wear whale watching?
To the uninitiated, whale watching in the San Juan Islands may not sound like a fascinating activity, but for those who have never seen a whale before, it may be an overpowering and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because whale watching is the most exciting part of any trip of the San Juan Islands, it is only natural that first-time visitors get familiar with the fundamental components that are necessary to ensure the success of such endeavors.
- You will be able to turn your first time whale watching into a precious memory if you make sure to follow a straightforward list of things you should and should not do.
- Do dress in loose, comfortable clothing (preferably long-sleeved shirt and long pants) In spite of the fact that you might be more tempted to wear a shirt with short sleeves and shorts, it is strongly recommended that you wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants instead in order to shield your skin from the sun’s potentially damaging UV radiation.
Even though you are going to go out into the center of the sea, where there is a good chance that you will get wet, please keep in mind that you will be completely exposed to the sun, and there won’t be any trees around to shield you from its rays. Even if you use sunscreen, you should still take the appropriate safety measures to protect your skin from sunburn and other harmful effects of the sun.
- In order to shield your head from the sun’s potentially damaging rays, you need also wear a hat.
- Please do not forget to put on a coat or an umbrella.
- When you are on a boat out in the middle of the ocean, the temperature can be a bit of a roller coaster.
- On the one hand, you are fully exposed to the sun’s UV rays, but on the other hand, you are fully exposed to cooler breezes and the occasional sea spray, both of which can leave anyone’s skin feeling a bit chilly.
You should be sure to use the appropriate protective gear in order to reduce the risk of getting sick during or immediately after the excursion. Even while some cruises include raincoats and jackets, you should still carry your own just in case it rains or gets cold.
- Put on some shoes with rubber soles.
- It is recommended that you wear shoes with rubber soles rather than your typical flip-flops since rubber soles prevent slipping and dislodging easily.
- Don’t forget your camera or video camera and binoculars You are going to want to make sure you have a camera ready to take a picture of the orcas when you do eventually encounter them.
Just make sure that your electronic devices are properly waterproofed. More importantly, don’t forget to carry additional batteries for your camera so that you won’t have to live with the regret of missing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a picture of whales when they show up.
Additionally, it is beneficial to carry binoculars because not everyone will be able to go on a whale-watching trip when the whales swim very near to the boat. It’s possible that you’re observing a wide variety of different critters, and using binoculars will unquestionably make it seem as though all of the wildlife is much closer to the boat.
Be realistic in your expectations for the vacation. You shouldn’t let the fact that whales don’t keep appointments dampen your spirits, even if it can sound discouraging. There is no guarantee that they will want to see you or put on a show for you simply because you are present there.
However, experienced charter boat captains have a knack for recognizing where the whales are and can take their passengers to see them. Having stated that, try not to worry. Even if you do not see a single whale, the San Juan Islands’ marine life is so abundant that it is nearly impossible not to encounter other intriguing species, like as porpoises and Harbor seals.
If you have an interest in birds, there is a chance that you will witness a bald eagle soaring across the sky. The excitement of perhaps seeing whales for the first time is enough to make the preparations worthwhile, but in the end, the breathtaking vistas that can be seen in the San Juan Islands will be enough to make the journey worthwhile on its own.
Do I need binoculars for whale watching?
A common question regarding whale viewing is: “What is the optimal magnification?” – A pair of binoculars with a magnification of 7X or 8X is the best choice to make if you want to see and identify whales in the environments in which they are naturally found.
- Because the field of vision of these binoculars is so expansive, it is simple to locate and keep track of a moving whale when using them.
- When it comes to the weight and size of the binoculars, there is also a correlation with the diameter of the objective lens of the binoculars.
- This is because binoculars that have a big objective lens tend to be larger in size and heavier in weight than binoculars with a smaller objective lens.
Which objective lens diameter you should choose, on the other hand, is mostly determined by the time of day you want to go whale watching as well as the amount of light that is available outside. In the same way that you may select a pair of binoculars that are more compact and have a smaller objective lens diameter when the lighting is good, you should select a pair of binoculars that have a larger objective lens diameter when the lighting is poor.
What weather is best for whale watching?

- During the winter months on the Sunshine Coast, whale watching has emerged as one of the maritime activities that attract the most visitors.
- Because being aware of the weather conditions that are optimal for whale watching might assist you in better preparing for your tour experience, we have included some answers to concerns that are commonly asked concerning the influence that the weather has on whale viewing.
The rhythm of resting and being active that is inherent to humpback whales is unaffected by the time of day or by variations in the weather. We are more directly impacted by the weather than they are. When we go whale watching, we take a number of factors into mind, including how comfortable we are, how well we can see, and how easy it is to move around on the boat.
When the weather is less than ideal, especially during glassy conditions, there is a tendency for there to be slightly more surface activity. On their way back south, we find whales to be traveling with their young, as well as sometimes a male escort and competition pods, which are groups of bulls competing for the attention of the female for the purpose of mating.
Whales appear to travel alone a lot as they head north, but on their way back south, we find whales to be traveling with their young, as well as competition pods. Do not allow the possibility of rain or clouds prevent you from going whale watching today.
- There are times when the clouds provide the clearest conditions for viewing whales.
- It makes no difference to the whales if it is raining or not.
- It is helpful to keep in mind that our humpback whales spend the most of their time in Alaska, where the water is often colder and there is a greater chance of wind and precipitation.
Even if the water temperatures are lower for us, the humpback whales are delighted by the milder weather since they have been living in far colder environments. To prevent becoming wet and cold, we simply recommend carrying a poncho or a jacket with you.
All our tours are based upon proper ocean conditions. We do not cancel events due to the possibility of rain. Unless there is a really intense downpour, which will, of course, hinder our sight as well as our ability to locate and track whales. Wind speed and direction, as well as swell height and direction, are the primary considerations that go into determining whether or not a voyage will go on as scheduled.
If there is a significant chance of bad weather and rain, or if there are thunderstorms, we will have to cancel and postpone our visitors’ appointments. Getting out on the water during a thunderstorm poses a danger due to the possibility of being struck by lightning.
- Because our forecasts are based on marine weather, they may not be exactly the same as projections made using land.
- When it comes to whale watching, our first concern is to ensure that you have an enjoyable and fruitful experience despite the fact that safety and comfort are of the utmost importance.
Always make your whale watching tour reservations at the beginning of your trip, just in case the excursion needs to be postponed because of the weather. You will have the possibility to reschedule your trip in order to ensure that you do not miss out on the opportunity to go whale watching.
- Feel free to give us a call at 0412 155 814 or send us an email at [email protected] if you are interested in having the opportunity to witness the enchantment of humpback newborns playing alongside their parents during the whale watching season.
- You will also have the opportunity to see older humpbacks breaching and slapping their tails.
If you want, you may also book your stay online.
What do you wear on a whale watching boat?
What to Wear on Your Wild Animal Encounter and Whale Watching Adventure Layers of warm clothing to wear below the exposure suit; even while wearing the suit, it may get rather chilly when moving at high speeds on the sea. We advise wearing long pants or sweatpants, along with a layer of fleece or a sweater. We advise wearing thicker layers, such as a synthetic or down coat, for trips that take place at the beginning and end of the season.
- Coat and gloves to keep you warm Shoes with no open toes, particularly ones that are flat and have a rubber outsole for increased traction, such as tennis shoes.
- What Should You Bring Sunglasses Sunscreen Binoculars Bottle of water and camera (no glass please) Keep refreshments in an easily accessible location aboard this sailboat.
Alcohol, cigarettes, and items containing marijuana should all be left behind. In consideration of the other passengers on board, we ask that you refrain from using your phone while we are on our trip.
How should I dress for whale watching in California?
In California, What to Wear to Go Whale Watching – If you aren’t dressed adequately, it won’t matter how near the California Gray whales come to the boat; you won’t be able to observe them in comfort regardless of how close they get. Even though it is bright and nice in the town where you are, or even at the pier, the temperature may be somewhat lower until you go out on the lake.
- If there is a breeze, the temperature can drop a notch or two more.
- When you are getting ready to go whale watching, make sure that you carry the required items, which include sunscreen, a cap or visor, a sweatshirt or sweater, and a coat.
- Put on some sunglasses, long trousers or jeans, a comfy shirt, socks, and shoes that aren’t too restrictive, and walk about in those.
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How much do you tip on a whale watching tour?
DO YOU REQUIRE ME TO MAKE A RESERVATION IN ADVANCE? Ye s. Because there are only six seats available for each tour, they frequently sell out (but are never crowded). Make your reservation as far in advance as possible to ensure that you get the day and time that you want.
- You may schedule your reservation on our website or by calling us at 310-974-2176.
- IS THERE A MAXIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT? We do not accept customers who are less than four years old, since this is our standard policy.
- We require that you reserve a private excursion for your family if any of your children are less than that age range.
This outing is not appropriate for children who have not yet reached their first birthday. IS IT POSSIBLE TO RESERVE A PRIVATE TOUR? Yes you can! Send us an email or give us a call if you have any more questions about reserving your vacation. Please be aware that there is a limited amount of availability, and we strongly suggest making your reservation as far in advance as possible in order to secure the day and time of your choice.
WILL THE SEA MAKE ME FEEL ILL? On board our smaller boat, which has a lower profile and so does not rock as much as larger vessels do, the majority of passengers do not experience sea sickness. If, on the other hand, you are aware of your susceptibility to motion sickness or are concerned about the possibility of it occurring, it is strongly suggested that you take preventative measures before embarking on your journey.
It would be preferable to take a little dosage of dramamine as least half an hour before boarding. ARE WE GOING TO GET WET? Because of the open design of our vessel and its proximity to the surface of the ocean, passengers have a chance of getting wet in conditions when there is either rain or wind and waves.
- We provide windproof and waterproof jackets and pants that are breathable and may be worn over your warm layers to provide additional protection from the elements (up to size XXL).
- The captain will make every effort to keep you as dry as possible, but there may inevitably be some spray in certain situations.
DO YOU GUARANTEE WHALE SIGHTINGS? When whale migrations are at their peak (December through April and June through July), whales are spotted on ninety percent of our cruises. The transitional months are characterized by the presence of enormous pods of dolphins, which can number in the thousands at times.
- We are unable to exert any influence over the water conditions, the weather, or the whales themselves, and there are instances when we do not even see them.
- Despite this, you will still have a fantastic time on your ocean safari, during which our captains will search for marine life such as dolphins, sea lions, and other species.
We are unable to provide refunds on the basis of sightings at this time. WOULD IT BE APPROPRIATE TO TIP THE CAPTAIN IN THIS SITUATION? Yes! Tipping is not required, however it is greatly appreciated if done so. Our Captains are incredibly committed individuals who have a deep love for the work that they perform.
- The customary amount of gratuity for boat charters is 10–20 percent of the total cost of the cruise, which works out to $10–20 dollars per participant.
- A thank-you note accompanied by a nice gratuity is a fantastic way to show appreciation.
- WHAT IS YOUR POLICY WITH REGARD TO CANCELLATIONS? Due to the size of our boat and the limited number of seats available, we demand a cancellation notice of at least 48 hours in advance.
That will buy us enough time to look for someone to fill the seats that are now vacant. WHAT DO YOU DO IF THE WEATHER IS BAD? Even if there is a mist or drizzle, our excursions will go on as scheduled. There are windbreakers that are waterproof and available here that you may wear over your more insulating layers.
In the event that severe weather and sea conditions (“Small Craft Advisories”) occur, we will make every effort to reschedule your trip; alternatively, you may choose to receive a full refund, convert your ticket to a gift certificate that can be used at a later date, or receive a gift certificate in the amount of your original purchase.
During the winter months, it is recommended that you book your excursion earlier in your holiday so that you have the option to postpone it in the event that it becomes necessary to do so! DO YOU OFFER FOOD AND BEVERAGES? We do not have any drink or food on board, but if you would want to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so.
Because we are acutely aware of the harm that single-use plastic water bottles and other forms of litter are causing to our priceless marine environment and the marine creatures that we all adore, we strongly advise guests to bring their own water bottles that can be reused. In the event that you forget to fill your water bottles, the office does provide filtered water for your consumption.
Please do not bring snacks that are likely to get dirty or crumble, and make every effort to prevent food wrappers from blowing overboard.
Can a pregnant woman go whale watching?
Yes! The observation of whales is a fun outing that is suitable for the whole family. On board, we also offer a “Kid’s Corner” with books and toys for the little ones. However, due to the potential for unexpectedly harsh offshore conditions in Monterey Bay, pregnant women and children younger than 4 years old are not authorized. This restriction is in place for the sake of safety.
How much do you tip a private boat captain?
When it comes to fishing trips and gratuities, there are many different ways to respond to this subject; nonetheless, the vast majority of fishing guides concur that it is fair to tip a guide, mate, or captain who worked hard on your fishing trip. According to Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises, you should always offer the same amount of money to your waiter as you would give to your partner.
He is awaiting your hand and your foot at this time. He has the ability to make or break your journey.” The best wait staff will ensure that your water glass is never empty and that your meal is served at the appropriate temperature at all times. When you have a good buddy, you can always count on them to be there for you.
He will also gaff your catch, set the drag on the reel, and bait the hook for you. According to the captains of fishing charter boats, they often earn tips equaling 10–20 percent of the total cost of the excursion. In most situations, a gratuity of 15 percent is anticipated.
- The gratuity for an entire day’s excursion is $600.
- On most vessels, the captain and the mate will each receive a portion of the gratuity.
- The companion receives a smidgen extra.
- If the service went above and above expectations, the gratuity might be significantly larger than typical.
- It is also possible for it to be lower if it was not.
Even if the fishing might not be very good, the service can be excellent. It doesn’t matter how many fish you reel in; what matters is how hard your guide works. Even if your group was adamant on going after the sailfish aboard a chartered boat despite the fact that the wind was light and the sailing was difficult.
Eve put forth a lot of effort, but she was unable to reel in even a single sailfish. Kane and his fishing partner each received $100 in tips from the more experienced fisherman in the group. On the other hand, it is not inappropriate to tip extra if the captain and the mate put in a lot of effort and generate successful fishing results.
According to Kantner, a gratuity may be anything from nothing in the event that the guide was rude or condescending to up to one-half of the cost of the excursion in extraordinary circumstances in which arduous labor and ravenous fish combined to provide an experience of a lifetime.
Many individuals are perplexed by the practice of tipping tour guides. They have a wonderful job and are compensated for fishing for a set amount of time each day. According to the guides, the consumers do not value the additional effort that is put in to make their jobs simpler. Successful skippers begin each day by purchasing and catching live bait, then spend the afternoon maintaining and cleaning their vessels, and finish the day by tying fresh rigs.
Some people have proposed that the gratuities be included in the cost of the trip, while others have advocated for the elimination of the games. According to the guides, it’s just a part of life in South Florida. People do not leave gratuities in various parts of the country.
- People in the Midwest will run up a $5 tab at a restaurant and then leave a quarter on the table with the comment, “Here, you can get yourself a Milky Way.” They do not consider themselves to be of low cost.” Irony thrives in this region thanks to the prevalence of the leisure economy.
- In spite of the fact that they have high costs of living, merchants are strongly encouraged not to charge too high prices for their goods and services.
In order to maintain their position in the industry, fishing guides need to do the same. If they get gratuities, guides are able to enjoy a life that is elevated above the standard fare. You should inquire about the policies regarding gratuities. Everyone will have a better mood as a result.
It will make you feel better to know that you didn’t tip too much, and it will put your friend’s mind at ease to know that you didn’t mistakenly tip too little. Things have a tendency to get more difficult when you catch fish that have a high market value, such as snapper, dolphin, or wahoo. The captains are allowed to retain the entire catch as a gratuity.
There are some captains who will keep all of the fish rather than accept a gratuity. It’s possible that others will ask for a gratuity to help them clean your fish. In order to avoid any issues after the trip, please sure to ask questions before making your reservation.
What do you wear on a whale watching boat?
What to Wear on Your Wild Animal Encounter and Whale Watching Adventure Layers of warm clothing to wear below the exposure suit; even while wearing the suit, it may get rather chilly when moving at high speeds on the sea. We advise wearing long pants or sweatpants, along with a layer of fleece or a sweater.
- We advise wearing thicker layers, such as a synthetic or down coat, for trips that take place at the beginning and end of the season.
- Coat and gloves to keep you warm Shoes with no open toes, particularly ones that are flat and have a rubber outsole for increased traction, such as tennis shoes.
- What Should You Bring Sunglasses Sunscreen Binoculars Bottle of water and camera (no glass please) Keep refreshments in an easily accessible location aboard this sailboat.
Alcohol, cigarettes, and items containing marijuana should all be left behind. In consideration of the other passengers on board, we ask that you refrain from using your phone while we are on our trip.
What is the best weather to go whale watching?
Customers regularly inquire as to the rationale behind our decision to call off a trip when the weather in their location appears to be in good shape. We have great hopes that this may shed some light on the question of why we had to cancel so many excursions.
- even in July.
- It is well known that the weather and seas in the north-eastern Atlantic are notoriously unpredictable and turbulent in this region.
- The nation of Ireland is well-known for having a climate that is notoriously wet and changeable.
- The reason for this is a band of swiftly moving air known as the jet stream, which cuts over the Atlantic Ocean from west to east and plays a significant role in determining the weather that we experience in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and, more generally speaking, western Europe.
Because of this, the sea off the coast of Ireland is rarely still and fine for an extended period of time. It’s best to go whale watching on a day when there’s little to no wind, the visibility is good, there’s no swell in the water, and it’s dry. When it comes to making a decision, whether or not the sun is shining is only a bonus and not a decisive element in and of itself.
- The wind blowing from the ocean is the most significant consideration to make.
- On the Beaufort scale, it should ideally be lower than force 4, which is the ideal.
- When the sea surface is swept up into breaking waves and white caps above f5, it is tough to observe any form of cetacean since they are so difficult to see.
Large whale blows tend to linger in the air for a time on days when the water is calm, which greatly increases the likelihood of spotting whales. A surfacing minke whale may clearly be observed, as can the splashing and surface activity of dolphins. However, when there is a strong wind, the whale blows quickly disperse, which makes it much more difficult for us to find them.
- Due to the fact that they are difficult to spot in the midst of a cacophony of breaking waves, dolphins and minke whales may only be observed up close.
- Rare sighting of a minke whale in completely calm water circumstances The surf from the Atlantic Ocean is also an important component to take into consideration.
There are two things that can go wrong when there is a strong swell present. The first issue is that any animal that comes to the surface is more likely to be obscured by strong swells, and the second issue is that people are more likely to have motion sickness when there is a large swell.
- Seasickness is less likely to be brought on by choppy water with waves in and of itself as opposed to large swells.
- When there is a larger swell, there is a greater likelihood that more people may become ill.
- Once this ailment has taken hold of you, you really really don’t give a hoot about the animals because all you want to do is get off the boat.
Visibility is another important aspect to consider. There is no such thing as too much visibility when it comes to cetaceans. Therefore, when people learn that we can go out whale watching even when there is really cold arctic air from the Arctic, it frequently comes as a surprise to them.
- The air in these areas is often dry and clean, which means that visibility is high; thus, these brisk circumstances may be particularly beneficial for whale watching, whether it is done from land or from a boat.
- When it comes to limiting vision, even a little bit of sea fog or circumstances of thick mist are harmful to excellent spotting.
The same can be said for heavy or continuous rain. Because of their dispersed character, fog and sea mist are among the most challenging aspects of the weather to accurately anticipate. When the weather in West Cork is unpredictable, attempting to plan a day of whale watching so that you have optimal conditions for wind, swell, precipitation, and visibility is like to playing a fruit machine because there is a significant amount of chance involved.
- We have decided to call off the trip if any of these conditions become too severe since we would rather not have to deal with the unfavorable conditions that all too frequently result in a disappointing or painful vacation.
- In order to provide you with the very best whale watching experience possible here at Cork Whale Watch, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the environmental conditions.
We place a significant amount of reliance on a number of different sources of weather forecasting data. This type of data has vastly improved over the years, with multiple satellites looking down on the earth’s weather systems and continuously feeding all of the data to a massive complex computer.
This computer is then programmed to predict what will happen next in terms of the weather. Despite all of this, the forecasts aren’t always accurate, and this problem is made worse by the fact that the weather all over the world is constantly changing. This is due to the fact that the earth’s surface temperature is rising at an alarming rate, which is a direct result of human activity altering the structure of the atmosphere.
Your bookings with us are considered “provisional” since they are contingent upon your re-confirming them with us two days before sailing. This is because the weather on the day of whale watching is one of the most important factors in determining how successful the activity will be.
- Because only at that point will we have enough information to declare with any degree of certainty whether or not the weather on the day in question will be favorable.
- Notwithstanding this fact, there is still no assurance that we will always get it properly.
- The weather has the potential to and on occasion does cause all of us to behave foolishly.
As written by Colin Barnes
