Packing for a whale-watching trip needs careful preparation, regardless of whether you are going on a cruise or whale-watching from a shore. To maximize your trip, you will need a camera, a waterproof bag for storing your items, and various equipment and clothes that will protect you from the cold.
Whale-watching allows you to experience a beautiful part of nature that is not available on land, so you have to ensure you are well-prepared for the adventure. When it comes to whale watching Maui is one of the places you should consider visiting as you’ll get to watch the whales in diverse waters. Keep reading to get more tips on how to get an incredible whale-watching experience.
Do some research on Whales
Understanding how whales behave can come to help you spot and identify whales while on tours. The telltale ‘blow’ is something you should look out for. This refers to the water splashed in the air as the whales respire at the surface. One can easily spot a whale using the telltale blow.
Sometimes, you can even identify the type of whale through how it blows. For instance, sperm whales blow out to the left while the southern right ones blow in a V shape. Another way that can help you spot them is to look out for a big splash as this signifies a breach.
Check the Sightings
Sightings are never guaranteed as whales are wild animals. If a tour company guarantees sightings, then it means they’ll give their clients return tickets on a different day if cases where their whales are not sighted. You may consider checking the sightings of the place to have an idea of what species have recently been seen. This information is usually on the websites of most tour companies.
Your main focus shouldn’t be how many whales you are seeing or what are not doing as you’d instead focus on enjoying the experience and creating memories. Enjoy every bit of it. Breathe and smell the fresh air and enjoy the marine life that you will spot on the trip.
Choose a Responsible Tour Company
By choosing a reliable tour company you are contributing to the protection of whales. Responsible companies take environmentalism, sustainability, and conservation very seriously. Protecting whales is the most important whale spotting tip. This ensures the populations flourish and grow. More whales give more people a chance to watch them in their element.
Pack light
Only bring what you need for the day (and only what’s needed for the day). Don’t worry about bringing extra clothes or other things that might be needed later in the trip. It’s best not to take anything that could weigh you down because it will be difficult to move around in heavy seas, and if anything goes wrong during the trip, there will be little time to fix it before getting back on land again.
Pack appropriate clothing
If you have the option, head out on a calm day. Whale splashes and blows are best spotted in calm water bodies with fewer caps. On days when there are fewer caps, almost any disturbance. Everyone must have their own set of clothes so that no one has to worry about what they’re wearing or how warm they feel while out in the water.
Dress appropriately for where you’re going – if you’re going out on the open ocean, dress in layers because it can get quite cold out there at times during the day. This depends on what kind of activity you want to do during the trip. If it is just watching the whales, then you can wear swimsuits and shorts. If it is snorkeling or swimming with whales, then you should wear formal clothing like slacks or jeans and t-shirts or sweaters.
Bring snacks and/or lunch, if you plan on staying out longer than 3 hours
You should also pack some snacks and water in case of emergencies. If there is an emergency, like getting stuck in the middle of nowhere or running out of gas, having snacks and water will help keep you from becoming too hungry or thirsty during your excursion. Also, make sure you have some sort of water bottle or hydration pack available.
Remember to Protect Yourself From the Sun
The best way to prepare for a whale-watching trip is to be prepared. You will be spending hours in the sun, so it’s important to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The sun can burn quickly on the water, and if you don’t protect yourself from it, you risk getting burned or sunburned.
If you have prescription glasses or sunglasses, bring them along so that you can see clearly when looking through binoculars or scuba gear. Also, make sure that they don’t get knocked off by other people moving around on the boat. The glasses can include swimming goggles, prescription glasses, or wraparound sunglasses that block out 100% of UV rays. Make sure they are labeled “waterproof” so they don’t break while swimming in the ocean.
Medication
Make sure you have all of your medications with you because sometimes a med can cause issues for some people who are taking them for other reasons. Also make sure that you have any necessary prescriptions with you as well, just in case. Some people with heart problems should not take any medication for seasickness. Mind you, in many of the instances above it, is advisable to consult a doctor before taking any medication so that you are aware of all the facts surrounding your condition and exactly what it is that you will be taking.
Bottom Line
In the end, your whale-watching trip should be a fun and memorable experience. And whether you’re the one snorkeling or whale watching, you can help make that happen! So make sure to follow these tips, pick up some great whale-watching accessories, and pack an exciting itinerary for your special day. Together, you will truly feel like kings and queens of the sea.