BEST activity we did while in San Diego. I must elaborate how EXCELLENT this tour is. Our 5 woman crew was the best! The Captain knows his ship well and communicates with his crew and other vessels for the safest passage as well as the best sightings for his guests.
The ship is beautiful! Very well maintained and clean. I wish all of the crew could be cloned and placed in every business! They loved their job. They worked hand in hand. They interacted with the guests, taught the youngsters about the sea life we were encountering, did show and tell (never saw a kelp in real life until this trip), they were waitresses, handing out snacks and drinks, lookouts for activity, AND most of all became nurse maids. We sailed about 11 miles or so off shore and about half way out, I started feeling a bit woozie. By no means the Captain's fault, the water was pretty rough and high winds. Within minutes, Diana was by my side, with all sorts of plant based motion sickness remedies and within 10 minutes, I was feeling well enough to move about the ship and enjoy the sightings. Thank you, Diana!
As for the sightings, most companies promise you to see "a whale" so our boat after seeing several pods of jumping dolphins and our first fin whale and the second whale, could have easily "met their promise" and headed back to shore. NOT THIS TOUR!! They layed low and caught sight of a Blue Whale, nicknamed Bubbles. We watched it blow, and dive, but no "tail." So, we stayed, again Bubbles surfaced, and again no tail. The captain stayed put, and waited for Bubbles to finish its dive. This time when it surfaced, Captain pulled his ship close enough for us all to get a great look and before she went down, she waved goodbye with her tail!! The whole ship cheered!
The ride back was so much quicker and smoother. This crew were hard workers that gave a lot of thought to their guests, with smiles smiles on their faces and always pleasant.
Tips for check in: look for the blue flags that say whale watching and check in. They are set up on a picnic table in the grassy area towards the ocean. They even call to check on you to make sure you are able to find the check in spot. Or they are across the street from Shelter Island Marina, or Islamd Palms.
TIP: Wear layers of clothing or take a light blanket with you in case it gets cold.
Wear sunscreen!! Don't forget your ears!
Don't eat a full meal before the trip.