| Rating |
Date Attended [v] |
Reviewer |
Gender |
Age |
Where From? |
Group Type? |
|
An excellent morning on the water
|
| Sun, Oct 28, 07 10:30 AM |
tcracknell |
Female |
20-29 |
Combination |
Family Without Children |
| We were fortunate to have great weather and good luck sighting whales. Noel and HIllary were very knowledgeable about the marine life and consciencious of not disturbing them. The boat was smaller and far less packed than the other ones that we saw on the water. I would definitely go back with Sanctuary again.. |
|
|
Tons of whales and sea lions.
|
| Sat, Oct 27, 07 10:30 AM |
Bearsie |
Female |
60-69 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| This was our first and hopefully not last, whale watching excursion. On a beautiful Saturday we saw at least a dozen humpback whales including, Delta and Dawn who had recently ventured up the Sacramento River before returning to the ocean. We also saw literally hundreds of sea lions cavorting though the water playing and feeding. We even saw three porpoise and several adorable sea otters but alas, no dolphins on that day.
The Captain Noel and First Mate Hillary are very capable and knowledgeable about the critters in the ocean. They know how to get close to them without frightening them so we could take all the pictures we wanted.
My husband had expressed an initial concern that we might find the seas rough, given the size of Sanctuary. We were both delighted to find his concern was completely unfounded. We both took one motion sickness pill the night before and one an hour before the trip and neither one of us felt a moment of upset stomach.
We hope to return to Sanctuary perhaps during the Spring when other types of whales are running along the Pacific Coast. |
|
|
Spectacular and wonderous
|
| Sat, Oct 27, 07 10:30 AM |
Rotstein |
Male |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| My wife and I had a great time and saw lots of different marine wildlife. Thanks for a great time. |
|
|
Great service despite rough weather
|
| Sat, Oct 20, 07 10:30 AM |
andiekcd |
Female |
30-39 |
Local |
Family With Children |
| The swells started out pretty big, but got worse as the day went on. Hilary was great about checking on all the passengers. I and another passenger got really sick, unfortunately, but I felt well taken care of. Noel is an excellent pilot/captain as he steered into the waves for the path of least resistance and most comfort to the passengers. We only saw a couple of whales (maybe too rough even for them) before we headed back in, but the whole cruise was handled professionally, safely, and most of all, courteously. I would go back out (on a calmer day) in a second. |
|
I would recommend this trip.
|
| Wed, Oct 17, 07 10:30 AM |
lynnmarie |
Female |
40-49 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Unspecified |
| I thouroughly enjoyed myself on this trip. Captain Noel and crew were very nice and explained what we were seeing on this cruise. We saw a variety of sea life which was very exciting.
The only thing that kept me from putting down "enthusiastically recommended" was the fact that the cruise was cut short about 1 hr. (probably because of the weather and also everyone on the cuise, but me, got sea sick). |
|
|
Do this
|
| Tue, Oct 16, 07 10:30 AM |
joanchu |
Female |
50-59 |
Combination |
Other |
| After living within sight of the Monterey Bay for over thirty years it was about time to go out on it. A visit from a friend from the UK spurred me into action.
Just the experience of being on the water was pretty darned cool (like being rocked by mother's arms on a huge scale), but getting close to marine life and feeling like a part of the world of whales was well worth the price and time. The captain and his assistant did everything they could to make the trip memorable. We saw at least a dozen humpbacks diving and blowing and playing in the kelp. At the end we watched three playing together. Very impressive. I learned a lot too.
One bit of advice - dress warmly. In spite of a bright sunny day it got chilly when the boat was moving quickly so be prepared. My visor went overboard. A few people got seasick so if you are so inclined, take precautions. I would also recommend a zoom lens if you can get one. You get fairly close to the whales but it would be rude to get too close.
Everyone who likes the ocean should do this at least once. It could get addictive. |
|
|
Wonderful Time
|
| Tue, Oct 16, 07 10:30 AM |
mecollins74 |
Male |
30-39 |
Domestic Tourist(s) |
Couple on a Date |
| We had a great time and the guys at Sancutary Cruzes were wonderful. Very helpful and knowlegable. |
|
|
great experience
|
| Fri, Oct 12, 07 10:30 AM |
dlontoh |
Male |
30-39 |
Local |
Family Without Children |
| enjoyed chance to see marine life up close. great learning experience. crew was friendly and provided lots of information. |
|
|
Awesome
|
| Tue, Oct 9, 07 10:30 AM |
KAYENWRIGHT |
Female |
40-49 |
International Tourist(s) |
Individual |
| The captain and crew member were excellent. Care was taken to ensure that we all enjoyed the experience.
Also, the greatest of respect was given to the creatures we encountered.
Thank you for this amazing experience.
Would love to return and do it all over again!
Kind regards
Kay (Kent, England) |
|
|
A great experience.
|
| Tue, Oct 9, 07 10:30 AM |
charliebrown |
Male |
50-59 |
International Tourist(s) |
Family Without Children |
| A great experience with lots of encounters with whales and other sea animals. Crew very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and the on board coffee and snacks appreciated.
After the 4 hour trip we visited a local sea food restaurant recommended by the crew -also well worth a visit. |
