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Activity #1222 |
Sunrise Photo Expedition |
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
What type of boat do we go out on?
This is one of our truly most frequently asked questions. We have two boats: one is 55 feet long and the other is 60 feet long. On the central west coast of California we call them Party Boats. You might know them better as Charter Boats. Both boats have two restrooms, an indoor cabin with seating, and plenty of deck space on which you can walk around or sit.
Are children allowed?
Very young children are not allowed on the photo expeditions. Children ages 10 and older are allowed on the expedition if they are going to be actively participating in taking photos. We ask that you do not bring your children (under 18) as observers. For families that would just like to experience Monterey and see wildlife, check out our Whale Watching Trips. For further questions on whether your children can attend, please click on the "Contact this seller" link.
I would like to see and learn about wildlife. Is this a good trip for me?
We welcome adult guests who would like nothing more than to see wildlife and learn about the ecology of the animals we encounter or take a trip around the Bay. The Sunrise Photo Expedition includes sightings of wildlife as well as scenic views of Monterey Bay. For a more general wildlife trip, you may also want to check out our Whale Watching Trips!
Why is an “Expedition” different from a regular wildlife trip?
Expeditions are different because on whale watching trips the captain and crew aren't trying to keep the best photo ops in mind or the best position for photographers. Many whale watching trips are interested in seeing as many different animals as possible to keep the counts up and make their passengers feel like they have seen as much as possible. Photo expeditions are not about how many different animals of the same species you can see. The focus is to spend time with the most active or predictable animal of the area.
Do I have to bring a camera?
Yes! We do not provide you with a camera. You may choose to bring any camera you would like to use, including a digital camera.
What speed film should I have?
Depends on what kind of photos you would like to take. We always recommend film or digital equivalent of 200 ISO to 400 ISO. Monterey is a temperate climate, meaning we don' t always have bright blue days out on the water. On occasion photographers can get away with using 100 ISO or even lower on the best of days. Please keep in mind that the ISO also greatly depends on the lens being used.
What kind of lenses should I bring?
All of them! We recommend bringing at least two lenses. One lens should have a focal length of somewhere between 300mm and 400mm, the other should be a wide angle lens between 20mm and 30mm.
Will I need to use/have a tripod?
No, you should not use a tripod for the tours on the boat. Tripods are designed to keep the camera perfectly still by using the unmoving ground as a base. While on the boat even on the calmest of days the boat still moves on the water making framing nearly impossible. Some photographers have a measure of success with a light mono pod. Still, we recommend holding the camera with your hands to give you faster and more flexible movement.
Am I going to get “the shot” on one trip?
Maybe you will and maybe you won't. Our expeditions deal with WILD ANIMALS--not ones that are captive or trained. We will provide you with the best opportunity possible to get "the shot," but animals are on their own schedules, as are the weather and lighting. One of the biggest factors in photography is the photographer, so keep your cameras ready! If you have a particular shot in mind, feel free to tell your crew and they will do their best to accommodate you. The more trips you take, the better your chances are for getting a wide variety of shots.
What happens if it rains?
The Photo Expeditions will go out in light rain and other moderate weather conditions. We may cancel the trip due to severe or unsafe weather and if that happens you'll be able to reschedule or receive credit for a future event. We unfortunately cannot control the weather, so please be flexible with us.
Can I still get a good shot in cloudy or rainy weather?
Yes! A cloudy day can add significant dramatic effects to a photo and a lot of the wildlife in the area come out in the rain. It is up to each photographer to be prepared for the weather, including protecting your equipment. We suggest that you just use a ziplock bag and cut a hole in it for the lens.
Who will be guiding our expedition?
All the tours are guided by a professional photographer with years of experience on the Monterey Bay. The photographer assists the captain by helping to keep the best scenery and lighting aligned with the animals. Your guide will also provide you with some personal photography assistance should you need it.
Can I bring food and beverages?
Yes, you may bring whatever food and beverages, including beer, you would like to have. However, you may not bring hard alcohol on board. We ask that beverages be in cans or plastic bottles, as glass can be a real hazard aboard a boat.
Can I bring an ice chest?
A small one for your food and beverages. We ask that large ones be left at the dock, so as not to deprive you or anyone else of space aboard the boat.
How close do we get to the animals?
As Monterey Bay is a Sanctuary protected area, we are allowed to approach animals up to 100 yards away. What the animals do after that is at their discretion. Our captains are experts in finding wildlife for you to capture on film!
Are there restrooms on the boat?
Yes, all of our vessels have a clean bathroom for your convenience.
What should I wear?
Warm layered clothing and rubber soled shoes are best. It is always much cooler on the ocean than on land, so it is better to be over dressed than under dressed. Once you become comfortable you can always peel a layer off.
Will I get seasick?
We sure hope not. Unfortunately, this is not something we can predict. While we can't recommend you take any medications, prevention might be a good idea if you are susceptible to motion sickness.
Are there life jackets on the boat?
Yes, there are life jackets for every adult and child on board. The location of the jackets is clearly posted and verbally announced by the skipper.
Do I have to wear the life jacket?
Adults and children ages 6 and older are not required to wear jackets. We highly recommend that if the Skipper or deckhand has put a jacket on, then you might want get one on real fast!
Are your boats safe?
Absolutely. In addition to modern safety equipment (EPIRB, Life Floats, Life Jackets, etc.) our vessels are constantly maintained and inspected twice a year by the United States Coast Guard, a Division of Homeland Security.
I left items on the boat, can you mail them?
Absolutely. Inform us of your address and we will return items to you either by US MAIL or UPS. Shipping charges may be applied. If items are left behind and unclaimed they will be given to the less fortunate.
Can I bring my dog or other small pet on board the boat?
No, unfortunately pets are not allowed on board our photo expeditions.
Are your boats wheelchair-accessible?
Unfortunately, no. Our boats depart from a low dock that can only be accessed via a flight of stairs. If you are in a wheelchair and have people accompanying you who could carry you down the stairs and onto the boat, you are welcome on the boat with your wheelchair, but otherwise we apologize that we cannot accommodate you.
Do you have discounts for Groups, Aquarium Members, or Military Personnel?
Randy's Fishing and Whale Watching Trips offers discounts to photography professors and students on its Photo Expeditions. Special circumstances may be acceptable please contact the seller for more information.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes! Gift certificates for Randy's Fishing Trips are great for any occasion. To purchase a gift certificate, click on the "Contact this seller" link.
Can I book a private trip?
Yes! Randy's Fishing and Whale Watching can accommodate a variety of special requests. Click on the "Contact this seller" link for more information on private trips.
