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Activity #1327 |
All Day Farallon Islands Natural History Excursion |
What kind of whales and marine life have been sighted recently?
As of 11/23/09: We have seen blue whales, humpback whales and gray whales at the Farallon Islands! It's blue whale season, and we such are excited they are here!
Also spotted were marine life such as harbor porpoise, harbor seal, California sea lion, elephant seal, seabirds, western gull, surf scofer, pigion guillimot, brown pelican, common murre, common loon, pacific loon,red necked phalarope, red phalarope, double crested cormorant, Brandt's cormorant, pelagic cormorant, tufted puffin (a rare sighting), and blue belly sap suckers comb jelly sea neattle moon jelly fish!
---------------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT TICKETS/POLICIES---------------------------
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is required, and trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
What if I want tickets for a trip in the future not listed?
If the date you are looking for is further along than our schedule shows, please click on the "Contact this seller" link to request a tour on a specific day.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Trips will continue rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, you will be notified of cancellation and will be allowed to reschedule to another time depending upon availability.
Are children allowed?
Children under 3 years of age are not allowed to attend the cruise for safety reasons. Children between the ages of 3 and 15 have a reduced price ticket and are more than welcome to come along!
Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?
Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before participating in any active activities. For safety reasons, we do not recommend that pregnant women attend. If you have any questions, please click on the "Contact this seller" link to discuss further.
Do your trips depart on time?
Yes, our trips do depart promptly! We kindly ask that you arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. Don't miss the boat!
How far are you from the major airports?
We are approximately 30 minutes from San Francisco and Oakland airports depending on traffic.
-------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT WHALE WATCHING----------------------
Do you guarantee whale sightings on every trip?
We can not guarantee that you will always see whales, but we have had great success in the past. We can guarantee that our crew will do its best to ensure that you have a great time on board with us.
What kind of whales will I see?
We have seen Grey, Blue, and Humpback whales throughout the year depending on the season. See our sightings report for the most recent sightings.
When is the best trip of the day?
Both morning and afternoon trips are equally exciting. Your choice should be determined by your own personal preference. Either trip produces equal marine and wildlife sightings. The captain and crew favor the afternoon trips
( when offered) because it is exceptionally beautiful to view marine life as the sun sets. Afternoon trips produce an excellent opportunity for unique photos!
How close up can we view whales?
We will stop 300 ft. from the whales and let them come to us, following federal whale watching guidelines. We do not touch, swim with, or feed the wildlife.
What happens if I don't see a whale or any dolphins during my trip?
We will try our best to make sure you have a great experience on board with us, but we cannot control where the whales are at any given time. If you don't see any whales or dolphins during your trip, we kindly invite you to come back again for another trip!
What other marine life should I expect to see?
The other marine and wildlife include: Western Gull, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Cassin's Auklet, Tufted Puffin, Black Oystercatcher, Rhinoceros Auklet, Ashy Storm-petrel, Leach's Storm Petrel, Northern Elephant Seal, Harbor Seal, Steller's Sea Lion, California Sea Lion, Northern Fur Seal, Dall's Porpoise, Risso's Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin, Orca, and White Sharks.
How far do we have to travel to view whales?
Our destination (weather permitting) is always the Farallon Islands, which is located 27 miles off shore, but whales have been known to appear as soon as we have left the harbor!
How long is the trip?
Generally, we leave the dock at 8am and return between 2:00 and 4pm. The return time is dependent on the wind and the sightings of the day.The Weather ,Sightings, controls the time of the trip between 6 to max 8 hours.
Where do the trips end?
The trips end at the same dock which they departed from.
--------------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOAT--------------------------
Which boat will I be on?
Most Farallon Island expeditions take place on our premiere, deluxe, high-speed catamaran "Kitty Kat". The 65 foot Kitty Kat has a unique hull shape and hydrofoil system that give it superior advantage over monohulls and increase lift. Kitty Kat can travel smoothly on any type of sea! Although most trips will take place on board this modern vessel, we do reserve the right to use our equally great boat "Happy Days" if business warrants it. Happy Days is a 43 foot Delta Marine vessel with indoor and outdoor seating, a heated cabin, and clean restroom. Both boats will prove a great ride!
Will I get seasick?
If you are prone to motion sickness, then there are a few great remedies out there to try. Please be prepared and take preventative measures after consulting with a doctor. Keep in mind that this is an intense expedition and the boat WILL stop at the Farallon islands which may result in some light rocking. Fortunately, our boat is one of the best out there and its modern technology helps make every trip a great ride.
Are there restrooms on the boat?
Yes, both boats are equipped with clean restrooms for your convenience.
Are the boats safe?
Safety is our number one priority! Our boats meet the current United States Coast guard regulations, and our experienced captain and crew make every effort to ensure a fun and safe adventure.
Are your boats handicapped accessible?
Unfortunately, there are 4 steps you must take to board the boat, but if you are mobile enough our crew would be glad to assist you onto the boat with the best of their ability. The bathrooms on board are not wheelchair accessible but can be used by a passenger with limited mobility. If you'd like to make a request for any special accommodations, please click on the "Contact this seller" link.
Can I smoke on the boat?
No, smoking is not permitted on board.
-----------------------------WHAT SHOULD I BRING-------------------------------
Can I bring my own food and beverages on board?
Yes! Please feel free to bring your own food or non-alcoholic beverages on board. Beer and wine are allowed on board, but hard alcohol is not.
Can I bring alcohol on the cruise?
You may bring beer or wine on the trip, but nothing with a higher alcohol content. Hard liquor is not allowed on board.
How should I dress?
Dress warm and in layers. Waterproof jackets are great and comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must.
Do you offer SFWhaleTours merchandise?
Yes, please click on the "Contact this Seller" link for more information and merchandise will be provided on board for purchase.
-------------------PRIVATE CHARTERS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES------------
Can I purchase a gift certificate?
Yes, gift certificates make a great gift for any occasion! If you're interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please click on the "Contact this seller" link to make a request.
Do you have translators for non-English speaking people?
Trips are narrated in English, but the scenery is enough to take in even if English isn't your first language. Click on the "Contact this seller" link for private trips if you would like to have a translated trip and we will try to accommodate you.
Can I book a private trip?
Yes, we do offer private charters. To inquire further, please click on the "Contact this seller" link for more information.
