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Viewing Four Invaluable Tips for Choosing Whale Watching ToursFour Invaluable Tips for Choosing Whale Watching Tours
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Just imagine several gentle majestic whales close by, larger than life, spouting a stream of water into the air right in front of you - it may well be one of the most awe-inspiring sights you will ever see in your life! Here are some guidelines. By Paul Stanbury Whale watching tours offer some of the most unforgettable experiences you can have on a holiday. Just imagine these gentle majestic creatures close by, larger than life, spouting a stream of water into the air right in front of you - it may well be one of the most awe-inspiring sights you will ever see in your life! You will want to make sure that your tour stays etched in your memory for the right reasons, not the wrong ones. This is why choosing a reputable, knowledgeable operator plays a large part in ensuring a holiday you'll remember with fondness for the rest of your life. Here are few things to consider in choosing the company to take you on your whale watching tours: 1. What Kind of Whale (and Other Marine Life) Do You Want to See? The species of whales sighted on whale watching tours vary depending on the geographic location the company operates; so if there's a particular kind you have your heart set on, research the locations and the companies that offer tours in those places beforehand. Since whales are migratory, keep in mind that these locations can vary depending on the time of the year. Most areas have very short seasons for whale watching, so you will want to keep that in mind as well. 2. Where (and How Far) Do You Want to Go? In the United States alone, hundreds of operators offer whale watching tours on both coasts as well as Hawaii. And that's only one part of the world! Other popular locations include Quebec (which is home to two rare and endangered species - the North Atlantic right whale and the Beluga), the Azores archipelago, Dominica in the Caribbean, Los Cabos in Mexico, Kaikoura in New Zealand, Hermanus in South Africa, and the aptly named Orcas island. 3. What Kind of Boat Do They Have? (and Other Equipment Questions) Vessels for whale watching tours vary from large cruise ships to smaller private vessels, and the price usually gets lower depending on how many people are on board - though that's not always the case. Private charters cost the most, depending again on the type of vessel. Families with small children will want to choose whale watching tours on larger boats with railings, while all-adult groups can opt for the faster, smaller vessels. A large, fast boat is of course the best combination, offering both comfort and speed. 4. What Else? Other things you will want to look into when choosing who to go with for whale watching tours: • What's on board: safety and medical equipment such as life jackets and first aid kits, food arrangements, amenities such as enclosed cabins for inclement weather, communications equipment such as VHF radios and satellite phones. • Who's on board: naturalists or marine biologists who can identify the species and offer an educational commentary, trained medical personnel who can offer emergency services. • Sighting guarantees • Cancellation/refund policies • The whale watching tour's involvement in marine protection and other green activities. About the Author: Paul Stanbury is the Operations Manager for Naturetrek, a tour operator specializing in expert-led natural history and whale watching tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to their bird watching tours in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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