Travel: Whale Watching Cruise in Los Angeles
Whale watching is a one-of-a-kind adventures that gives a breathtaking view of the magnificent marine life in Los Angeles - something not a lot of locals actually even know about! However, thousands of people troop to Los Angeles every year to experience it first hand. And since it’s a fantastic family activity, here are a few tips to get the most out of it.
Be Prepared for a Day at Sea
It's always cooler on the ocean and rain could fall during the trip. Layer up your dress. Remember that whale watch tour crews and captains rarely get motion sickness while on board. So make sure you’re fully prepped as a newbie!
Boat decks can get slippery and wet when on the sea so shoes with rubber soles or grip are a must. Wear sunscreen and a hat but make sure it's a hat that won't blow off in the wind. If you're wearing sunglasses, you should use a retainer so that you don't risk your glasses falling overboard.
Choose the Right Whale Watching Tour Provider
Most people watch whales from boats. Whale watch vessels are in different sizes. The size of the boats available depends on the tour provider. Do some research on the best tour providers and captains before making reservations.
Check if they have an expert guide or a naturalist on board. An enthusiastic guide will pass on happiness and education when you meet a whale. If you're going on the tour with your kids, you may choose a bigger boat so that they can have room to play around.
Watch the Weather
Make sure you plan around the weather. You must be mindful of the season and Los Angeles whale watching weather. Note, it is colder on the water and you might even get motion sickness. If you're not sure you'll enjoy cruising through rough seas, choose the calmest day possible.
Check the marine and weather forecast about the conditions of the weather. If there is a forecast for high wind, you may have a rocky trip. it's better to wear warm clothes like a heavy sweater or winter coat, sturdy rubber-soled shoes, and a rain jacket if there's a forecast of rain.
Relax and Enjoy the Moment
A little tip - choose a sailing boat, as it is quieter and more relaxing for you and the whales. And when the whales are relaxed, they tend to come closer. Stressed ones usually try to get away. Makes sense to us, we’d do the same.
Understanding their behavior can also help you predict their movements and see them more. A humpback whale has an average downtime of 3-8 minutes, so don’t worry if it seems the whale is not coming up.
Capture and Cherish the Memory
Photos are awesome, but it’s not all about photos - especially because what you see in real life will be significantly cooler than what you could possibly capture. Really hearing and seeing the creatures as they interact with the environment is a super special moment - so try to remember to savor it!
