Shearwater Journeys is pleased to have you join us on our exciting
nature trips to observe some of the fascinating wildlife found in
the Monterey Bay. Please read the following information carefully
as it will add to the enjoyment of your trip.
DEPARTURE
Please go to CHRIS FISHING SHOP on FISHERMANS' WHARF IN MONTEREY (map)
at 5:15 a.m. SHARP for immediate boarding. The boat will depart
at 5:30 a.m. Please be PROMPT. The boat will NOT wait for
latecomers who will forfeit their fee. The boat will return at 5:30p.m. Allow for delays of
several hours in returning to the dock if unusual wildlife is
encountered.
WARM CLOTHING should be brought in large
quantities, including rain gear, headwear, gloves, and non-skid
shoes or boots. Persons in open-toed shoes will not be admitted to
the boat. A large man's handkerchief is good for wiping spray from
glasses. The boat will go out in rain or small craft warnings, at
the captain's discretion, so be prepared. Ponchos must be secured
about the waist with a belt. Bring sunscreen. It can be cool at any
time of the year, including summer, on the ocean.
SNACKS are NOT available, as there is no
GALLEY on board. Bring an ample supply of food, crackers, and
liquids.
CAMERAS and
BINOCULARS are essential, however
telescopes, tripods, folding chairs or stools, are not permitted on
board. Bring plastic bags to protect your equipment from spray.
Bring field guides, too! Shearwater Journeys cannot be liable for
loss or damage to your personal property while on the trip.
SEASICK PILLS are highly recommended
and, to be effective, they must be taken one hour PRIOR to
boarding. If you have never taken them, check with your doctor
first. There is no need to be embarrassed about this common
problem, but it does require your attention. The best cure for
seasickness is prevention. If you take anti-seasickness
medicine, be sure to read the warning labels on the package. Eat
a non-greasy, high protein breakfast (a full stomach is less likely
to betray you). Do not drink alcoholic beverages the night before
the trip. Pretzels and carbonated beverages during the trips can be
helpful to settle your stomach. Avoid the use of colognes and
perfumes. Go to bed early. The number one cause of
seasickness is lack of sleep. Remember, the key to
avoiding seasickness is to take preventive measures PRIOR to your
trip.
WEATHER is rarely a problem inside
sheltered Monterey Bay. If it is raining, do NOT assume the
trip will be cancelled. Please do not call me or the shop because
the weather can change drastically overnight. We do not make
decisions regarding cancellation until the morning of the trip.
Sometimes, the winds kick up in the afternoon forcing an early
return. (The trip will be deemed completed.) Occasionally, we might have to cancel at the dock, if the
weather starts to deteriorate rapidly. You may reschedule your trip
or request a full refund within 30 days should Shearwater Journeys
cancel the trip at the dock. Only one trip in a thousand fall trips
(July through October) has been cancelled due to weather.
REFUNDS can be made ONLY if Shearwater
Journeys is notified in writing THIRTY (30) DAYS before your trip, using the postmark of your
letter as the date of the cancellation. NO REFUND WILL
BE MADE FOR ANY REASON SHOULD YOU CANCEL YOUR RESERVATION AFTER THE
THIRTY DAY CUT-OFF PERIOD! There are NO exceptions to
this policy. You must cancel in writing as answering machines are
unreliable. If you cancel your reservation thirty days before your
scheduled trip, you will receive a refund within 30 days less a
$20.00 processing fee for EACH reservation. You may reschedule on
another trip 30 days in advance in writing, if you want to change
from one date to another date on the schedule. There is a $20.00
fee to reschedule your trip. Trips may be cancelled by Shearwater
Journeys due to undersubscription, hazardous weather conditions, or
acts of God. In no event, however, shall our liability exceed the
obligation to refund the amount you paid to us. If you should miss
your trip due to airline changes, cancellations, terrorist acts, acts of war,
or related incidents, your fee will not be refundable unless Shearwater Journeys
cancels the entire trip. See your travel agent for trip cancellation insurance
which we highly recommend purchasing.
COURSE ALTERATIONS may be necessary if
SIGNIFICANT marine bird, mammal, fish, or turtle events occur on
the day of your trip. This may involve spending more time in one
area, or prolonging the length of the entire trip. This is a
judgement call on the part of Debra Shearwater or any of the
Shearwater Journeys' leaders. Examples of past significant events
include orcas attacking gray whales, orcas on an elephant seal kill
with attending storm-petrels, unusual humpback whale behavior
repertoires, or events that require photo-documentation. Reports of
extremely rare birds (Streaked Shearwater, Red-footed Booby) from
other vessels have resulted in fast paced chases. Shearwater
Journeys' trips are marine natural history trips with a strong
focus on seabirds and whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
SAFETY reasons prevent pregnant women
from being admitted to the boat. The facilities cannot accommodate
wheelchairs. Also, please consult with me before making a
reservation for anyone under 12 years of age.
SMOKING is NOT permitted on the boat.
This is for everyone's comfort. To improve the quality of your pelagic trip, we request that you please turn off CELL PHONES and pagers while on the boat. Soliciting of any sort is not permitted without the expressed permission of Debra Shearwater.
MOTELS in the surrounding area can be very
expensive. Please contact the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1770,
Monterey, CA 93942-1770 for more information. It is wise to reserve motels months in advance as the
peninsula can be very busy any weekend of
the year. It is possible to arrive and find all motels
fully booked. Camping facilities are very
limited.
PARKING in the public parking lot near
the wharf is best, however, this area is very confusing and it is
best to allow ample time or to scope it out the day prior to the trip. From Del Monte Avenue, turn right on
Washington Street into the main parking lot. Take a ticket upon
entering, get a validation sticker from CHRIS' FISHING SHOP, and it will cost
$3-4 upon exiting the lot. Be aware that there are two different
wharfs and don't get confused with the commercial wharf.
Receipt of this contract acknowledges your acceptance of the above conditions. The leaders and Shearwater Journeys assume no responsibility for personal
injury.
Very often we find that birders expect to find all of the pelagic
birds possible for the season on ONE trip (and even some not
expected at a given season)! Remember that you will be looking for migratory birds and each day is very different. Think of your favorite landbirding place in migration - you would probably spend more than one day birding such an area. High Island, TX and Cape May, NJ come to mind. Seabirding is no different in this respect. Seabirding is one of the most difficult types of birding that there is, given the conditions of boat motion, salt spray, etc. Most folks who come from out-of-state participate in more than one trip, thereby maximizing the outcome. Remember, these trips include ALL marine life! Often, the best birds show up while we are watching whales. Come well-rested and be prepared for excitement!
Shearwater Journeys,Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
Phone: 831-637-8527