Shearwater Journeys is pleased to have you join us on our exciting nature trips to observe some of the fascinating wildlife in the Bodega Bay area. Please read the following information carefully as it will add to the enjoyment of your trip.
DEPARTURE Please proceed to the Port O' Bodega north
of the Tides' Wharf in Bodega Bay. Follow highway 1 north until
past the fire station and the Boat House Restaurant, turning left
and heading downhill at the whale sign. Park in the large free lot and check in with the
trip leader at 6:30a.m. before boarding. Please be PROMPT. The
boat will NOT wait for latecomers. The boat will return at
approximately 4:00 p.m. Allow for delays of several hours in
returning to the dock if unusual wildlife is encountered. It is not
wise to try to make a connecting flight the evening of the
trip.
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 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.
REFUNDS can be made ONLY if Shearwater
Journeys is notified in writing TWENTY 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
TWENTY DAY CUT-OFF PERIOD! There are NO exceptions to
this policy. You must cancel in writing or e-mail as answering machines are
unreliable. If you cancel your reservation twenty days before your
scheduled trip, you will receive a refund within 30 days less a
$15.00 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 $15.00
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.
PARKING is free at Port O' Bodega
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!
Email Debi
Phone: 831-637-8527