Shearwater Journeys, Inc. is pleased to have you join us on our
exciting nature trip to observe some of the most fascinating wildlife found in the Gulf of
the Farallones. Please read the following information carefully as it will add to your
enjoyment of the trip.
DEPARTURE
Please be at the boarding
dock, Clipper Yacht Harbor, 310 Harbor Dr., SAUSALITO for boarding the Outer Limits, at
7:30 a.m. SHARP. The boat will depart immediately after the pre-trip briefing. Please be
PROMPT. The boat will NOT wait for latecomers. We will return about 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Allow for delays, 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
any time of the year, including summer, on the ocean.
SNACKS are NOT available, as there is no galley on board. Bring ample food, crackers
and liquids.
CAMERAS and BINOCULARS are essential, however, telescopes, tripods, folding
chairs or stools, are not permitted on the boat. 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 before, check with your doctor first,
and be sure to read the warnings on the label. There is no need to be embarrassed
about this common problem, but it does require your attention. The best cure for
seasickness is prevention. Eat a non-greasy, high protein breakfast (A full stomach is
less likely to betray you). Don not drink alcoholic beverages the night prior to your trip.
Pretzels and carbonated beverages during the trip 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. Ginger and wrist bands generally do NOT work.
Take a pill. Remember, the key to avoiding seasickness is to take preventative
measures PRIOR to your trip.
WEATHER can be a problem outside of unsheltered San Francisco Bay. If it is raining
(unlikely), or foggy (likely), do NOT assume that the trip is canceled. Please do not call
me the night prior to the trip, as I will not be there. We do not make decisions regarding
cancellation until the morning of the trip. Sometimes, the wind will kick up in the
afternoon, forcing an earlier return. The trip will be deemed completed, if we reach the
islands. Be prepared for windy and wet conditions. If the trip is weathered out, a $10
processing fee will be deducted from your refund.
REFUNDS can ONLY be made if Shearwater Journeys is notified THIRTY DAYS, in
writing before the date of your trip, using the postmark date of your letter as the
cancellation date.
NO REFUNDS 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, and email are unreliable. If you cancel your reservation thirty days before
your trip, you will receive a refund in 30 days. There is a $25 processing fee for EACH
canceled reservation. You may reschedule on another trip 30 days in advance in writing.
There is a $25 rescheduling fee. Trips may be canceled by Shearwater Journeys, Inc.
due to undersubscription, hazardous weather conditions or Acts of God. If the trip is
canceled for any of these reasons, you will receive a refund, less a $10 processing fee,
within 30 days. In no event, however shall our liability exceed the obligation to refund
more than 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, Inc. cancels the entire trip. See your travel
agent for trip cancellation insurance which we highly recommend purchasing.
SAFETY reasons prevent pregnant women from being admitted to the boat. The
facilities cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Please consult with Debra Shearwater for
making a reservation for anyone under the age of 12 years.
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 express
permission of Debra Shearwater.
MOTELS in the surrounding area can be very expensive. It is wise to reserve rooms in
advance. Please check the internet for motels.
PARKING: $2 PER PERSON, PAID IN CASH, AT THE DOCK. DO NOT PARK IN
FRONT OF THE FISH RESTAURANT!
FUEL SURCHARGES MAY APPLY, PAYABLE AT THE DOCK.
Receipt of this contract acknowledges your acceptance of the above conditions. The
leaders and Shearwater Journeys, Inc. assume no responsibility for personal injury. Our
trips typically have several experienced leaders. If you have questions, please be sure
to ask them. Our target species is the Tufted Puffin. The Farallon Islands are the largest
breeding seabird colony south of Alaska on the west coast. Landing on the islands is not
permitted, otherwise we would be disturbing nesting seabirds. Chumming and using the
public address system is not permitted within 3 miles of the islands. IF weather
conditions allow, we will head offshore to the edge of the continental shelf, where we
hope to find albatrosses and other seabirds. Come well-rested and be prepared for
excitement!
Shearwater Journeys,Inc.
PO Box 190
Hollister, CA 95024
Phone: 831-637-8527