WELCOME ABOARD! Shearwater Journeys, Inc. is pleased to have you join us on our exciting nature trip to observe some of the most fascinating wildlife, offshore Half Moon Bay. Please read the following information carefully as it will add to your enjoyment of the trip.

Please meet Debi at H Dock, Johnson Pier at Pillar Point Harbor on Half Moon Bay, El Granada for boarding of the New Captain Pete at 7:00 a.m. SHARP. The boat will depart immediately after the pre-trip briefing. Please be PROMPT. The boat will NOT wait for latecomers. Return times are variable, ranging from 3:30-6:30 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. There is a working microwave on board which you may use.

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). DO 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 offshore. 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 usually 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 may proceed for several hours and need to be canceled before completion. This may cause a pro-rated fee to be charged. If the trip is more than 4 hours complete, the full rate will be charged. 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 (30), 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 $20 processing fee for EACH canceled reservation. You may reschedule (switch to another date) on another trip 30 days in advance in writing. There is a $20 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 due to weather or terrorists, by the captain 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.

PARKING is available in the lot near the dock. However, do NOT park in the two rows labeled as two hour parking. You will be ticketed. Please note that some areas are designated as permit parking. Parking is free.

MOTELS in the surrounding area can be very expensive. It is wise to reserve rooms in advance. 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. 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

Email Debi
Phone: 831-637-8527