Goldstar

• 4.0
• Written on Feb 23 2009

2/22 was a great day for this event. The weather was a little cloudy at first but it wasn't too cold. The clouds parted mid-day right at the perfect time to take photos.

This is a long day, but we enjoyed it. I've never been on the other whale watching or sea life exploration tours. This one had it all! The captain was knowledgeable and was quite the story teller! (Interesting bit about the island and the cats???)

We saw 'whales galore' according to the captain. We were seeing them in groups of 4, 6 and 8. Pretty amazing!

What's nice is that these islands are relatively untouched and the the wildlife there live in their own ecosystem and it works to keep the animals alive and well.

We brought our own lunch as did many others. We took lots of photos and enjoyed our day. If you're seated up top, there are no tables so be prepared to have lunch in your lap.

The only gripe I might have is that when you're sitting on the top deck of the boat, the speaker barely projects over the noise of the waves against the boat, the boat motor and people chatting. Its a good thing we had a crowd that was interested in what he was saying so all were pretty respectful up on top.

What balances that one gripe was how amazingly well that captain maneuvered that boat! The way he'd pull it up close to the island so you could get good photos. The way he was respectful in the way he worked his way around the group of whales so as not to scare them. The way he'd stop talking to he wouldn't scare the birds that were 'sensitive to noise', not only did all of that speak to his knowledge of his craft, it also showed his respect for the animals and their habitat. He pulled that boat up to the edge of those islands better than I've seen people attempt to parallel park even the smallest of cars in the largest of spaces?? He's good!

If its freezing cold on the way back, don't expect the inside of the boat to be like the Hornblower were everyone who's outside can fit inside. The inside cabin is more of just a galley with a few bench seats and tables. We were lucky to get a seat before the ride back home.

We read the reviews and it was a good idea to:
bring our own lunch,
bring reading materials for the way home,
put on sunblock, wear sunglasses,
dress warmly and bring extra clothes to layer if needed
park in the county building (1 day $7) @ ash and pacific highway

We decided we'd do that one again if guests were in town and wanted to do something different and enjoyable. I feel like it was better than going to Sea World because the animals you see are doing their own thing, in their own natural environments!

• 4.0
• Written on Jan 03 2010

This event is worth every penny, even at full price! But you have to be prepared!! This is a long, long, long day. You can expect to be out on the boat for 6 hours. As a long time San Diego resident, I learned more and saw more than I would have ever imagined. The islands are stunningly beautiful and you would never guess that paradise was so close. Dress warm. It was over 70 when we left and we needed a blanket, gloves and a scarf. Don't be fooled. The best seats are not on the top where the crowd rushes too, or on the front. They are on the back of the boat. Those that sit up top or in front get a severe case of wind burn and turn into popsicles. When the whales approach the boat and the dolphins chase you, you don't want to be 20 feet in the air when you can lean over the edge and be with in feet and actually hear the dolphins talk. The captain does a great job of spinning the boat so all sides can see. If you can sit in the back on the port side, you'll probably never have to move. TAKE SEASICK PILLS even if you never get seasick. They should be mandatory! It was a calm, flat day, but we had some pukers. Pack a lunch. Hard coolers aren't allowed, but you can take a soft sided cooler bag. The grill serves food, but it is not that amazing. A thermos of hot chocolate or coffee would be divine. Don't miss this, it is a true treat!

• 4.0
• Written on Mar 30 2009

We didn't see much in whales..just one...but that was fine by me. I was more on the look out for dolphins, and boy did I see dolphins! One of the pods...is that what you call a group of dolphins?...anyway, one group we encountered had to of had 40 or more! It was absolutely amazing.

I went with a group of friends, and unfortunately, 3 of them became sea sick, so might I recommend taking a little something before hand, just as a precaution. It couldn't hurt anything.

Also, I didn't heed suggestions to dress warmly, as it'd been beautiful the day before, and I was worried about getting hot. That was pretty dumb on my part. It didn't put a damper on my day, but I do wish I'd at least worn pants. Luckily they have blankets on board, and I manged to find a vent by the engine that put out warm air for the trip back.

Oh, and one last thing. Don't park right in front as the suggestions say, as that is only 2 hour parking Mon-Sun, and don't park at the 5 Star Parking across the street, as it costs about twice that of the other suggestions like the County Building or Home Depot.

I would recommend this trip to anyone!