LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 23rd, 2021
Dear Whale Watchers,
We are open for Social Distancing Whale Watch trips!
We have worked tirelessly to offer trips with significant changes that reflect our top priority: the health and safety of YOU, our passengers, and our terrific crew. Relying on current information and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Monterey County Health Department, we have remodeled our tours to make whale-watching as safe as possible in the time of COVID-19.
Here’s how things stand at the moment:
Passenger Capacity & Social Distancing
We have decreased our capacity significantly to maintain social distancing while accounting for the likelihood of wildlife viewing on one side of the boat at a time. The lower capacity will create a safer and more enjoyable environment for both passengers and crew members.
We are voluntarily limiting our total capacity to just 14 passengers, which is just 30% of our Coast Guard-approved maximum. After taking measurements of rail space on the uncovered portions on our decks, we concluded that a maximum of 14 passengers would provide ample social distancing between parties. Space markers on railings and decks will indicate proper distances. Beginning April 1st, 2021, we will increase our capacity to 16 (12 on main deck, 4 on upper deck).
For the upper deck, the allowed number of passengers has been reduced from 8 to 2, with separate reservations for this deck now required in advance. Beginning April 1st, 2021, we will allow up to 4 to reserve the upper deck.
Face Covering Policy
Without exception, all passengers (including children) and crew are required to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth for the entire duration of the tour, beginning at check-in (except when eating or drinking). You must bring your own face covering (make sure it is secure and can remain in place with wind). If health reasons prevent you from wearing a face covering, we cannot accommodate you at this time.
Stringent Cleaning & Sanitizing
Surfaces and high traffic areas on the boat will be disinfected more frequently during the tour and between each tour. Hand sanitizer will be available to passengers in multiple locations. Our on-board head (restroom) is disinfected frequently throughout the trip.
Bring Your Own Snacks
To decrease the amount of time passengers will spend inside the cabin, and to eliminate a high-contact area, we have removed our on-board snack bar. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. Hand-held lunch coolers only. No large coolers.
Wellness Checks
Our crew will receive daily wellness checks to ensure they are healthy and symptom-free.
If you or anyone in your group is experiencing symptoms, we will work directly with you to reschedule your tour if possible.
Price Increase & Private Charter Option
To compensate for our considerable decrease in capacity, while still providing a living wage for our captain and crew, we have increased the rates for our standard 3-4 hour tour:
Adult, Main Deck: $95
Child, Main Deck (4-12yrs): $85
Upper Deck (18yrs+): $115
Previously available discounts do not apply as we’ve gone as low as we can with the new rates. Contact us directly if you hold unused tickets or if you booked a tour before these new protocols were implemented.
Customers now have the option of booking a private tour for a group of 14 or fewer. The private tour option will be available on trip dates that do not already have bookings from other customers. Contact us directly if you’d like to book a private tour.
What You Should Do
• Stay home if you have any symptoms.
• Wash your hands before and after leaving the vessel.
• Take advantage of the hand sanitizing stations on board and refrain from touching your face.
• Remain on the outside decks for the duration of the tour (dress in layers to tolerate the cold and wind, even on sunny days).
• Avoid taking a tour at this time if you are prone to seasickness.
If you have any questions please contact us at blueoceanwhalewatch@gmail.com
Thank you,
The Blue Ocean Whale Watch Team
