I have been checking things off my domestic travel list with the limited international travel these days, so in I recently traveled to Maine.  Maine has air that makes you want to just take a deep breath, enjoy the lobster, eat blueberries, see rocky shores, go whale watching, and really appreciate those gorgeous sunrises so early in the morning with a cup of coffee in hand.

But the focus here is whale watching … specifically considerations before you get on that excursion boat.

1.       Dramamine… take it before you board.   I have been fortunate not to have motion sickness problems, but this was the first excursion I’ve been on where so many folks were sick.  And I don’t mean just queasy.   They gave at least five warnings before we even left the dock and all ended in ‘now’s the time to leave the boat.’  Be honest with yourself and heed those warnings – 40 miles out at sea is not a short ride and there will always be some sort of waves.

2.      Camera lenses … you want the reach for photography on the trip, and it’s worth carrying it.  If you have one, take it!

3.      Layers of clothing … the temperature dropped about 30 degrees from shore to our farthest point out at sea.  While many boats will have an area where you can go and be protected from the elements, it’s chilly.  Layer a sweatshirt, a really good windbreaker/jacket, a hoodie, etc.  Think hat, head wrap like you’d wear skiing to protect your ears, maybe even some gloves, and long pants.

4.      WiFi … just like cruises, get out of touch with land and you run a high likelihood of no connectivity.  Sitting and working on email or calls isn’t a given so do all that before you board the boat.

5.      Food … the boats don’t always have a wide food selection.  Check to see if you can take food on board (the one we went on had several restaurants offering prepackaged lobster roll sack lunches, etc. – tasty!)   The waviness of the ride may not pair well with beer or wine, but it was offered on the boat.

6.      Seating … while it’s tempting to race to the top floor, keep in mind it isn’t going to be the warmest there when out at sea.  Consider the inside first floor – less crowded, concessions are nearby, AND seats are booths rather than classroom rows making it easy to put things on a table during the trip.  It’s just plain warmer AND less wavy than a higher floor.

7.      Step outside to get fresh air during the excursion … the fresh air helps with sea sickness.   Think ‘face to the wind’ for that crisp air.

8.      Consider having a little cash on you; not all vendors take credit/debit cards.

9.      And dare I say it again … if you get motion sickness …. Think twice (and about the consequences) of going on any boat tour.   I’m not saying don’t go on a boat tour, but you know yourself.  I just want you to enjoy the tour and appreciate your travel experiences.

10.  Have a great trip!

The reward of the ride is hopefully getting to see a whale –or at least their tail - so you have, that's right ... a whale of a tail to share!

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Have fun!

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