| Frequently Asked Questions | ||||
| DO YOU REALLY SEE WHALES?
Of course, the answer is yes. Blue Whales are seen during summer months off the coast of San Diego and at the offshore banks. We’ve also seen Finback, Humpback, Minke, Killer, and False Killer whales. Additionally, we do see a lot of other marine mammals including sea lions, seals and dolphins including: Risso’s, Common, and White Sided. Our captains and narrative staff will also highlight other wildlife as we see them such as various fish, and a variety of sea birds. WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK IS BETTER? Sundays are always busier than weekdays, but no matter which trip you choose the passenger compliment aboard is comfortable. HOW FAR WILL WE CRUISE INTO THE OCEAN? Trips will generally travel offshore between the nine mile bank and 30 miles offshore in US waters and as far as the Coronado Islands, 14 miles south in Mexican waters. |
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| SHOULD I MAKE RESERVATIONS?
Reservations are highly recommended since we often sell out. Reservations can be made online through the San Diego Natural History Museum at http://www.sdnhm.org/education/naturalists-of-all-ages/blue-whale-watching, the H&M Landing website at http://www.hmlanding.com with a credit card. Reservations can also be made in person at the SDNHM ticket counter located at 1788 El Prado, in Balboa Park (Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily), at the H&M Landing ticket office at 2803 Emerson Street (Open 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily) or by phone at 619-222-1144. ARE THE BOATS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE? Our boats can accommodate passengers in manual wheel chairs. The crew will carry the passenger aboard and then the wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated as they are too heavy for the crew to handle. Using the on board restrooms can present problems. ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS ON THE CRUISES? Children need to be at least 2 years of age and 35 pounds. Minor children require adult supervision. HOW SHOULD I DRESS? We suggest dressing in layers as it can be much cooler on the ocean. Consider wearing a t-shirt, sweatshirt with hood, and a windbreaker or a heavy jacket, long pants, rubber soled shoes, hat, gloves and scarf. Other items to bring include sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars and camera. WHERE DO WE DEPART AND WHAT TIME SHOULD I BE THERE? Blue Whale Cruises depart from H&M Landing at 2803 Emerson Street in Point Loma. Plan to arrive at H&M Landing at least 45 minutes prior to departure to park and check in. Once you’ve checked in at the H&M office you will given boarding passes and directed down the dock to your boat. WHERE SHOULD I PARK? There is parking available in two public parking lots near H&M Landing. The lot directly in front of the Landing at Emerson and Scott Street is $7 per 24 hour period. Another lot across North Harbor Drive is available at $5 per day. In the case that both lots are full, street parking is available. Please read parking signs carefully for any time limitations. CAN I BRING FOOD OR DRINK ON BOARD? For your convenience, our boats offer food service & beverages on board for sale. You’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages if you choose, but no ice crests, coolers or alcohol is allowed to be brought aboard. HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DOES H&M LANDING HAVE IN WHALE WATCHING? H&M Landing has been offering whale watching and nature cruises since 1956 and our sea-going operations go back as far as 1935. Our captains and crews are experienced, skilled and certified. On your cruise you will enjoy narration by our knowledgeable captains and trained volunteer naturalists from the San Diego Natural History Museum. The museum has trained hundreds of volunteer naturalists who assist our expert captains with narration and answer guests’ questions and point out facts about some of the specimens we carry on board from our whale exhibit. WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS? Our cruises are cancelled due to overall weather conditions (including wind and sea conditions) and not just rain. Many times, we will still go out when it rains. If we cancel due to weather conditions, you have the option to reschedule your cruise or receive a full refund. Decisions to cancel are made by our captain on the morning of the scheduled cruise. We will make every attempt to contact you ahead of time at the phone number(s) we have on file for you. Please call H&M Landing directly at 619-222-1144 if you have questions on the day of departure. WILL I GET SEASICK? If you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may experience seasickness. However, most of our guests experience no discomfort at all. You can pick up an over-the-counter medicine at any drug store or you can purchase Bonine or a “Bio Band” at the H&M Landing ticket counter. We recommend asking your doctor’s advice if you have any health concerns. ARE THERE LIFE PRESERVERS ON BOARD? Each vessel is 100% Coast Guard inspected and documented and carry life preservers (including child life vests) and life saving equipment for all aboard. IS THERE A PHONE ON BOARD THAT RECEIVES CALLS? H&M Landing’s boats do not have phone service on board. You may be able to receive cell service depending on your carrier. You may be entering international waters and roaming charges could apply. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW? The U.S. Coast Guard requires all passengers over 18 years of age to have valid photo identification. Please make sure to have your photo id available at boarding. You may call the landing directly at 619-222-1144 with any last minute question or directions. The landing is open from 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily for reservations by phone or in person.
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