Whale Watching off the California Coast

I was surfing Travelzoo.com latest deals when I saw a travel deal for whale watching in San Francisco. It took me back to a couple of years ago when Milo and I went whale watching. That was the year I decided I was done with the holidays. I chose to start the tradition of traveling instead. That year, I decided to take a road trip down California Highway 1 through San Francisco, all the way down to Santa Barbara. It was planned to be a two-day, one-night adventure where I engage in something different from the typical holiday shenanigans.

I’d like to say that I enjoyed a wonderful trip with great photos and excitement, but whale watching is a different beast. It’s an incredible adventure, but for those prone to motion sickness, it can be brutal. I found the experience quite rough. Unfortunately, I had to cut my road trip short. Still, whale watching is a fantastic weekend getaway for those who can handle it.

If you have never been whale watching but are interested in going, go! You need to experience it at least once to know whether or not it’s something you’d enjoy or can tolerate. Whales are not animals we see every day, and just having the opportunity to see such majestic creatures is truly a privilege. Shout out to Monterey Bay Whale Watch, A touring company that is also dog-friendly! There is, however, a downside to whale watching. Seasickness.

I did great During the first couple of hours of the three-hour-long tour. I was feeling it, the open air, being out on the ocean, it was refreshing. I thought I was the shit too. I got quite a kick out of watching literally more than half of the passengers on board laid out, slain in the spirit of nausea. It was about an hour ride out to sea and another half hour of floating about before the whales showed up.  Right around the time the whales started to show up, is when I had to sit my ass down. 

So, I won’t be showing you any stunning photos of whales today because it took everything in me and the “blood of the holy lamb” to keep from vomiting all over the boat. I refused to go out like that! Instead, I’m sharing some tips I’ve learned to combat my toxic motion sickness over the years. 

• Get some Dramamine! I eventually took another boat tour, and the sea gods were again without mercy. However, it didn’t matter since I was doped up on Dramamine. Take that, Poseidon! There are other medications (that I haven’t tried) such as Meclizine and Scopolamine. 
• Acupressure: I have a couple of bands that I wear for longer road trips. They work, but not as well as good old-fashioned drugs.
• Ginger: Shout out to the naturally healing properties of ginger. Get yourself ginger ale, chews, or tea. 
• Avoid greasy food: I think one of the reasons I could hold it all together (an in) was because I didn’t have much in my stomach then. If you’re going to enjoy lunch before whale watching, try a salad instead of a hamburger. I’m not judging though. 
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or other clear liquids. Dehydration and nausea is a bad combo. 
• Rest: Get plenty of sleep the night before making your way to the waves!