Whale Watching off the California Coast

I was surfing Travelzoo.com latest deals today when I saw a deal for whale watching in San Francisco. It took me back to a couple of years ago when Milo (shout out to the damn dog!) and I went whale watching. That was the year I decided I was completely done with the holidays (over it) and would start the tradition of traveling instead during the Christmas holiday. That particular year I decided to take a road trip down California Highway 1 through San Francisco all the way down to Santa Barbara. It was to be a two-day, one-night adventure that I could take and do something different other than the typical holiday bull .

While I would typically like to offer up a post about rest, relaxation, self-care, etc; I’m going to be honest and tell you that whale watching is none of these things. Don’t get me wrong it is definitely a great time. You’re sure to have an adventure. However, as someone who gets motion sickness just getting out of bed, it was definitely a rough time for me. I ended up cutting my road trip short as a result. Nonetheless, it is a great weekend getaway and sure to be loads of fun .

If you have been thinking of whale watching, you should try it. It’s definitely something that you need to experience at least once to know whether or not it’s something you’d enjoy or can tolerate. Obviously whales are not an animal we see everyday, and just having the opportunity to see such majestic creatures is truly breathtaking. Shout out to Monterey Bay Whale Watch,  A touring company that is also dog friendly! There is, however, the downside to whale watching. Seasickness.

The first couple of hours of the three-hour-long tour; I did great. 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 and strewn over. 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 though, 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 Lamb to keep from vomiting all over the boat. I refused to go out like that! It was kind of sad actually. The passengers (the ones not slumped over) made their way to the opposite side of the boat with their oos and ahs trying to get the perfect photo opportunity. While I sat on the other side of the boat, back turned seeking mercy from the ocean gods. About an hour and 45 minutes into the tour, my spirit sat down and I took a seat right next to it and did not move until we got back to the docks.

I had originally planned a 3-day, 2-night road trip which would have landed me in Santa Barbara before returning home to spend the rest of the Christmas holiday with the damn dog but motion sickness is a bitch. I got straight off the boat, got into my car, and drove to a nearby parking lot to get myself together. It was then that I decided that I had to go home but I was far too ill to drive. I ended up doing a nice slow drive through the 17 Mile Drive in Carmel-By-The-Sea to get my bearings before driving home. I was nauseous the rest of the evening and the whole experience made me reconsider taking a cruise.

If you ever have the opportunity to go whale-watching, go! Get yourself some Dramamine, book a tour, and get out for the weekend.