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Welcome to our FAQ's page, where you'll find answers to some
of the more commonly asked questions about our services. We've
separated these questions and answers into specific groups to
make it easy for you to find the answers you are looking for.
Just click on the headers below to get to each section.
We're always happy to answer any questions you might have,
so if you don't find the answers you're looking for listed
below, visit our 'Contact Us' page where you can find
the phone number for our office, then give us a call
or send us an email.
GENERAL
WHALE WATCHING
GENERAL
Are reservations required?
Do I need wear or bring anything specific?
Where do I check in and what do I do?
Is there parking nearby?
Are
reservations required?
Yes, reservations are required. Adventures can be booked through
our web site using the reservations request form, by calling us
toll free # 1 888 672 6722 - check in at Coast Harbourside Hotel, through your hotel concierge or
by booking in person at our office.
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Do
I need wear or bring anything specific?
While floatation suits are provided for protection against the
elements, we recommend bringing an extra layer of clothing as
it can be cool on the water. Sunglasses, sunscreen, camera,
waterproof binoculars and a tight-fitting hat are recommended,
but we are happy to provide them for you, should you forget.
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Where
do I check in and what do I do?
Please check in 30 minutes prior to departure. Proceed to our
customer service counter in the Coast Harbourside Hotel and present
yourself. You will be sized for your anti-exposure suit and
assigned to your boat. In the pre-departure briefing area you
are welcome to view a slide show of local marine and browse
our gift shop.
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Is
there parking nearby?
Yes, parking available in underground parking of Coast Harbourside Hotel or pay parking across the street. However, we encourage you to
take advantage of our free courtesy shuttle from any hotel in
Greater Victoria.
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WHALE
WATCHING
How
Long is your whale watching tour?
Where do the trips go?
What is the best time of year for whale sightseeing?
What is the best time of day to see whales?
Do you guarantee whale sightings?
What else can I see besides whales?
What is the difference between a zodiac style and
a covered boat?
Is it safe for young children to ride on the zodiac?
How many passengers does you boat carry?
Do you support conservation efforts?
How
Long is your whale watching tour?
The
tours run approximately three hours. Because tours occasionally
run longer, please allow an extra half an hour if you are scheduling
something for after your adventure.
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Where
do the trips go?
Our trips focus on the resident whales
which frequent the waters in and around southern Vancouver Island,
the Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands.
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What
is the best time of year for whale sightseeing?
The peak season is from the beginning
of June until mid-August.
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What
is the best time of day to see whales?
Sighting success is fairly equal
throughout the day. The type of adventure you will experience
will change throughout the day as sea conditions change. Mornings
are usually calmer and afternoons are often warmer.
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Do
you guarantee whale sightings?
The movements of the whales can often
be unpredictable and there is some uncertainty about their location
from day to day. During the peak season we will often designate
entire days as "guarantee days". On these days we
know where the whales are and can guarantee you will see them.
If you do not see whales on your tour, a certificate will be
given to you which allows you to go out again on a standby basis
when a sighting is guaranteed.
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What
else can I see besides whales?
The abundant wildlife of the coast
often seen on our tours include harbour seals, sea lions and
marine birds such as cormorants and the great blue heron. The
rugged coastline of the Pacific Northwest is host to kelp forests,
lighthouses, naval ships, spectacular sunsets, secluded beaches
and an ever-changing coastal environment.
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What is the difference between a zodiac style
and a covered boat?
The zodiac puts you very close to
the water with the breeze in your face and the occasional ocean
spray. A covered boat provides the same ride with the comfort
of sitting inside a heated cabin while the ocean spray hits
the viewing windows. Both rides can be very smooth and calm
or a wild ride through the waves and wind, depending on the
weather conditions. When weather conditions require it, trips
are delayed or canceled in the interest of safety.
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Is it safe for young children to ride on the
zodiac?
Yes, it is safe. We have found that
children under five years enjoy the whale watching experience
more in our covered boat.
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How many passengers does you boat carry?
Each boat carries 12 passengers.
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Do
you support conservation efforts?
Cuda
Marine Adventures contributes regularly to the Whale Watch Operators
Association Northwest which allocates funds to approved marine
conservation projects. In addition we contribute to a variety
of other conservation and research projects throughout the year.
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