Heading out on the open water for a whale watching excursion is an exciting adventure. But to have the best experience possible, you’ll need to prepare yourself. If you’re planning a whale watching trip, here are four tips to keep in mind.

How to Prepare for a Whale Watching Outing

1. Check the Weather & Pack Accordingly

Leading up to your outing, check the forecast and plan your supplies. Pack a light jacket to fend off the sea’s chill; you can always take it off if you get too warm. You’ll also want to bring strong sunscreen and sunglasses to make spotting the whales easier. Polarized lenses are best for cutting down glare.

2. Bring a Camera

Seeing whales in their natural environment is a breathtaking experience that you won’t want to forget. Bring a camera to capture the majestic creatures when they surface, preferably one with a powerful zoom and quick focus. When whales breach, they only spend a couple of seconds out of the water. The quicker you can aim your camera, the more likely you’ll get a great shot.

3. Take Motion Sickness Medicine

If you are sensitive to motion sickness, take medicine before you get on the boat. While at sea, focus on the horizon and keep cool to prevent a bout of sickness.

4. Know What to Expect

Whale watching can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but try to keep your expectations in check. All of the stunning wildlife photos you’ve seen most likely took dozens of outings to capture, so you might not have the same experience during your trip. That said, any glimpse of a whale is a beautiful opportunity.

One of the most important tips for planning a whale watching outing is choosing the right company, and there’s no better choice than Dolphin Excursions Hawaii in Waianae. The company has been providing breathtaking whale experiences for over 20 years. With their expert staff of marine biologists and naturalists, you’ll witness humpback whales breach the gorgeous waters off the West Coast of Oahu. Visit their website for a full list of experiences, and call (808) 239-5579 today to book your tour.