Small Groups and Lots of Extra Outdoor Space
We want all of our guests to know that we are committed to your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of our crew. As such, we have instituted several policies to help achieve those goals, while maintaining the highest quality whale/wildlife tour in the San Juan Islands.
Face Coverings
Wearing a face mask or face covering is required by the state of Washington, both indoors and outdoors, by everyone above the age of 5. All guests and crew are expected to wear masks during the entire tour. We appreciate your cooperation in abiding by these regulations throughout our trips as it’s the only way we’re able to operate safely and stay in business. We have disposable masks on board in case a member of your party has lost theirs.
The Western Explorer II
The Western Explorer II is running at greatly reduced capacity, with no more than 5 groups at a time. Each group is in full open air and has a designated separate seating section. The entire boat is sanitized between trips and all of our gear is fogged in our Sanitation Station after each use following the CDC recommended guidelines. We also encourage guests to bring their own sunglasses, hats, gloves, and binoculars.
After check-in at our office, guests will be pointed toward the dock where they can gear up with ample room to spread out. Once outfitted, guests can make their way down to the boat. There are markings along the dock to indicate 6 feet of separation before boarding.
The Western Prince II
We’ve reduced our passenger capacity to 50%, with no more than 6 groups on the Western Prince II. While seated, each group has a designated section in our covered outdoor seating area. The 46 foot Western Prince II has a full walkaround deck, which gives passengers ample space to move freely around the boat while maintaining social distance. We’ve closed our indoor cabin and snack stand to encourage everyone to be in the open, fresh air and to minimize transactions. Hand sanitizer is readily available and the Western Prince II is sanitized in between all trips.
After check-in at our office, guests will be pointed toward the boat. There are markings along the dock to indicate 6 feet of separation while guests wait to board.
Checking In
We’ve closed the indoor portion of our office and the gift shop to limit in-person transactions. Please make sure your paperless waivers are signed for each passenger before your check-in time.
Rescheduling
We appreciate this is a constantly evolving situation and understand your travel plans may have changed. If they have, please feel free to give our office a call at 1-800-757-6722 or email us at inquire@orcawhalewatch.com to reschedule your upcoming trip. Furthermore, if anyone in your party is experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, or has recently come in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, please call us immediately to reschedule your tour, even if it is within our cancellation period.