Adventure · Beach Towns · California · Day Trips · dolphins · favorites · RIB · San Diego · sealife · Tours · Trip Ideas · Water Adventures · whales

TrippinTwins: San Diego RIB Dolphin & Whale Tour 

Everyone has that one thing they must do when they get the chance to visit a certain place.  For us, in San Diego,  we knew it would finally be our chance to, just maybe, see a whale in the open water. We have experienced many dolphin cruises over the years in the Gulf of Mexico and were looking for something that would be a bit different for this experience. After briefly looking over a few tour options, we registered for a dolphin and whale tour with Adventure RIB Rides. This would be a switch from the usual boat rides in that we would be taking this dolphin and whale excursion in a small rigid-inflatable boat. Erica thought this was a totally crazy idea, but I convinced her that it would be a blast.

 

When is the best time to see whales in San Diego?

 Thousands migrate from Alaska every year to give birth and give their young time to gain the strength necessary for the journey home.  It is said the best times to view whales are between  mid-June through December.  However, we saw a grey whale on our tour at the end of May and we were told several were spotted the day before. If you’re going in the off peak season, just ask around, people will tell you if they have been seen recently.

Meeting Point – Dolphin and Whale Tour

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We arrived at the meeting point (Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina) dock around 8:45 am to meet our tour guide. After initial introductions with our small group of 6 which included us, we were escorted into a small office by the dock where we had to sign a liability release. At this time, we were also each given a pair of waterproof coveralls that although were not mandatory, were highly recommended. No one was exactly thrilled to dress in such heavy, ill-fitting attire, but everyone agreed it was best to heed the guide’s advice.  And yes, they were totally worth wearing because they kept us warm.

 

 

 

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 Where to sit on the RIB Boat

 Erica and I were placed up front because we were the last in line and the smallest, which meant for an overall more rocky experience.  Therefore, if you can, sit in the back.  The views are fantastic from any seat and you will also be able to move around when stopped looking at wildlife.

U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program (NMMP)

The ride started off initially as just a normal leisurely boat ride. We slowly drifted past the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program (NMMP) where we got passing views of the trainers at work.  NMMP is based in San Diego and is where dolphins and sea lions are trained for things such as mine detection, equipment recovery and harbor and ship protection.  We were aware of the program’s existence, so were fascinated by the glimpses we got as we slowly drifted by.

 

We also got a glimpse of other Navy boats.

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 It’s a rough ride!


After we made our way further out into the Pacific Ocean, our guide picked up speed. This is where the ride started to get rough.  It literally felt like riding a mechanical bull!  It is when you will either feel exhilaration or want nothing more than for it to be over. Both of us felt as though we might fall out at any moment, but of course we managed to stay in.

Wildlife sightings

After only a few minutes out on the water,  we sighted a few sea lions sunning themselves on a buoy. We were excited because this was the first time we had ever seen them in their natural habitat. The guide stopped the boat to give us a chance to snap some pictures before continuing the tour in search of dolphins and whales.

 

 

Another thirty minutes went by speeding through the open ocean at a high speeds, bouncing our seats in the boat before a fellow passenger alerted our guide of a possible dolphin sighting.  The guide stopped the boat to give everyone a chance to see what turned out to be a megapod of dolphins and a few nursing pods. Everyone was encouraged to get up and walk to the very front of the boat for the best possible viewing opportunities. The ones that did, got an amazing show.  It was a truly a magical sight to experience!  See that  here or down below.

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After spending about an hour watching the dolphins, we left to head back in in our final opportunity for a whale sighting. Our guide explained to us that even though whale season was technically over, chances were good we would spot a few because the water had been warmer than usual.  We spotted a grey whale after few minutes in an area of an earlier sighting . However, we had already been out in the water over two hours, so we watched it from a distance for about ten minutes before heading back in for the day. When we were safely back to our docking point,  Erica was more than ready to get off the boat while I felt like I could have continued the trip all day.

Things to know before you go:

  • If you have any type of back/neck issue, think twice before booking.  Erica has a slipped disk and had trouble walking the next day.
  • Consider taking Dramamine beforehand.  Even if the ocean looks calm at first glance, the swells are bigger than you might think.  In addition, the ride is rough at times and there are a few long stops where the boat rocks along with the swell of the water which made some sick.
  • Do not leave your camera at home because you’ll want theses memories to last a long time.
  • Tip money.  The guide will be instrumental to your tour and you will want to reward them for their hard work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alabama · Beach Towns · Canoeing · Gulf Shores · Kayaking · Orange Beach · Sailing · Tours · travel · Trip Ideas

 TrippinTwins: Visiting the beaches we always go back to, Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

There is not a better place to heal the soul and rejuvenate than a trip to your favorite beach. Nor is any visit the same, for the ocean is always changing.  For those reasons, it is why we keep returning to the Alabama Gulf Coast year after year. We have been going since we were children; it’s the beach we grew up on. It is still the perfect location for a getaway with incredible beaches, plethora of restaurant and entertainment options.

Two of the most popular beach cities that make up the Alabama Gulf Coast are Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. We have visited both cities multiple times, but have stayed in Orange Beach the last few trips. Orange Beach is a few miles down the road from Gulf Shores. There are slight difference in the towns, but both offer fantastic restaurants, entertainment choices, and a variety of lodging and shopping options. Tips to plan your visit are below.

What Airport Can I Fly Into?

There are two airports that are fairly close to both locations: Mobile Regional Airport, 65 miles to Gulf Shores or Pensacola International Airport, 30 miles to Orange Beach, AL.  It is helpful to have a car for the duration of your trip, but there is shuttle and taxi from both airports to the area.  Unfortunately, Uber is not available in the area currently.  If you are staying in Orange Beach and do not have a car or are partying hard and need a ride, check out $4 Island Shuttle.  They offer airport pickup at both airports and operate as a flat fee taxi service in Orange Beach, AL.

Where Should I Stay?

There are lots of options for accommodations in both cities.  The options include a mix of camping facilities, beach houses, high rise condos and hotels.  There are many camping options, ranging from primitive to luxury campgrounds to the cabins and cottages that are available in the Gulf State Park.  One of the best places to search for and make campground reservations is on www.gulfshores.com.  The camp grounds fill up fast during Holiday weekends or festivals, so be sure to make reservations in advance.  There are three great ways to search for beach houses and condos that are used for vacation rentals: Airbnb, VRBO and local real estate agents pages.  We have had the most successes using VRBO, but we recommend all of them to get the best deal.

When to Go:

It is a great place to visit during any part of the year.  The Gulf Coast offers great beach weather from April to October.  Hurricane season starts 1 June through the fall. They are not a common occurrence, but be sure to check the weather report before heading down.  In addition, consider vacation insurance if it is offered when you make your reservation.  There are many festivals held in and around the region during the year.  Two of the most popular festivals held in the area are The Hangout Music Festival and Shrimp Fest  The Hangout Music Festival is held in May and Shrimp Fest is held in October.

What is the Beach Like?

The sand is soft, white and powdery. It’s comfortable to walk on and perfect for kids to play on and build sand castles. The water is generally warm. We often remark that it feels like bath water. The waves vary from hardly existent to moderately rough. It can be crowded on major holidays, Spring Break for area schools and two weeks before area schools return. Otherwise, the beach is moderately crowded and it’s possible to beach areas with no other visitors.


Where to Eat:
When we go to the beach, we only eat out for dinner as a general rule.  We go to the grocery store when we get to town and buy breakfast and lunch food for the duration of our stay.  This saves money, and allows more beach time.  Some of our favorite restaurants  include Cosmo’s, Wolf Bay Lodge, Cafe Grazie, Louisiana Lagniappe, Cotton’s, Caymen Grill, Tacky Jacks, Doc’s Seafood. There are endless options though and locals give the best advice!

The best sauteed crab claws around are at Cafe Grazie in Orange Beach, AL.
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Most restaurants offer outside seating in the area. If it’s located on the water, you’ll have an even better view!

Bored of the Beach?

Not sure anyone could get bored of the beach, but if you’re had enough of the water or looking for something to do after dinner, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.  The Hangout  in Gulf Shores is a popular place to hang out because it often has live music and is appropriate for the entire family.  There are also putt- putt courses, a water park, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a movie theater and shopping areas with a plethora of choices. If you are looking for a tour, there are dolphin cruises, kayaking excursions, parasailing, zip-lining, helicopter rides and sailing trips. There are shops that will rent you watersport vehicles (kayaks, waverunmers, boats).  There is something for everyone and they would love to have you visit.

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Erica loving our “private” sunset cruise with Captain Ryan in Orange Beach, AL.
Tara chilling out on the Intercoastal Waterway figuring how much further she has to paddle!
Tara chilling out on the Inter-coastal Waterway figuring how much further she has to paddle!