Weather and sea conditions are always a factor in scheduling pelagic-trip dates in advance. Generally, we think that these conditions off Noyo Harbor are less severe than most think. For example, we estimate that less than 15% of days in March-November have presented conditions that would have prevented a trip. Otherwise severe northwestern winds or seas can be blocked off our coast by Cape Mendocino and this allows us to get over Noyo Canyon, at least. We estimate that 40% or more of these dates in 2024-2025 presented calm and pleasant conditions for most or all of the trip duration times.
Of course on some days the conditions may be a bit “bumpy” and we encourage susceptible participants to take motion-sickness precautions in such cases. Nothing works exactly the same for everyone, but precautions that generally help are getting a good night’s sleep, having a full and warm breakfast, dressing warmly (you can never be over-dressed on a pelagic trip!), and taking medications such as dramamine, bonine, merazine, or a scopalamine patch. Once aboard, it is best to stay outside rather than in the cabin, another reason to be sure to dress warmly!
There will be times when we have to cancel a trip due to weather and/or ocean swells. In such cases, for our half-day trips, we hope to schedule make-up dates within a week or two of the cancelled trip, when the forecast predicts great conditions. We may also consider this for full-day trips but will make every effort to get out on those days. When northwest winds blow we can head up the coast north of Westport, go out, and return in following seas over Viscaino and Noyo Canyons (see map on our About our Trips page).
Cancellation Policy
Trip cancellation is entirely at the discretion of the Captain. We will make every effort to alert passengers, by phone, text, and/or email, as soon as we are aware that the trip will be cancelled. If we do not make any announcements then passengers should be at the dock at the appropriate time and be prepared to sail.
Should a trip get cancelled due to weather or any other reason, all participants will receive a full refund or credit toward a free make-up trip on a following date. Otherwise, once you have signed up for a trip, our cancellation policies are as follow:
If you cancel 10 days or more before the trip, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel less than 10 days before the trip, you will only receive a full refund if we are able to fill the trip. You may have another person take your slot at no extra charge (just have the replacement let us know at the dock).
In some cases a trip may return early due to unforeseen weather or other issues. In these cases all participants will be entitled to a pro-rated refund or credit toward a future trip.
