Dress warmly, preferably in layers. During the winter months, it's a good idea to wear a long sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt and a jacket. If you are going out very early in the morning, a hat is always a good idea. Mittens or gloves are a bonus on chilly trips. If you don't have any, bring along an extra pair of socks! On the other hand, in the summer and late fall it can be positively balmy, and you will definitely be happy in shorts and a t-shirt. Can't decide what to wear? We suggest you check Weather.com for Dana Point weather, then factor in about a 10 degree chill for being on the water.

Don't Get Green!

If you're prone to motion sickness, choose an early trip. The wind almost always picks up as the day progresses and can cause choppiness and rougher seas. It also makes it more difficult for the whale watchers to locate the whales. If you do decide to take something, like Dramamine® or Bonine®, check with your pharmacist, and find out if there are any complications with other drugs you may be taking. Take the medication at least a full hour before the trip. Eat lightly, avoid grease or fatty foods, alcohol and carbonated beverages. A good nights sleep beforehand is always a plus.

Protect Those Baby Blues

Don't forget the sunglasses and some sort of hat or visor to shade your eyes. The glare from the sun (even on cloudy days) can make it harder for you to see, and give you a headache if you're squinting. Even if you are sitting in the shade, 60% of the sun's rays bounce back up from the water's surface.

Slap on the Stuff

Sunblock is a must, no matter what time of year it is. Put it on ahead of time, so you can wash your hands.

To Scan or Not to Scan the Horizon

Binoculars are always helpful, but unless you're a very experienced whale watcher or you're watching from a land lookout, they'll just get in the way. Looking through them is tough in the open ocean, and trying to focus with all the bouncing going on will probably give you a headache. To shoot or not to shoot Bring the camera, but by all means, don't spend all your time looking through the lens. You'll miss too much because your field of focus will be so much smaller. First, enjoy the sights and then try to get a few good shots. Chances are unless you're a pro, you'll end up with a lot of water shots. Keep the kiddies entertained Young children can get quite bored when whale watching, so bring along something to entertain them. Tracking whales is tough for anyone, let alone a child, who has a short attention span. (Remember, on the average, whales stay down for up to five minutes!) Choose a boat where your child can see off both sides from their seat .

And Please Don't Feed the Mammals

Keep in mind that you won't be able to feed the whales, dolphins,sea lions or harbor seals. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits any activity that would result in altering the behavior of the mammals.