We live in a unique part of the world where Mother Nature provides us with abundant bird and sea life. From the RIPTIDE you can watch Whales and Sea Otters and observe the many and varied forms of bird life that both live here and migrate through our part of the Pacific. Call and we will help you design your own nature trip. RIPTIDE SPORTFISHING is conveniently located at Pillar Point Harbor – the gateway to the beautiful San Mateo California Coast - just 25 miles south of San Francisco and 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay. Whale watching and nature trips aboard the Riptide can be arranged by calling us directly at 888-747-8433 (RIPTIDE) or emailing us at: Capt. Smitty's Notebook We thought you might like some general information and vocabulary about the animals and birds you'll see during a nature trip aboard the Riptide, so we've taken some comments from the Captain's own notebook for you to review. Watch this page for future links to other information that will enhance your trip aboard the Riptide. Gray Whales migrate through the bay area from around Christmas through may. Humpback Whales are present off shore of the bay area all year around Blue Whales are generally present off shore and we encounter them from early summer through fall Whale Watching: $35 Regular 3-hour tour $40 high season (July through December) Individuals and small groups welcome Private Charters for Whale Watching/Nature Trips Weekdays - up to 12 people - $420 (Regular 3-hour tour) $480 (possible 4 hour trips) Weekends - up to 15 people - $ 525(Regular 3-hour tour) $600 (possible 4 hour trips) Minimum of 10 sign ups (several small groups or individuals) required for open load trips All day trips are: $65 per person Weekdays $70 per person Weekends Minimum of 10 people required for open loads. Private Charters for Whale Watching/Nature Trips Weekdays - up to 12 people - $780 (Regular all day tour) Weekends - up to 15 people - $1050 (Regular all day tour) BRING RAIN GEAR JUST IN CASE. Riptide Sportfishing may cancel trips due to insufficient sign-ups. Children must be at least 7 years of age and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. School groups/scout groups/private parties - children must have written permission from parent or legal guardian. 12/18/04 Ahoy there one and all! Well is seems as if there has been an abundance of Humpback whales this year close to shore. We ran another trip today (12/18/04). There has been an abundance of bait about 6 to 8 miles off shore for most of the year and the whales have been hanging in this food. Well, I don't blame them! I really don't like getting too far away from my lunch either! The weather was fantastic. There was no breeze off shore with there being a good size swell running. I had been showing my customers the spots of bait which were dimpling the surface of the water and the birds feeding on the bait. Zack, the deckhand spotted two whales and we were off to get a little closer although I do try to hang well back so the animals can get used to our presence. We were following an adult whale which was cursing along steadily to the south east. We were going slow when the whale became curious about us and decided to come over and give us a closer look. He crossed our bow twice as I took the boat out of gear to try and stay behind him. After letting him swim well ahead we started to head back to the dock with everyone talking about how friendly the whale was and how warm the day was as well. This is also the start of the Gray whale migration season as well and we are anticipating a great season for the grays as their population has been steadily growing!! We are truly lucky to be in such a great harbor that is so close to their path of travel and are able to observe these magnificent creatures on their migration both south to Mexico and then upon the return trip back to Alaska. We look foward to the 2005 season!! Capt. Smitty