Pacific Whale Foundation Keiki Program Logistics (Grades 2 - 5)
Do not come to school on Thursday. Go to Ma'alaea Harbor and arrive NO LATER THAN 10:30. There is a small fee for parking at the harbor. We will leave out of slip #44, which is on the ocean side of the harbor about halfway down past Buzz’s Wharf. Wear close-toed shoes, your school shirt, sun protection, and bring water. Do not bring your backpack. Be aware that hats can blow off very easily.
Itinerary is as follows:
10:30 am: Students dropped off at slip #44, Ocean Odyssey
10:45 am: Board Ocean Odyssey for Keiki Whalewatch
12:00 pm: Return to Slip #44, disembark Ocean Odyssey, student pick-up
Safety Information:
Do not come to school on Thursday. Go to Ma'alaea Harbor and arrive NO LATER THAN 10:30. There is a small fee for parking at the harbor. We will leave out of slip #44, which is on the ocean side of the harbor about halfway down past Buzz’s Wharf. Wear close-toed shoes, your school shirt, sun protection, and bring water. Do not bring your backpack. Be aware that hats can blow off very easily.
Itinerary is as follows:
10:30 am: Students dropped off at slip #44, Ocean Odyssey
10:45 am: Board Ocean Odyssey for Keiki Whalewatch
12:00 pm: Return to Slip #44, disembark Ocean Odyssey, student pick-up
Safety Information:
- Life jackets are provided for every single child/person on board. Students will wear life jackets as protocol by request only as they are very bulky, hot, and uncomfortable to wear for 1.5 hours. Please let us know in advance if you would like your students to wear life jackets during their whale watch.
- The U.S. Coast Guard certified vessels are operated by licensed captains who understand the unique needs of school groups.
- Safety rules and guidelines
- Walk at all times while on board the vessel.
- Remain seated or stand with both feet on the deck at all times (children may not be picked up).
- When using the marine head (bathroom), dispose of toilet paper in the trash can.
- Be sure snacks, trash, and other personal items remain on board the vessel and do not end up in the ocean.
- Children get front-row spots at the rail; adults stand behind.
- On the boat: Please ensure that chaperones understand that while on board the vessel, their primary responsibility is the safety of the children. Pictures, conversations, and their own personal experience are secondary to the children’s safety as they are “on duty” as chaperones.
- All adults who will be on the whale watch must sign a liability waiver.