What you wear on a whale watching boat can make a big difference to your enjoyment of the experience!

Regardless of where in the world you are whale watching there are a few things to consider:

• the current season (in Australia whale watching is a winter and spring experience)
• the current weather (windy, light rain, sunny, cold etc)
• sea conditions (smooth, choppy)
  

Extra consideration needs to be given to being on water and what you need to be prepared for.

Regardless of the general weather conditions there are a couple of must haves for any boat trip or cruise and then there are the things to make it more comfortable.

Number one in my book is comfortable shoes. By that I mean shoes without a heel and with good grip. Boats are notorious for their unpredictable movements. The smaller the boat the more unpredictable the movements. Maintaining your footing is made a lot easier with good flat shoes.

In Australia, even in the winter, the sun essentials are essential! Hat, sunscreen and zinc cream, sunglasses and long sleeves. You can still get burnt by the sun in the winter, and being on water seems to make you forget that.

I hate the cold! So the rest of the things relate to staying warm and dry. On a boat it is easy to get a bit wet and even in warm weather a bit of wind on the ocean can soon have you feeling cold. Some cruises have great cabins where you can stay warm and dry. If you want to really enjoy your whale watching, you will need to get out on deck to get a good view. Here are some ideas of what to wear on a whale watching boat to keep you warmer and drier.

Layers are good! Layers of clothes help keep you warm the more layers you have. Or you can take them off it is too warm. Extra layers can be packed into a small backpack along with other items you are taking.

Although not essential a spray jacket, cagoole or light waterproof jacket can be a practical addition to your backpack. Spray jackets serve several purposes.

• Protect you from light rain or sea spray.
• Usually provide some wind protection to help keep you warm.
• Keeps the whale spray off your clothes! Ummm fishy!
  
• Usually pack down to a small size so easy to pack into a backpack.

Another item I usually take when going a boat regardless of the time of the year is a body warmer. What is a body warmer? A sleeveless fleecy jacket that fits easily under a spray jacket and doesn't restrict your movement.

I mentioned a hat earlier, but there are two different types of hats, one for when it is sunny and warm to keep the sun off you and one if it is cold! Choose a beanie or woollen hat if it is cold. It is surprising how much heat you lose out of your head!

Whale watching is such a special adventure, and for most people a once in a lifetime experience. Being prepared so you can really enjoy the short time you are with these amazing creatures is vital. Don't get cold, wet or sunburned. A little bit of forward planning and you will increase your enjoyment of your moment with the whales.

More information about what to wear whale watching in Australia including a checklist of things to take with you can be found on my Gold Coast website.

To get the most out of a whale watching cruise it is best to be prepared!

• Whale watching season on the Gold Coast Australia
  
• How to take photos of whales including how NOT to take them!