Age/Physical Requirements
We do not wish to discourage anyone from participating in our adventures. However, due to the high level of physical demands on this trip we are not normally able to accept bookings for elderly persons who require balance assistance. Please understand this is for your safety and that of other passengers and crew. If you consider yourself to be otherwise in good physical shape, please talk with the office staff about suitable trips.
Level 1 (least demanding)
- Whale Watching
- Eco-Tour
- Ashes at Sea
- Bay Crabbing
- Ocean Crabbing
- Bay Clamming (Walking Tour)
These trips are suitable for most passengers, including in certain cases elderly passengers with minor balance difficulty and kids younger than age 7 (on approval from office staff). Please note that participation in some onboard activities may be limited for young children and passengers with balance difficulty. Kids under 40 lbs will need to bring and wear their own Coast Guard Approved life jacket (does not apply to clamming tours). Please note that general good health and condition are still a requirement for these trips. Deck surfaces may be slippery and uneven at times. If you are in doubt, please contact your physician and our office staff. You are ultimately responsible for the decision of your physical fitness to participate in this adventure, but the crew of Garibaldi Charters reserves the right to deny participation if they feel it would be unsafe in any way. Wheelchairs can usually be accommodated (certain boats only, with advance notice) provided that mobility is the only issue, and the person is otherwise in good physical condition. Elderly passengers who require a wheelchair, walker, or cane for balance issues may find these trips difficult and/or dangerous. We may not be able accommodate passengers who require balance assistance depending on ocean conditions the day of the trip. Please be prepared for that possibility.
Level 2 (Light to moderate)
These trips are suitable for most passengers who are in good health and condition with little to no balance issues. These trips are a moderate length (4-6 hours depending on trip type) and require the use of light-weight fishing equipment. Kids age 7 and up are welcome on these trips. If you have previous injuries including but not limited to back, neck or shoulder injuries, please be advised that the boat may undergo jarring motions that could make these conditions worse. Deck surfaces may be slippery and uneven at times. You are ultimately responsible for the decision of your physical fitness to participate in this adventure, but the crew of Garibaldi Charters reserves the right to deny participation if they feel it would be unsafe in any way. If you are in doubt, please contact your physician or choose a less demanding trip. Wheelchairs can usually be accommodated (with advance notice) provided that mobility is the only issue, and the person is otherwise in good physical condition. Elderly passengers who require a wheelchair, walker, or cane for balance issues will find our tours difficult and dangerous. Therefore, we are not able to accommodate passengers who require balance assistance on Level 2 tours.
Level 3 (moderate to demanding)
- Deep Drop (Long Leader)
- Deep Reef Lingcod and Rockfish
- Nearshore Target Lingcod
- Salmon
- Combo Coho/Bottom
These trips are suitable for adventurous passengers who are in very good health and condition with no balance issues. These trips are longer in length (usually 6-8 hours) and require the use of medium weight fishing equipment. Kids age 14 and up are welcome on these trips. If you have previous injuries including but not limited to back, neck or shoulder injuries, please be advised that the boat may undergo jarring motions that could make these conditions worse. Deck surfaces may be slippery and uneven at times. You are ultimately responsible for the decision of your physical fitness to participate in this adventure, but the crew of Garibaldi Charters reserves the right to deny participation if they feel it would be unsafe in any way. If you are in doubt, please contact your physician or choose a less demanding trip. Wheelchairs can sometimes be accommodated (with advance notice) provided that mobility is the only issue, and the person is otherwise in good physical condition. Elderly passengers who require a wheelchair, walker, or cane for balance issues would find these tours extremely difficult and dangerous. Therefore, we are not able to accommodate passengers who require balance assistance on Level 3 tours.
Level 4 (most demanding)
These offshore trips are our most extreme adventures, and are suitable only for passengers who are in very good to excellent health and condition with good balance. These trips are 12 hours, and require hard reeling and handling of heavy duty fishing gear. Fishing occurs offshore 20-50 miles, sometimes dropping fishing gear to depths over 800 feet. Kids age 14 and up are welcome on these trips provided they are able to meet the other physical demands of the trip. If you have previous injuries including but not limited to back, neck or shoulder injuries, please be advised that the boat may undergo jarring motions that could make these conditions worse. Deck surfaces may be slippery and uneven at times. You are ultimately responsible for the decision of your physical fitness to participate in this adventure, but the crew of Garibaldi Charters reserves the right to deny reservations if they feel it would be unsafe in any way. If you are in doubt, please contact your physician or choose a less demanding trip. Unfortunately we are not usually able to accommodate wheelchairs or customers with any kind of balance issues on Level 4 tours. In cases of Whole Boat Rentals, exceptions may be considered with approval of office staff and captain.
Other Considerations
- Seasickness – The majority of our passengers do not experience seasickness on most days. If you are sensitive or have experienced other forms of motions sickness in the past, we highly recommend utilizing an over-the-counter seasickness medication such as Dramamine or Bonine to combat any potential queasiness. Seasickness patches are usually quite effective as well, and are available by prescription from your doctor. Any seasickness medication provides better results when started at least 12 hours before the scheduled trip (according to package directions).
- Alcohol consumption – We do allow beer and wine on our vessels provided that the user keeps consumption to a reasonable amount. Drunkenness is not allowed, as it becomes a safety hazard to self and others. Anyone exhibiting signs of drunkenness onboard may be asked to cease participation from the captain, and will not be refunded.
- Drug use – Drug use, including use of Marijuana, is NOT ALLOWED onboard our vessels. Anyone exhibiting signs of impairment may be asked to cease participation from the captain, and will not be refunded.