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Pelagic Trips And Deep Water Seabirding Expeditions From Southern California

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Todd McGrath

Paul Lehman

Guy McCaskie

Jon Feenstra

Dave Pereksta

Dave Povey

Matt Sadowski

Steve Howell

Kimball Garrett

Tom Blackman

Wesley T. Fritz

Peter Ginsburg

Terry Hunefeld

Paul Guris

Mark Billings

Mike San Miguel

Brennan Mulrooney

Ned Brinkley

Stan Walens

Dave Compton

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CONDOR EXPRESS
Sponsored by: Los Angeles Audubon Society & Condor Cruises

The 75 foot, Condor Express is a very fast, stable, comfortable catamaran.  All crew members are trained and experienced naturalists.   The speed of the Condor Express allows us to motor quickly to the continental shelf edge in search of rare seabirds.  More information about the Condor Express.  Read Mitch Heindel's trip log of the maiden Condor Express pelagic seabirding voyage on 27 Apr 2002.


Trip, Boat & Landing Policies

RESERVATIONS & CANCELLATIONS:  CANCELLATION POLICY:  This trip is subject to the policies of Condor Cruises (805) 882-0088.   When registering, please familiarize yourself regarding their reservation, cancellation, refund and substitution policies as well as reviewing driving directions, check-in times, procedures and equipment allowed on the boats. 

TRIP QUESTIONS/RESERVATIONS: Phone  Condor Cruises (805) 882-0088.  

LOCATION:
We will board the Condor Express 30 minutes prior to departure at the Sea Landing Dock at Santa Barbara Marina at 301 W. Cabrillo Boulevard & Bath Street.

DRIVING AND PARKING DIRECTIONS:
  Map and driving direction to Sea Landing and Condor Express  

LARGER MAP OF THE SEA LANDING:  LARGE map and driving directions 

FOOD, DRINKS, SNACKS, MEALS:   Breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, snacks, dinners and beverages (including beer!) are available on board for purchase.  Participants may bring snacks and sandwiches aboard. 

LODGING:  Inexpensive lodging is available in nearby Carpenteria (15 minutes from the landing) at either Motel 6.  There are two. Either Motel 6 is a good choice, averaging $40 less than the Santa Barbara Motel 6.  A nearby RV park allows camping (with showers) at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park.  (800) 345-5018.

DAY OF DEPARTURE:   Arrive 45-60 minutes prior to scheduled departure to allow time to locate the landing, park, unload, transport gear, and board.  Boarding begins 20-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.  More tips and hints on our trip preparation page. 

LOGISTICS & BOAT QUESTIONS:  Questions about the boat, the facilities, parking, or weather should be directed to the landing at  (805) 882-0088.  EMAIL: info@condorcruises.com  301 West Cabrillo Blvd. Santa Barbara, CA 93101  

BIRD QUESTIONS:  If you have questions about expected species, consult our extensive SoCal Seabird Reference to get a good idea of what you may see and might see on this trip.  

CANCELLATIONS:  When you reserve a space on a pelagic boat trip, a space is reserved and held specifically for you.  Most birders reserve their spots well in advance, it is difficult to re-book spots without adequate notice.  This trip is subject to the policies of Condor Cruises (805) 882-0088.   When registering, please familiarize yourself regarding their reservation, cancellation, refund and substitution policies as well as reviewing driving directions, check-in times, procedures and equipment allowed on the boats.   

SUBSTITUTIONS:  If you find someone else to take your place, telephone
Condor Cruises (805) 882-0088.   When registering, please familiarize yourself regarding their reservation, cancellation, refund and substitution policies as well as reviewing driving directions, check-in times, procedures and equipment allowed on the boats. 

UNDER SUBSCRIPTION CANCELLATION:  In the event that it appears unlikely that the trip will meet  "break even" numbers,  it may be cancelled.  We do not take under-subscription cancellation lightly, as we are aware that many participants make travel plans well in advance.     If any trip regretfully cancels due to under-subscription, your entire trip fee will be refunded. 

WEATHER CANCELLATION:   All trips depart on time, even in rain, wind or small craft advisories.   Weather rarely interferes with boats the size of the Condor Express, and can even be quite productive for finding pterodroma petrels.  A storm may blow through at any time of year.  Trips always go out in rain, wind and choppy seas.  We alter our course in winds and seas to make the trip as comfortable as possible for all passengers, which is why our itinerary is a flexible one.   Participants fly in from all over North American to be on these trips, so cancelling and rescheduling for "next weekend" is not an option. 

WEATHER QUESTIONS AND HOTLINE:  The very rare decision to cancel a trip due to extreme weather will made by the captain.  This decision is normally made the morning of the trip, very rarely the evening before the trip, never sooner.  In the highly unlikely event that a trip cancels due to weather, your entire trip fee will be refunded.  If you have weather questions or concerns for this trip, telephone
Condor Cruises (805) 882-0088.  








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