RESERVATIONS & CANCELLATIONS: Reservations, cancellations, refunds and substitutions are all handled by the Los Angeles Audubon Society. Policies are detailed below - please review them carefully prior to making your reservation. (323) 876-0202
UP TO DATE INFORMATION HOTLINE: Before setting out on any Los Angeles Audubon pelagic trip, please call (323) 874-1318, extension 4, for a recorded announcement of last moment changes.
TRIP QUESTIONS/RESERVATIONS: Phone the Los Angeles Audubon staff, M-Th 9:30am - 4:00pm at (323) 876-0202, or email fldtrip@laaudubon.org or peltrip@laaudubon.org
LOCATION: We will board the Vanguard 20-30 minutes prior to departure at The Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 S. Harbor Blvd. Oxnard 93035 (GPS 34 10.099N 119 13.705W)
DRIVING AND DIRECTIONS: Map and driving directions
GOOGLE MAP: Island Packer Dock & Vanguard
PARKING: There is plenty of free parking.
FOOD, DRINKS, SNACKS, MEALS: A box lunch and breakfast can be orderd at the dockside deli: (805) 815-4131. Participants may bring snacks and sandwiches aboard Vanguard.
DAY OF DEPARTURE: Arrive 45 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.
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. If questions remain, email us at SoCalBirding or email one of the trip's leaders.
REFUND POLICY: All requests for refunds must be directed to the Los Angeles Audubon. You may cancel 31 or more days before the trip and receive a refund less a $4 handling fee. There are no refunds less than 31 days before the trip, but you may make a substitution up to the day of the trip for a $4 handling fee.
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. In the unlikely event that you cancel with less than the agreed days of notice or do not attend the trip for any reason, please understand that there are no refunds.
SUBSTITUTIONS: If you find someone else to take your place, telephone the Los Angeles Audubon and they will make the name change for you for a $4 handling fee.
UNDER SUBSCRIPTION CANCELLATION: In the event that it appears unlikely that the trip will meet "break even" numbers within 35 days of the trip, 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. Both the Buena Vista and Los Angeles Audubon sometimes risk losing a nominal sum on a trip to take the chance that it will meet break even. 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.
WEATHER QUESTION 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 the PELAGIC HOTLINE at (323) 874-1318, ext 4, for a recorded announcement of last moment changes.
FUEL: Prices for this trip were calculated on fuel charges in December of 2008. In the event that fuel increases substantially there may be a small surcharge when boarding the boat, not to exceed $10 per person.
CANCELLATION AUTO-NOTIFICATION: You are encouraged to sign up for the Yahoo Group listserv SoCalPelagicBirding so that we can quickly notify you of any trip changes or updates.
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