Pelagic Birding Information

Departure Time: Please be at the Blowhole / Pirates Bay Jetty car park ( end of Blowhole Road, just after you cross Eaglehawk Neck google map directions here ) by 6.45am
(If you are on an Inala Group Tour, you will be taken to the jetty by your guide from the hotel you are staying in nearby )

Return Time: Returning to the jetty at about 3pm

Pelagic Guide: Inala sea bird specialist 

Pre-tour procedure:  Your pelagic guide will be speaking to the boat skipper on the evening before to ensure that it has not been weather-affected. 

Please let us have your best contact number ( or travelling email address if you have no Australia phone) so we can let you know if there is a last-minute change of plan. If you don't hear from us, the trip will go ahead as planned.

In the event that the trip is cancelled, which will only be for reasons of weather or mechanical issue, full refunds will be given.

If you are running late or cannot make it at all, please call your guide on the mobile number you will have been provided by email.  We are unable to hold up the departure for you if you are not at the jetty on time.

In advance of the day itself, please contact the Inala office on 03 6293 1217 for any questions or changes, please do not call the guide for any other questions in advance of the pelagic.

Directions:  

It is recommended that you budget an hour and a half driving time from Hobart in case of unforeseen delays.  If you would like us to help you arrange accommodation at Eaglehawk Neck please let us know, because each pelagic is connected to a group tour, there will often be a group of Inala birders already staying at accommodation at the Neck. 
Sorell has a fuel station and a Banjos café etc if you need to stop on your way South.(cafes may not be open that early)

Link to directions here with option to send directions to your phone.  It is a very straightforward route where you are basically following Tasman Hwy/A3 and Arthur Hwy/A9 to Blowhole Rd/C338 in Eaglehawk Neck.

Parking: There is limited all-day parking down near the jetty and further, all-day parking back up the hill.  Do not park in a jetty spot for trailers or drop-off's, you may get fined or towed.  

Recommended Equipment: The following items are recommended for the trip:

• Wet and cold weather gear. This includes a waterproof jacket and pants, beanie, gloves, scarves & extra layers; it could be cold and may be wet.
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (It’s equally likely to be sunny and often there is glare off the water)
• Appropriate footwear (e.g. gumboots, wetsuit boots or other sturdy-soled boots or shoes)
• Your own lunch, snacks and drinking water ( Unless you have pre-ordered from us when your guide will bring them with them )
• Seasickness meds ( Remember to take them well before the trip – not when we’re already on the water!) If you are unsure of your seasickness tolerance, or have suffered any sea sickness In the past, please strongly consider taking suitable medication as we do not wish for you to have any sickness or distress onboard the boat.  We will only return to land early due to medically significant seasickness, not for minor cases.
• Binoculars, camera (Some salt and sea spray protection is recommended for cameras, e.g. waterproof cover, clingfilm etc.  All equipment is taken on board at your own risk.)
• Field guides etc.

On board facilities: There is a basic toilet on board and the skipper will supply some tea and coffee, conditions permitting. On boarding the vessel, please stow all luggage in the cabin so there is room for passengers to sit on the deck. Life jackets are stowed under the seat cushions in the cabin. You will receive a briefing before boarding from your guide.

Taking care of yourself: You are on the water for 8 hours and being onboard a boat can sometimes exacerbate existing back or knee problems.  Please prepare carefully and take care of yourself on board.

Image of the pelagic vessel below