Taking a boat tour to observe whales in their natural habitat is an exciting experience. Seeing whales up close can't help but make you think about the mysterious life under the ocean and how rarely our two worlds combine.

Whale watch tours can be expensive though and, unless you're lucky enough to live near a whale watching destination, require travel away from home. As such, taking a whale watch tour is usually an infrequent experience, and you'll want to make the most of your opportunity when it arises. There are a few things you can do to make sure your trip is perfect. Remember to:

Dress appropriately - Even if you're going in the summer, it can get cold and windy on the deck of a boat. Wear long pants and bring several layers to put on as you get out to sea.

Sunglasses are also important, as the glare from the sun on the ocean can be bright. Avoid headaches by keeping a pair of shade in your backpack.

Having the right kind of footwear is crucial on a whale watching tour. First, be sure you have flat, rubber-soled shoes. Boats get wet and slippery and it can be quite hazardous in inappropriate shoes. Second, wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals can get caught on any number of steps, hooks or railings, and you don't want to injure your toes.

Prevent for seasickness - Even if you aren't prone to seasickness, you should take a few precautions. First, be sure to eat breakfast: an empty stomach can contribute to feeling ill. But avoid heavy, greasy foods: toast, cereal and non-acidic fruits are a good choice. You should also stay hydrated by bringing water with you on the boat.

Eating ginger 12-24 hours before the trip can help, and even ginger cookies a few hours before you set off can help. If you're especially concerned about seasickness, pick up an over the counter medicine, like Dramamine. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry; seasickness can completely ruin your whale watching experience.

Bring activities - It may seem silly to bring a book, pack of cards or video player along on your whale watching tour, but you'll be glad you did. Often, to reach the whale you need to ride on the boat for up to an hour each way. Depending on where you are, the scenery and bird life might be worth keeping an eye on, but you also might want some back up entertainment. It's also nice to have something to do inside the boat, when you want to warm up after being out on deck for a while.

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A great destination for whale watching in Kaikoura, NZ. This seaside town is home to a year-round population of sperm whales and visited annually by migrating humpback whales, blue whales, southern right whales and other marine wildlife. No wonder Kaikoura is one of New Zealand's premier tourist attractions!

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