Trip planning: Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Planning

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What should we bring on our trip?

Visit our trip planning page for more information about what to bring.

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Should I bring a life jacket?

US Coast Guard approved Type 1 lifejackets will be provided to all students. Students will not be allowed to wear personal lifejackets.

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Should we cancel if there is bad weather?

The program can be modified to accommodate most weather conditions. There are very few spaces available for rescheduling, so we respectfully request that you commit to your date. Class cancellation due to dangerous weather conditions is at the discretion of the captain and will be communicated to teachers 24 hours before their OSO trip. The teacher will be responsible for communicating this information to their chaperones and class. We do our best to reschedule canceled trips for later in the season. For more information visit the Trip Planning webpage.

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What is the cancellation policy?

If the teacher has to cancel their trip, please communicate this to the Program Manager ASAP. We kindly request 30 days’ notice for cancellations. There is no guarantee that we can reschedule your trip for later in the season.

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Does OSO accept homeschool groups or other clubs?

O’Neill Sea Odyssey works with students and teachers from Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Clara, and San Benito Counties. While we welcome all applicants, we prioritize classes that meet Sea Odyssey’s mission of reaching students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to access our coasts and ocean. Please contact the OSO Program Manager if you have further questions.

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I want to volunteer with O’Neill Sea Odyssey, how can I get involved?

We have a number of ways for people to get involved and support the Sea Odyssey program.  We are always looking for volunteers to help in the office and onboard the Sea Odyssey program. Check out the Volunteer page for more information.

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Where can my class eat lunch?

There is no snack or lunch break during our packed three hour program. Please plan on eating before or after your scheduled trip. There are a number of lunch spots at the Santa Cruz Harbor. Students can eat directly on Twin Lakes Beach or the public benches outside of Java Junction, El Palomar, or the Crow’s Nest Beach Market. Please avoid sitting at tables designated for patrons. Chaperones are asked to supervise students at all times and to keep their voices low to not disturb other businesses.

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Can O’Neill Sea Odyssey staff give my students sea-sickness medication?

Instructors are not permitted to carry or administer student medications.