Whales are awe inspiring animals, so it’s unsurprising that whale watching ranks as one of the most popular animal tourism activities. Getting out in the water to see these animals in person is a great way to educate, inspire good environmental stewardship, and provide income to local communities. However, the growing demand for these types of tours as well as the pressure on tour operators to deliver incredible viewing experiences risks interfering with these amazing animals’ normal routines and may cause undue stress. Responsible tourists will take care to support operations that help protect whale welfare and the ocean environment.
Risks for Whales
As if environmental changes, pollution, and hunting weren’t enough, whale watching tours unfortunately can have additional negative consequences for whales. Increased noise from boats can interfere with their normal communications…close proximity of boats increases the chance of trauma from boat hulls or motors…and the stress of multiple or lingering boats can disrupt behaviors such as feeding, breeding, and caring for young.
These potential negative outcomes don’t necessarily mean that you can’t go out on a whale watching tour, but it’s important to make sure that your chosen operator makes an effort to minimize or eliminate these risks.
Are there regulations?
In most cases, yes. Regulations often limit how close boats can get to the animals, how boats approach the whales, what seasons tours may operate in, what times of day tours are able to take place, and where tours may go. However, regulations vary depending on location. It’s a good idea to take a moment to familiarize yourself with local regulations when you decide to go on a whale watching tour (Google is a great help for this!).
General Guidelines
In general, guidelines for whale watching tours include: minimizing noise of the vessel, slowing speed upon approach of animals, avoiding head on approaches, maintaining a generous distance from the whales (and allowing them to choose to come closer if they desire), and limiting the time spent near an individual or group.
Signs of a Responsible Operator
As a tourist, how can you help determine which tours operate responsibly? Unfortunately, there is no one specific thing that guarantees a responsibly run tour. However, these positive characteristics can help you in your decision.
Emphasis on education: By educating guests about whales and other related issues (climate change, marine pollution, etc.), whale watching tours can have a greater effect on conservation and animal welfare even after the tour ends.
Does not guarantee whale sightings: Like most things in nature, whales are unpredictable. While they do have general patterns that can make sightings relatively reliable, no responsible operator will guarantee whale sightings or a specific experience (breaching, etc.).
Partnership with conservation or research programs: Whale watching tour operators can offer important information and data collection opportunities for conservation and research programs. Partnering with these programs indicates a desire to help protect the animals and environment for future generations.
Questions to Ask Tour Operators
Don’t be afraid to ask your tour operator specific questions about how they help protect whale welfare! Specific questions to consider include:
What are the local whale watching regulations/guidelines?
How do you minimize your tour’s impact on whale welfare and the environment?
Is there a naturalist/educational guide on board?
What type of educational program do you provide during the tour?
Does your company participate in conservation efforts or research programs?
Is the company certified by any third-party organizations that help regulate sustainable/responsible tourism?
For more information:
Whale Watching Handbook: What is responsible whale watching?
Whale and Dolphin Conservation: Whale and Dolphin Watching
World Cetacean Alliance: The Importance of Responsible Whale Watching
Animal Welfare Institute: Whale Watching
