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Complete guide to whale and dolphin watching.

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Whale and dolphin watching can be an inspiring and unforgettable experience. Organized whale and dolphin watching tours should be highly controlled and well-guided, with deep consideration for the welfare of these animals. The following information is for general reference only and should be supplemented by local regulations.


GENERALITIES ABOUT WHAT IS ALLOWED AND WHAT IS PROHIBITED

  • Conduct low-risk encounters, always allowing the marine animals to set the tone and nature of the encounter. 
  • Never chase or harass whales and dolphins. 
  • If they appear agitated, leave the area. 
  • Always stay alert to avoid collisions or unintentional situations. 
  • Be especially careful when around mothers and their babies, keep your distance and do not try to separate them. 
  • Reduce noise to a minimum. 
  • Experts recommend not touching or feeding whales or dolphins. 
  • Take your waste home: garbage can be lethal to these animals who mistake it for food. 
  • Do not buy any products from these animals – they are strictly regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 

    SOME SIGNS OF AGITATION IN WHALES AND DOLPHINS:

    • Rapid changes in direction and speed. 
    • Erratic behavior. 
    • Escape techniques such as prolonged diving. 
    • Flapping or flicking of fins. 

      SWIMMING WITH WHALES AND DOLPHINS
      The behaviour of these mammals is still not fully understood. Therefore, in order to protect humans, whales and dolphins, experts advise that it is best to admire these animals without entering the water.
      RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SIGHTING

      • By participating in whale watching programs you help protect whales and generate income for local communities.
      • Familiarize yourself with local techniques and advice, if these differ from these general recommendations.
      Whales and dolphins are unlikely to show signs of disturbance unless they feel threatened. Vessels should:
      • Maintain a speed that does not leave wakes and never try to overtake whales or dolphins while moving. 
      • Avoid sudden changes in speed, direction or noise level. 
      • Keep a safe distance (100 meters or 110 yards) from whales and dolphins. 
      • Always maintain an escape route. 
      • Never approach animals head-on and stay out of their path so that they are not forced to change course. 
      • Never cross or position yourself in front of a whale to force an encounter. 

        In the “sighting area”
        The “sighting area” is generally defined as the 100-400 meters (110 to 440 yards) behind and to the side of a group of whales or dolphins.
        Vessels must:

        • Take precautions and maintain a speed that does not produce waves when moving into or out of the “sighting area.” 
        • Coordinate with other boats to approach the “sighting area.” 
        • Avoid cornering animals. 
        • Limit observation time to 30 minutes per vessel. 
        • Limit the number of vessels in the sighting area to one or two at a time. 
        • Maintain a course parallel to the movement of the whales or dolphins. If whales or dolphins approach within 100 metres (110 yards), boats must stop, leaving engines running in neutral.

          Dolphins and jumps
          Boats should not be directed towards groups of dolphins to force them to jump in front of the bow. Not all dolphins like to jump in front of boats and for many this situation is stressful. 
          If dolphins approach to jump in front of the boat, the boat must maintain a constant speed and direction, or stop slowly until the animals pass. 
          CAUTION: LET WHALES AND DOLPHINS KNOW WHERE BOATS ARE. Do not approach whales or dolphins by rowing or with engines turned off, even if the boat is left adrift.

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