Whale & Dolphin Watching

Whale and dolphin watching, if well managed and done responsibly, is a sustainable and ethical alternative to viewing captive marine mammals. There is nothing comparable to seeing wild animals in their natural habitat - carrying out their normal behaviors relatively undisturbed and with little threat to their welfare.

The whale and dolphin watching industry is also a driving economic force for coastal communities in many countries. Over 13 million people across 119 countries worldwide go whale watching every year. The popularity of whale watching has significantly increased over the past two decades, and is now worth over 2.1 billion globally (IFAW 2009).

In addition to its economic value, whale watching provides great educational and social benefits by promoting research and educational opportunities. It increases public awareness and appreciation of the marine environment and the wildlife that live there through the education they receive while on board. For researchers, whale watching vessels offer a valuable opportunity to study marine mammals in their natural habitat.

International Fund for Animal Welfare. 2009. Whale Watching Worldwide: Tourism numbers, expenditures and economic benefits. (PDF 4.2 MB)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TOUR OPERATOR

If not done responsibly, whale watching does have the potential to harm the whales and dolphins being watched so it's important to choose responsible operators. Responsible operators seek to minimize their impact on the ocean and the animals. According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society there are specific criteria that a company should meet to be considered responsible. These criteria are summarized below:

• Companies must provide a recreational and educational experience that cultivates the passengers' appreciation for marine mammals and their environment and instills conservation awareness;
• Operators must seek to reduce the impact on marine wildlife by following all regulations and guidelines, maintaining proper vessels, animals are approached carefully, etc.
• Quality research is being conducted during trips;
• A naturalist, biologist, or other qualified guide is available onboard to provide accurate information about the biology, ecology, and life history of animals being watched; and
• Companies must operate so that local communities and regions have a financial and personal interest in the industry and conservation of marine resources.