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Choosing a Tour that’s Right For You
Dolphins and whales can be found around the globe, making it easy to find a spot to view them in the wild or to meet them on their home turf by taking a wildlife watching tour. The abundance of dolphin and whale watching operations ensures that anyone who wants to get a truly wild experience with these magnificent marine mammals can. But are all of these operators doing what’s best for the dolphins and whales?

Before embarking on your next dolphin or whale excursion, carefully research the watch operators you are considering to make sure that their business practices support your own beliefs about marine mammal protection and conservation. Request a brochure and address any questions or concerns that you have prior to buying a ticket.

Responsible Operators…
Place the interests of the whales and dolphins above their own by voluntarily following and surpassing all whale watching regulations and guidelines. A minimum of 300 feet of space should be left between a boat and any dolphins or whales encountered at all times. By allowing the animals the room to move about naturally and not crowding them, you get the pleasure of witnessing these magnificent wild animals at work and at play.

Recognize the importance of education and conservation by having a trained naturalist or marine mammal specialist onboard to help guests locate and identify the many species of wildlife they encounter on their journey. Following your whale-watching excursion with a good guide, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the marine world and its inhabitants.

Ensure the safety of their passengers by employing a captain and crew familiar with the local area, trained in first aid and committed to providing their guests with a safe and exciting encounter with marine life. All boats should be equipped with lifejackets and rescue equipment and all passengers should be made aware of emergency procedures prior to launch.

To learn more about safe and sustainable whale and dolphin watching standards and to view the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society’s database of whale and dolphin watch operators, please visit Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society’s database of whale and dolphin watch operators.