Approach animals from angles where they will not be taken by surprise.Do not pursue, encircle or come in between whales.There is now strong evidence that whale watching can significantly affect the biology and ecology of whales and dolphins.Įnvironmental campaigners, concerned by what they consider the 'quick-buck' mentality of some boat owners, continue to strongly urge all whale watcher operators to contribute to local regulations governing whale watching (no international standard set of regulations exist because of the huge variety of species and populations). The rapid growth of the number of whale-watching trips and the size of vessel used to watch whales may affect whale behaviour, migratory patterns and breeding cycles. General boating safety can be found in cruising on small craft.Ĭonservation See also: Animal ethics There she blows! there! there! there! she blows! she blows! Many regional whale watching groups exist that will share knowledge and sighting info with voyagers. Some practical ferry crossings pass through areas in which whales or icebergs may be spotted, but these normally do not announce whale sightings or deviate course to get a better look. Paid tour boats are common but often whales can be seen from shore or personal watercraft. Whales are watched most commonly for recreation like bird watching but the activity can also serve scientific or educational purposes. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, enjoyed by millions of people around the world every year.