Ahoy! For all you budding marine enthusiasts, there’s nothing better than a day out whale watching on the open seas. However, it’s important to remember that we are guests in the natural habitat of these magnificent creatures. So, it’s our responsibility to ensure that we follow proper whale watching etiquette to ensure that both whales and humans are safe and joyful. In this blog post, we will explore the dos and donts of whale watching etiquette.

🚫 Don’t Touch the Whales 🐳

Whales are extremely curious animals and can come close to boats to investigate. However, touching them is a strict no-no as it can harm them and can disrupt their feeding or mating activities. It’s highly recommended to maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from whales, but if they come closer, switch off your motor and let them explore at their own pace. Touching the whales can also cause oil and dirt from our skin, hair, and lotions to stick to them, affecting their natural ecosystem.

A whale breaching out of the ocean

📏 Respecting Their Personal Space 🐋

Whales are extremely sensitive creatures, and respecting their personal space is crucial. Swimmers shouldn’t come within 30 meters of a whale, and boats should maintain a distance of around 100 meters. In Mexico, Costa Rica, and other ecotourism hotspots, the law strictly prohibits boats from approaching the whales closer than 30 meters. The best approach here is to wait patiently and let them come towards you rather than chasing them.

A whale swimming in the ocean surrounded by small boats

🚤 Slow and Steady Wins the Race 🐬

Whales are known to react to the whale-watching boats based on the noise they produce and speed at which they move. When approaching a whale, it’s essential to slow down the boat and maintain a speed of no more than four knots. This will reduce the sound and keep it peaceful for both the whale and you. Maintaining a steady course is also important as sharp turns or sudden movements can create waves and lead to injuries.

A whale gliding across the ocean with a boat far in the background

📶 Silence is Golden 🤫

Whales are known for their exceptional hearing abilities, and loud sounds can disrupt their natural behavior and disorient them. Hence, it’s important to keep noises to a minimum and ensure silence during the whale watching session. Avoid shouting or making loud noises on the boat, including loudspeakers and music systems. Some boats even use underwater speakers to listen to whale-song, but in such cases, it’s advisable to maintain distance to avoid causing any disturbance.

A whale tail up in the air with a boat far away

🗑️ Leave Nothing but Footprints 🐾

Preserving our oceans is a collective responsibility shared by everyone who loves them. Whale watching enthusiasts can help protect the marine environment by leaving nothing behind, be it plastics, food, or other waste materials. It’s important to carry back any garbage generated during the whale watching excursion and dispose of it responsibly so it doesn’t harm the natural habitat. 🌿

A whale spitting out water in the ocean

So, there you go, folks! A primer on proper whale watching etiquette to follow on your next marine excursion. Remember, respecting these creatures by following proper etiquette ensures we can continue to enjoy their beauty and grace for years to come. 🌊🐳

A beautiful seascape with whales jumping out of the water along with boats