Coastal communities can be rejuvenated, with accommodation, restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops catering for the tourists attracted by whale watching. Jobs are created which last on and off-peak. Whale watching is a $1.25 billion (USD) industry enjoyed by over 10 million people each year.

New technologies are introduced: in Kaikoura, NZ, the whale watch team operate today four state-of-the-art catamarans, which are armed with high powered technology that delivers an informative graphic presentation to the visitor through a large plasma screen, taking the viewer to a virtual seabed 1000m down in the Kaikoura Canyon, home of the giant sperm whale, which is viewed on a daily basis.

Whales are – in a sense – a natural resource and protecting them is comparable to protecting areas of beauty. Their continuation ensures a livelihood for the town through tourism and protects the local areas for future generations of inhabitants.

Thirty-four of the 51 current IWC member countries have whale-watching activities, and this change of use from consumptive to non-consumptive options represents a clear indication of evolving relationships with whales.

A guide to responsible whale watching

At their best, whale watching excursions offer us the chance to appreciate whales in their natural environment, from a respectful distance. At their worst, they get too close, fight with other tour boats for viewing space and even encourage tourists to get close to or touch the animals.

By asking some key questions, compassionate travellers can find a responsible tour operator that keeps animal welfare firmly in mind and offers safety for passengers.  

1. What’s the law?

Some countries have laws governing the whale watching industry to protect the animals’ welfare. Countries that rely on unenforceable codes of conduct place the onus to be responsible on the tour operator.

To ensure you are joining a responsible watching excursion, ask about the local laws or codes of conduct that tour operators must follow.

Two of the most important things to look for in a good code of contact are restrictions on distance and speed. Approaching animals too close or too fast risks propeller injuries, can cause stress, stop them behaving naturally and can even separate calves from their mothers.

Additionally, the best tours will:

• maintain a distance of 100 metres from whales and 50 metres from dolphins, rising to 200 metres if another boat is present
• maintain a predictable course and speed near the animals
• keep the engine in neutral (or better still turn it off) if animals approach the vessel
• keep to one course and speed if dolphins join a moving vessel
• watch a particular whale or group of animals for a maximum of 15 minutes, especially if other boats are nearby
• take turns with other boats at the watching distance.

Regulations governing whale watching tours in Argentina, Brazil and New Zealand are available on the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society website.

2. What about education and research?

Good trips will include an informed guide – sometimes a marine biologist – who can provide interesting information about wildlife. Some tour operators are actively involved in research to protect whales and will be able to give excellent insights as a result.

3. How safe is this tour?

Any boat you choose should have: an experienced, approachable skipper and crew; safety and rescue equipment; proper insurance; the required permits for operating such a vessel and guidelines for a maximum number of passengers. You should be given a safety and emergency briefing.

4. What exactly is on offer?

Tour operators should say what passengers can reasonably expect. They should offer a reasonable price, be honest about their success rate for sightings and explain what happens if a trip is cancelled.

A problem trip?

If, despite all of your questioning, the tour you choose leaves you concerns about the welfare of the whales, you can make a detailed report to local authorities and tourist broad.