From
savvy and sophisticated travelers seeking a conscious experience,
to families wanting an adventure both exciting and educational,
how do we know if our choice in whale or other marine mammal encounters
are safe and sane for both us and the animals we seek to connect
with?
The best operators will "Put The Animal First"
•
What training has the crew had, specifically, the people
who will interact with guests and guide the tour? Ask
specifically about training, study, research participation or length
of experience observing whales.
•
Is whale watching a primary focus for this boat? Many companies run seasonal
whale watches in addition to other business, such as diving. Be
sure the cruise you select is marine wildlife focused (not a fly-by
glimpse as you head off elsewhere). Do they do offer whale-watching
every season and actually devote time and energy to studying whales?
•
How long has the boat company been in business? Is this
a reputable operator? Does the company respect whale watching guidelines?
Do smaller boats honor advertised "maximum" passenger
load ? Beware companies promising, the "closest
you'll ever get." That may well be due to the fact that competing
companies are more respectful of the animals and/or guidelines in
place. Also make certain that you will not be surprised when you
arrive at the dock of a less-known company and find your boat overflowing
at the seams with "last minute add-on" passengers. It
can mean the difference between first class seats on the airplane
and riding a bus at rush hour.
•
What type of boat is it? It takes both a quality boat and an experienced, knowledgeable crew to deliver an exceptional whale-watch experience. Many
say the ideal boat for whale-watching is a catamaran — the
twin hulls make it stable, and the higher perch allows you to see
whale spouts easily and observe whale behavior without waves getting
between you and the animal. There's also room to move around freely
for photos.
Zodiacs
(inflatable rafts) are quick and for the rough and ready. They are not for everyone
however. Pregnant women or those with bad backs should consider
a less concussive, and more stable vessel.
Smaller
boats and/or group sizes offer more attention to each guest.
•
How is the boat set up? Does it offer comfortable (dry?) seating
for watching whales? Is shade available for tender-skinned visitors?
Is there a bathroom on board? Is it propelled by engines that whales
may find disturbing? We strongly suggests
taking a good look at boats with both whale-watching and sea-worthiness
in mind. For instance, check the ratio of passengers to boat size.
"Small groups" may indeed be a true statement for a small
boat that is overcrowded with passengers. However walking freely
on a stable larger boat may suit you better than sitting elbow-to-elbow
with passengers confined on a smaller vessel (especially if one
or more get sea-sick!).
•
Does the boat carry hydrophones so you can listen to whale
song? This is one benefit that you may not
have thought about, but once heard whale song will haunt you for the rest of
your life.
•
What's included in the price of the cruise — snacks? breakfast?
lunch? drinks? How long will you be out?
On some cruises, food and beverages may be included in the price
or are for sale. If for sale, prices may be steep. If you are eating
or drinking, you may want access to bathroom
facilities!
•
Do they guarantee a whale sighting and do they offer refunds
if no whales are sighted? Those concerned
about whales say guarantees may cause captains to chase whales or whale watch
in areas where there are already many boats (guarantees put pressure on both operators and whales); others say the
point should be to enjoy the day and whatever reveals itself.
•
How much does the whale watch cost? Cost
must be weighed against other factors, including those outlined
above. Check prices in ratio to trip length, "bargains"
may not the best deal after all. Then again if you are pressed for
time, this may work for you. Consider though that "fast boats"
(jet engines, outboard motors) may not only be a nuisance to the whales, but may "miss"
disturbed whales that temporarily dive underwater nearby.
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How close
will you get to the whales? Run your
mouse over the "square" above to the left to see a boat
almost run over whales! Excuse
the shaky camera as we attempt to flag the boat down. No success
until the last minute, as you will see (at that, only in time to
veer off). Even "slow" boats may have a whale pop up in
front of them, however the operator in this video was both aware
there were whales in the area, and was traveling at a speed that
prevented intervention until the last moment. "Closest you'll
ever get" may be a claim you'll wish you didn't receive!
Argh!
Hawaii fisherman details collision with humpback whale; 'I think
the whale is fine'
•
Do any proceeds from the whale watch benefit whale protection or
research? Companies with a vested interest
in the resource, (in a perfect world) should be just as concerned
with conservation in and education of the same resources they are
exploiting.
Recommended
whale watching tours
