WiseWhale is based on two main goals:
The first is to educate people on how to choose responsible whale-watching companies. We aim to explore whale-watching practices worldwide, document our findings, and share them on our platform. This way, travelers can check our website for information on whale-watching in different countries, find recommendations for ethical companies, and learn how to make responsible choices.
This website was created because there’s very little guidance online about how to choose a responsible whale-watching company. There’s no comprehensive resource covering whale-watching worldwide, which is understandable—it’s a big challenge. But that’s exactly what we aim to provide.
The second goal is to support companies that want to improve their whale-watching practices. We plan to provide guidelines and offer on-site training to help businesses adopt the best possible methods.
When we have traveled to countries where whale-watching isn’t a major industry but still exists, we have been asked to give lessons on best practices. Some companies genuinely want to do it right, and we want to help them.
We have also looked into other international organizations that provide whale-watching certifications. While it’s great that more people are working on this, we have noticed a problem: many certifications are based on online courses or video submissions. A company can simply pay for a certification or submit a polished video that meets the standards—without actually committing to responsible practices. This approach isn’t effective because there’s little to no enforcement. Even in countries with regulations, compliance often fades over time since there aren’t always authorities monitoring activities on the water.
That’s why our approach is different. Instead of just handing out certifications, we want to visit companies in person, work with them directly, and train them on responsible whale-watching. The goal isn’t just to earn a badge for marketing purposes—it’s to instill a genuine belief in ethical practices so that companies continue to follow them long after we’ve left.
At Wisewhale we are working to support responsible whale watching tourism that has animal welfare at its core.
Whale and dolphin watching is an incredible way to connect with marine life, fostering appreciation and conservation efforts. Observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat supports ecotourism, promotes education, and contributes to scientific research. However, irresponsible practices can stress, injure, or even endanger these animals. That’s why following ethical guidelines is essential to ensure a safe and sustainable experience.
Our programme is available to responsible whale and dolphin watching companies that strive to operate to the highest standards of care for local wildlife, sustainability, and customer experience.
In this section, we will discuss best practices for whale watching. We have dedicated materials, and our goal is to travel worldwide, working with companies that are open to training and learning about responsible whale watching. Those who complete the training will receive a certification and a label confirming that they adhere to best practices. Their company will also be listed on our website as an approved operator. If you’re interested, please contact us.
Best Practices for Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watching
1. Keep a Safe Distance
Stay at least 100 meters away from whales and 50 meters from dolphins.
If a whale or dolphin approaches, slow down or stop and let them decide how close to come.
2. Approach with Care
Move parallel to the animal’s path rather than cutting across it.
Reduce speed to avoid making loud noises that could disturb them.
Avoid sudden movements or changes in direction.
3. Limit Viewing Time
Spend no more than 20 minutes observing one group of whales or dolphins.
If other boats are present, leave after 15 minutes to reduce pressure on the animals.
4. Respect the Animals’ Behaviour
If a whale or dolphin changes direction, speeds up, or dives suddenly, it may be trying to get away. Back off immediately.
Do not chase, feed, or touch them—this can cause stress or harm.
Unacceptable Practices
Chasing or encircling whales and dolphins – Causes stress and forces them to flee.
Dropping people into the water to swim with them – Can disrupt their natural behavior.
Loud noises and excessive boat traffic – Interferes with their communication and navigation.
Feeding wild dolphins or whales – Alters their natural feeding habits and makes them reliant on humans.
Whale watching can bring some benefits, like Supporting Conservation – Sustainable tourism helps fund marine protection programs.
Educating the Public – Provides awareness about marine life and environmental challenges.
Helping with Scientific Research – Data collected from tours can contribute to marine studies.
Boosts Local Economies – Provides income for coastal communities through eco-tourism.
However there are some very important limits of whale watching like Disturbing the Wildlife – boats can stress animals and interfere with their behaviour..
Over-commercialization – tours may prioritize profits over conservation.
Here you will find a pdf with our guideline for a responsible whale watching practice.
If you want to explore more check out: https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/
