Whale watching began in the 1950s in North America along the coast of Southern California. Today,
whale watching can be enjoyed in the waters of more than forty countries, as well as, Antarctica.
The activity of whale watching has many benefits, from environmental education and scientific
research to ensure the lives of the species, to recreational and economic where it has become a
significant part of the local tourism economy. In recent years, whale watching has become an
increasingly popular pastime for tourists. There are a wide range of tours available, ranging
from one hour to two weeks. All the large whales and many dolphins and porpoises can regularly
be seen on these tours.
With the increased interest in whale watching, one should note that the best time to observe whales
from the land or air in midday, when the sun is directly overhead. When watching whales from a
boat, you are more dependent on the weather than the time of day. With this growing interest in
whale watching, one must also be more aware of the needs of these intelligent and sensitive
mammals.
Marine mammals require space to move and quietness, therefore every vessel on the water
impacts marine life. Throughout the whale watching community there is a growing awareness and
education to ensue that all marine life viewing is handled with great care and sensitivity and
respect to the needs of the marine mammals who inhabit these waters. This makes for better and
more responsible whale watching.
