Whale Watching Guidelines

Active whales require ample space. In all cases, do not restrict normal movement or behavior of whales, or take actions that may evoke a reaction from whales or result in physical contact with a whale.

To protect whales and avoid harassment of whales, NOAA Fisheries provided the following guidelines that may be applied to all whale watching.

1. WHEN IN SIGHT OF WHALES (less than five football fields away):

   • Avoid excessive speed or sudden changes in speed or direction.



2. CLOSE APPROACH PROCEDURE (less than two football fields away):

   • Approach stationary whales at no more than idle or "no wake" speed.
   • Parallel the course and speed of moving whales.
   • Do not attempt a head-on approach to moving or resting whales.



3. NO INTENTIONAL APPROACH (less than 100 feet away):

   • Do not intentionally approach within 100 feet of whales.
   • If whales approach within 100 feet of your vessel, put engine in neutral and do not re-engage props until whales are observed at the surface, clear of the vessel.

Active whales require ample space. Breaching, lobtailing, and flipper-slapping whales may endanger people and/or vessels. Feeding whales often emit subsurface bubbles before rising to feed at the surface. Stand clear of light green bubble patches. In all cases, do not restrict normal movement or behavior of whales, or take actions that may evoke a reaction from whales or result in physical contact with a whale.

Diving on whales is considered to be an intentional approach of whales and may be considered a violation of federal law.