Do whale watching boats bother whales?

Boat-based whale watching exposes whales and dolphins to underwater noise, as well as the risk of injury from collision with the boat's hull or propeller19,20. The presence of boats can distract the animals from important behaviours like resting, socializing or feeding1,3,21.



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So does it harm the mammals? Whale watching can have an impact on their natural behaviour, including their ability to feed, rest and rear their young. This can cause problems in the short and long term, say those working in the field of marine biology. Boats can also collide with the whales, putting everyone at risk.

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Boat-based whale watching exposes whales and dolphins to underwater noise, as well as the risk of injury from collision with the boat's hull or propeller19,20. The presence of boats can distract the animals from important behaviours like resting, socializing or feeding1,3,21.

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He said whale-watching passengers face greater risks tripping or slipping on wet decks or staircases than they are for drowning at sea. It's a very safe industry and very seldom do you ever hear of a major incident on any type of whale-watch vessel.

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Whale watching is ethical when we know when we are accepted into the pod. They invite us in, not the other way around and when they do, they come to us. This is their way of saying “Welcome! It's great to 'sea' you; we are interested in you, too!”

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Both of our boats offer a smooth ride overall, but whale watching tours sometimes go far out into the Bay and yes, a small percentage of passengers are known to become seasick in a variety of ocean conditions. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, proper precautions to avoid it are highly recommended.

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A whale could not tip over a cruise ship. Although even the largest of blue whales can weigh up to 200 tonnes, the largest cruise ships can weigh up to 220,000 or more. Some cruise ships would carry ten times more freshwater or fuel than the weight of even the largest whales.

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Whales attacking ships are rare — indeed, just a handful of such incidents have ever been documented.

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