This activity is best known internationally as “whale-watching”. According to the International Whaling Comision, whale-watching is defined as “any commercial initiative which offers the observation of whales in their natural habitat to the public”. It is important to point out that although the generic term “whale-watching” is used, the term also implies the observation of other cetacean species, like dolphins and porpoises.
The activity is carried out in different ways. On a global level (in 1998), 28% was conducted from land (using telescopes, binoculars, theodolites) 72% from water (boat trips) and less than 1% from the air (light aircraft).
Global situation
The most recent research on whale-watching worldwide (Hoyt 2001) reports that these commercial excursions are available in at least 87 countries and territories, in which the industry is worth at least 1000 million dollars.
Principle countries with this activity
Some countries have carried out this activity for many years, therefore they count on good organization and regulations. Some of these countries are: New Zealand, Mexico (Black warrior), Puerto Rico (Rincón), USA (Provincetown –MA-, Hawaii, New England, Friday Harbor, San Juan –WA-), Canada (British Columbia, Quebec), Argentina (San Julian, Puerto Pirámides, Puerto Desecado), Australia (Hervey Bay, Monkey Mia, Byron Bay) Japan, Norway, South Africa, Ireland, Iceland
In Costa Rica, this activity has increased rapidly in the last 10 years. Activities are most commonly promoted in:
Gandoca-Manzanillo
Marino Ballena
Drake Bay
Papagayo Gulf
¿Did you know...?
In July 2005, a new regulation for whale watching was accepted in Costa Rica. This decree gives those involved in this activity 6 months to adapt to these rules (January 2006). Fundacion Keto produced an explanatory pamphlet, summarising the rules of this decree.
Click here if you think your Whale-watch pictures are good for our catalogue!
Whales’ and Dolphins’ watch Guidelines
If you are a boat navigator, a guide or a tourist, you should follow these regulations:
Don’t swim with dolphins or whales (it’s not pleasant for them and not safe for you).
Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
When possible, use 4 stroke engines kept in good condition. This decreases underwater sound disturbance.
Don’t stay longer than 30 min. with the same group.
Don’t get closer than 50 meters from DOLPHINS and 200 meters from WHALES.
Don’t stay longer than 15 min. with mother-calf couples or solitary whales.
Don’t drive faster than the slowest-swimming dolphin.
Drive slowly when watching whales.
Approach animals from behind and slightly to one side coming from the same direction of the group. Keep driving parallel to it.
Never put the boat in between animals, splitting a couple or group.
Leave the place if 3 or more vessels get together around the same group.
Don’t touch or feed the animals.
Don’t throw anything into the sea.
ATTENTION
If you notice abrupt changes in the cetaceans’ direction or speed, ask your boat navigator to leave. Leaning flukes to the sides and splashing water with flippers repeatedly times could be signs of annoyance and not signs of playfulness.
DON’T SWIM WITH DOLPHINS OR WHALES!
As tempting as it is, swimming with dolphins is against the law and researchers do not recommend going into the water with them. In spite of being charismatic and social animals, they are still wild. Swimming with them is harmful for both parts: dangerous for humans (accidents with different species of cetaceans in this situation have been reported) and invasive for dolphins. Dolphins’ leaving a particular area is a long-term effect of this activity.
Search