How to Make the Most of Whale Watching

With the killing of whales now condemned by most countries, and more interest paid to them, whale watching has become a most popular pastime worldwide.

From about 1971, commercial whale watching began in North America, with most interest paid to Fin and Beluga whales and as time went on, the Humpback whales and Southern Right aroused people's interest. Since the middle of the eighties, with worldwide surveys taking place, whale watching gained a large amount of interest. It began raking in revenue, as it became the latest novelty of the time for tourism, in 119 countries.

The viewing of whales in the countries that attract them to their shores for the spring season, encourages visitors in droves. The best and closest ways for observing them close up is by taking whale watching trips. The boat operators know the best areas for sighting whales and promise you an interesting day on the ocean.

Take along a windproof waterproof jacket, as the sea spray can make you quite wet. A sweater is recommended; if the wind blows, it can be quite chilly. Rather have it and not need it than not have it and freeze. Sunscreen and a hat for the sun are must-haves.

A pair of sunglasses protect against the glare and reflection on the sea surface of curious whales and dolphins that are nosy. Cameras and binoculars are also useful to have with you on a whale watching cruise.

The possibility of the boat standing idly on rolling swells may make you feel a little queasy if you are a person prone to seasickness, so be prepared accordingly. The best areas to sit when on a whale watching cruise is either at the bow or the raised areas, as it is not good to disturb the whales by motoring up too close to them. Whales do not like disturbance on their domain of sea.

The experience of watching whales accompanied by an expert relating information about their behavioural habits is certainly educational, and adds to the enjoyment of whale watching trips. Whale antics are a sheer delight to watch as they cavort among the rolling small waves, turning turtle, flapping fins or sending up high sprouts of water resembling those of a fountain. Furthermore, they really like to perform and splash about the waves. When they decide that they have had enough, they simply dive down below sea level, out of sight to their waiting whale fans!