Our Code of Conduct & Approaching Guidelines to make a Responsible Whale watching Tour
-
When whales or dolphins are first encountered, Boats maintain a steady course.
* We stop the vessel or assume a "no wake speed" to determine whether they are feeding, travelling or prospecting for food. Assess what direction they may be moving in. And, we never cross the path of cetaceans attempting to cut them off or anticipate their moves. This applies to all species encountered.
We never approach at 90 degrees to individual animals or groups or head on or directly from behind. However Common and bottlenose dolphins will frequently approach boats of their own volition from a head on position and boats should be brought to a standstill until they have engaged. This applies to all species.
-
Boat Speed maintains below 7 knots
We ensure to keep the speed as 'No wake Speed' as it is normally 4 knots.
Ensure propeller revolutions are reduced to a minimum.
This is very important when some dolphin species engage the boat.
NEVER make rapid accelerations TOWARDS or AWAY from cetaceans how far away they may be.
-
Maintain a distance of at least 150 meters away from Cetaceans.
-
Maintain a distance of 200m between any other boats in the vicinity.
-
Attempt to steer a course parallel to the direction whales or dolphins are taking.
With some dolphin species, especially the common & Spinner dolphins, they will actively engage the boat and bow ride to the front and side. We always try to travel in the same direction the animals were moving in when encountered. Extra vigilance should be exercised if very young and adolescent animals are present.
-
We are not spending more than 30 minutes with whales or dolphins.
-
We DO NOT attempt to swim with cetaceans.
Never attempt to touch animals or feed them.
We Never encourage the boat Captain to get closer to animals and dissuade others from doing so politely. As the most experienced whale watch operator in Mirissa (Est in 2006) we are those who abide by a very strict code of conduct and are thoughtful of the animal welfare issues and the environment. * We encourage you to make as little noise as possible when you are in the presence of cetaceans. Sound travels furthest through water and can sound very loud to aquatic animals.