Making The Most Of Whale Watch Cruises
"We've seen phenomenal growth over the world since whale watching began in California in 1955 to the late 1980s when it exploded," says Erich Hoyt, a whale research expert with the International Fund for Animal Welfare. "Growth averages 12 percent a year, compared to overall world tourism of 3 to 4 percent." Not only do conservation efforts preserve marine species, he argues, but it also fuels local economies. Whether you have taken whale watch cruises before or you are planning your first trip, this article contains useful information to help you make the most of your next whale encounter.
Deciding where you would like to go to catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals is an enormous task since they move freely around the world. However, there are a number of whale spotting destinations right in America. Whale watching in California, from San Francisco and Monterey Bay down to San Diego and Baja is very popular because pods of gray, blue and humpback whales migrate from the north down to warmer waters for the winter. Hawaii is another popular American hangout for these species as well. Boston whale watch cruises in Stellwagen's Bank offer guaranteed sightings of humpbacks, grays, blues, pilots or minkes. If you've always wanted to see killer whales in person, then your best bet is Seattle, British Columbia or Alaska whale watching tours.
Once you decide where you'd like to go whale watching, you'll need to do your homework to find the best tour operator. Chances are, most local companies will be taking you to the same locations to see the same whale species, so you'll need to look at other differentiating factors. For instance, do you want a larger boat that offers multiple viewing decks (indoor and outdoor), state-of-the-art audio/video technology, a full-service bar, a galley with snacks and whale experts to answer your questions, but may spend less time with the whales and more time getting out to sea? Or would you rather take a high-speed catamaran that holds as few as six people and will get you up-close and personal with the whales, but may be a choppier, wetter ride?
To get the most out of your whale watching experience, choose a tour operator that has onboard naturalists or marine biologists. These whale research experts can explain the whale behaviors to you and point out which species are frolicking in the water. Some larger ships have a guide narrating over a PA system, while smaller ships allow for intimate interaction with your captain. The type of experience you're looking for is really up to you. Look for whale watch cruises that have experts from local aquariums, research centers or non-profit organizations, as these are usually your best bet.
Related topics about Whale Watch Cruises
Boston Whale Watching Opportunities
If you want to get away from the more popular Boston whale watching cruise experience and see something a little more remote, then you can take a pleasant 40 minute drive north to Gloucester. Here, you are conveniently situated between two prime feeding grounds; Stellwagen's Bay and Jeffrey's Ledge. Down in Stellwagen, you're likely to see humpbacks, minke and finback whales, as well as white-sided dolphins.
Top Picks For A Whale Watching Cruise
The worldwide whale watch industry brings in roughly $1.25 billion dollars each year. According to outspoken Canadian animal rights activist Paul Watson, "Back in 1980, whale watching surpassed whaling as an industry.
Tips For Whale Watch Trips
Travelers usually expect to see something on their whale watch trips and tour operators desperately want to make that magic happen, and at any cost. Once the initial seasickness had subsided, the boat arrived at the prime whale watching area, along with five other boats full of eager tourists armed with cameras. In this distance, a couple humpback whales leapt out of the water.