Whale watching: On the trail of the gentle giants 60 photos

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Whale watching with respect

Are you one of the lucky ones who has already seen these fascinating marine mammals? Or are you still dreaming of your first personal encounter with a whale? For many people, whale watching is a lifelong dream. Others are strictly against it. Is whale watching okay? Magazine.Travel argues that whale watching is also a form of whale conservation. Provided observers show respect and do not harass the animals.

Especially in a country like Iceland, where whaling is still legally permitted, it is important to promote sustainable ecotourism and thus the protection of whales. The opportunity to earn money from whale watching is, and has been, in some countries a banal but important reason for converting from whale hunters to whale conservationists. A change of course changes the perspective and ultimately the attitude as well. A good path for both humans and whales. The next step is to ensure that whale tours do not disturb the whales in their natural behavior. We are all responsible for this.

For the sake of the whales, you should always choose nature-conscious operators. Social distancing rules are mandatory to avoid stressing the animals and risking injury. A whale tour should not end in a hunt. The larger the boat, the greater the distance from the whales should be. Furthermore, a clear limit on the number of boats is welcome. As long as whale watching is done with the necessary respect, it promotes understanding of these wonderful creatures.

During the tour, visitors are often given information about whale biology and the urgent need to protect the oceans. Whale watching thus serves as an educational tool. True to the motto: People only protect what they know and love. Anyone who has good photos of humpback whale fins can even help science. With a little research beforehand and appropriate behavior on board, you can enjoy your personal encounter with these gentle giants without any guilt.

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Animals • mammals • whales • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • On the trail of the gentle giants

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Breathless moments & deep encounters

Whale watching is childish enthusiasm, growing excitement and an unfathomable exhilaration. Every fin and every back is exuberantly celebrated with Ah and Oh calls.

Is it the size of the whales that fascinates us so much? Huge creatures that make us feel like we're not as important as we think we are? Is it the gentleness of the whales that makes them so fascinating? The weightless elegance of their massive bodies? Or are they the mysteries of the deep seas that suddenly become a little bit tangible for us? A glimpse into a strange, wonderful world? An encounter with whales is unique and makes a very special chord vibrate in us.

Every whale sighting is a gift. Of course there are still very special favorite moments: The sharp, loud snort of a humpback whale, which appears right next to the boat. A whole pod of fin whales in one go. Or just the wonderful contrast of dark distant tail fins dancing in front of a white snowy shore. The innocent, pure moment when an orca calf and its mother gracefully glide by. Dive in and out in a steady, even rhythm. Humpback whales darting out of the water, heaving their mighty bodies out of the waves and disappearing back into the sea with a loud splash.

You will never forget the day you first saw the huge back of a blue whale. His blowhole is so big that every truck tire looks small in comparison. The breathless moment when the giant of the seas actually lifts its huge tail fin in farewell. There are a lot of special moments when whale watching. And yet they remain pure luck.

Happiness is the incredible feeling of being showered by the blow of a whale as it passes right next to the small RIB boat. The wet, dripping lens of the camera, which suddenly becomes a minor matter. After all, who can claim to have felt the breath of a whale? Happiness is when fountains of water shoot up all around you. Far but numerous. Where should you turn? Whales - whispers an awestruck echo in your head. All over. And sometimes luck is just a matter of luck: A group of pilot whales on the high seas. A pod of dolphins accompanying the boat. Leaping whales in the distance, on a normal walk on the beach. Special experiences await everywhere.

Embark on the journey. Expect nothing and receive everything. With a bit of luck, you too will find very personal moments in which you feel deeply connected to these wonderful creatures of the sea.

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Animals • mammals • whales • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • On the trail of the gentle giants

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The best places to see whales

Whales migrate, so plan not only for the best locations, but also for the right times of year. There are some resident groups of whales, such as the short-finned pilot whales in Tenerife. These can be seen in the same area all year round. However, many whale species migrate back and forth between a summer range and a winter range. For food, they cavort in cool, nutrient-rich waters. Reproduction, on the other hand, usually takes place in warmer regions.

gray whales for example, wander between Mexico and Alaska back and forth. Their nursery is in the bays of Baja California and in Alaska eat your fill. humpback whales switch between polar areas where they feed and tropical areas where they breed. You walk along the east coast of Australia. Queensland is considered an insider tip for whale watching between July and October.

Whale fans also get their money's worth in Europe. Iceland, Norway and the Azores offer excellent whale watching opportunities. For the Azores April to October is considered a good time for whale watching. In Iceland Humpback whales are common, especially between June and September Minke whales to see. In winter the chances of Orca sightings increase. Norway has from May to September sperm whales to offer and between November and January you can see humpback whales and Orcas observe. You can even snorkel with whales in Skjervoy.

Vancouver Island in Canada is another good address for orca tours. The coast at Kaikura in New Zealand and the waters around the Dominica Island are known for sperm whales. In the Amazon of Ecuador and Peru wait rare River dolphins to you of you. There are countless wonderful places that make whale watching possible.

And where do you find it blue whale? The king of the whales? You have a good chance of observing the largest animal in the world, for example in the Gulf of California at Mexico. Every year between January and March, blue whales come into the waters Loreto. Another insider tip are the Azores. Best Months to Spot Blue Whales Azores to see are April and May.

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Animals • mammals • whales • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • On the trail of the gentle giants

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What do you see while whale watching?

Each whale species has an individual physique and its own behavioral repertoire. The blow is the first to be seen and usually also heard. This is the fountain of water created when the whale exhales. Shortly thereafter, the back becomes visible. The dorsal fin is called the fin in technical jargon and the tail is called the fluke. Which body parts can be seen depends on the whale species and their behavior at that moment.

The orca, for example, is known for its tall, sword-like dorsal fin. The minke whale's fin, on the other hand, is small and sickle-shaped. Gray whales lack a dorsal fin at all. However, this species of whale frequently raises its head above the water. The humpback whale rarely shows its head but regularly shows its fin when diving. It uses its fluke to provide momentum during deep dives.

The blue whale, on the other hand, boasts a larger body. Its enormous back is best visible, and it sometimes raises its tail. Fin whales, the second-largest whales, surface at a more acute angle and are known to roll onto their sides while feeding, sometimes revealing their bellies. Each whale species has its own unique characteristics. What you can see while whale watching depends primarily on the species of whale you are looking at.

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Animals • mammals • whales • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • On the trail of the gentle giants

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Snorkeling with whales

Another indescribable experience is seeing whales underwater. To see her in all her beauty and glory. In Norway, for example, you can snorkel with orcas and jump into the cool water with humpback whales. The ideal time for this is November to January. In Australia, you can share the water with minke whales in July and meet humpback whales between July and October. In Egypt you have the best chance to swim with spinner dolphins in the wild all year round.

Choose providers with experience, small boats and small groups. Never wear insect repellent or sunscreen when entering the water and keep quiet so as not to disturb the animals. The whales decide if you feel like it. Even a gentle flapping of the fins carries the sea giant into an unreachable distance. Be aware that a great sighting underwater is more difficult than an exceptional sighting above water. Plan enough time. Sharing the water with a whale is an incredible feeling that you will never forget.

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Animals • mammals • whales • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • On the trail of the gentle giants

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I want to see a whale jump!

This phrase is often heard on many whale tours from discerning visitors, and is often disappointing. Some whale species never jump. Every whale is different, and the idea that a whale tour automatically guarantees seeing jumping whales is definitely a myth. Those who still don't want to miss this unique spectacle should specifically choose whale species known for frequent jumps, such as the humpback whale or the orca. However, a sighting of these species by no means automatically means an acrobatic performance.

Why do whales jump? Many reasons have been discussed. Perhaps they want to get rid of annoying parasites? Or do they simply enjoy it? It is now believed that the animals communicate with each other through their jumps. This could be the reason why they engage in more jumping activity during mating season, for example. If you want to see a whale jump, your best chance is in the humpback whale breeding grounds.

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Animals • mammals • whales • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • On the trail of the gentle giants

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Code of conduct for gentle whale tours

Many countries have now realized that whale protection and a positive image are also good for business. For example, the government of the Canary Islands awards the "Blue Boat" certificate to operators who adhere to guidelines for environmentally friendly whale watching. Operators without a license should be avoided. In Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California, Mexico, a rule applies that no more than two boats are allowed to observe the same group of whales at the same time. This is a sensible and commendable rule to protect the gray whale nursery.

IceWhale has also created a Code of Conduct in Iceland. Members adhere to these rules of conduct to protect whales. Compare different tours and learn about the conservation regulations in each country. Look for unique selling points that indicate a responsible provider: Some operate their own small museum, advocate for environmentally friendly innovations like electric boats, or are among the pioneers who have campaigned against whaling and for sustainable whale watching.

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With heart and mind

Enjoy whale watching to the fullest, but don't pressure the operators. Encourage them to actively engage in whale conservation. When your tour operator cancels a whale watching tour, they do so for a reason. Perhaps he saw that the whale takes unusually short breaths on the surface? This is a sign of stress, and it's fair and sensible for the boat to turn around and find another animal that's more relaxed.

Curb your expectations and give the animals space. Whale watching is a natural spectacle and cannot be planned. Many whales are relaxed and not bothered by a boat sailing alongside them. Some even find boats exciting and swim closer on their own accord. Dolphins often enjoy surfing the bow wave or running races. Enjoy the gift of the moment. However, if whales clearly remain at a distance or turn away, then this should definitely be respected.

A ship should never endanger whales, cut off their path or actively divert them from their swimming course. Whales should never have to avoid a boat. If you notice violations, it makes sense to speak to the nature guide directly and, in case of doubt, to contact the responsible persons of the organization.

Choose whale tours carefully, then nothing stands in the way of a personal deep encounter with the fascinating sea giants. Seeing a whale is always a unique experience. And it's breathtaking every time. In the footsteps of the gentle giants with heart and mind.

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An older version of this article was published in the print magazine "Living with Animals".

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Whale watching with Magazine.Travel

Selection: Our photos of whales

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Animals • mammals • whales • Wildlife Viewing • Whale Watching • On the trail of the gentle giants

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Whale Watching FAQ

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