Ready…Set…Patience!

So, you’ve booked a whale watch tour. Congratulations — what better way to appreciate wildlife than to responsibly observe nature in the wild! Smart of you to have bought a great pair of binoculars, a raincoat and a strap for your phone. But perhaps the greatest asset you could bring onboard is — patience.

Unlike in captivity, where dolphins and other whales perform behaviors for food-based rewards, you are entering the wild world of these free-ranging creatures of the sea. And, if lucky enough, you will get the opportunity to observe their natural activities of daily living.

To maximize this incredible experience, here are seven things to watch for:

1. Spouts and blowholes – Usually the first thing you’ll see before a whale dives or surfaces is a whale’s blow — a plume of water vapor that comes out of the mammal’s blowhole when it exhales.
2. Dorsal fins and tail flukes – The dorsal fin is located on the whale’s back, and the tail flukes are the two lobes of the tail that are used for propulsion. Note their size, shape and pattern to help with species identification.
3. Surface behavior – Whales often engage in behaviors like breaching (jumping out of the water), tail slapping, or pectoral fin slapping.
4. Movement and direction – Pay attention to the whale’s movement patterns, as they may indicate feeding, migrating or socializing.
5. Behavioral cues – Be on the watch for whale behaviors, such as spyhopping (when the whale pokes its head above the water vertically) or tail slapping.
6. Group dynamics – Many whales travel in groups, or pods, so look for patterns in the way they interact with one another.
7. Ecosystem surroundings – Don’t forgot to look around at the whale’s natural surroundings. Do you see birds, schools of fish or other species?

The best gift we can give dolphins and other whales is respect. As more people learn about the cruelty of captivity, they may choose to experience these magnificent marine mammals in the wild. So don’t forget to share what you’ve observed and learned with others.

Related:
How to Watch Whales and Dolphins Responsibly

➡️ DID YOU KNOW — Dolphin Project has partnered with Eagle Wing Tours off the coast of Victoria, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada for a very special whale and wildlife watching tour on October 18th and 19th! The best part? All proceeds from this tour, excluding the wildlife fee and fuel surcharge will be donated directly to Dolphin Project. Don’t miss this incredible chance to make a tangible difference and create an unforgettable memory in the process. LEARN MORE AND BOOK NOW!