Whale Watching Guidelines
Wildlife watching in nearshore and offshore waters throughout Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a unique way to experience whales in their habitat and witness their size, behavior, and feeding. When booking on-the-water tours, be sure to ask if the operator follows federal laws and NOAA guidelines for viewing whales. Just by inquiring, you are encouraging companies to operate their vessels responsibly around whales and other wildlife.
To view whales from a safe distance and reduce impacts, all private and commercial whale watching vessels should not disturb, harass, or cause animals to change their natural behavior, which is a federal violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.). Sanctuary staff work with a number of partners to promote safe whale watching guidelines for boat operators and ocean users, including kayakers and paddlers.
Keep Your Distance
Observe all larger whales from a safe distance of at least 300 feet (100 yards). Stop your vessel immediately if within 300 feet (100 yards). Never pursue or chase whales, or approach head-on.
Be on the Lookout
Stay alert and look ahead for signs of whales that can surface suddenly ahead of your path. Look for blows, dorsal fins, and tail flukes at a safe distance.
Reduce Speed to Avoid Collisions
Collisions with vessels are a major cause of injury and death for whales. Keep speeds to 10 knots or less to reduce potential for injury. Operate at no-wake speed or match the speed of the slowest whale.
Minimize Vessel Movements
Minimize sudden, unnecessary maneuvers and avoid excessive or sudden changes in your speed or direction near whales. Never drive through groups of whales. Approach and remain on one side of whales while observing. Maintain a safe distance of at least 300 feet (100 yards).
Reduce Noise Impacts
Put your vessel in neutral if a nearby whale is feeding or resting as whales are sensitive to engine noise.
Limit Observation Time
Limit your observing time to 30 minutes or less. Be aware that cumulative impacts may also occur. Your vessel may not be the only one to have recently approached the same whales.
Report Marine Mammals in Distress
Report a sick, injured, entangled, stranded, or dead animal to make sure professional responders and scientists know about it and can take appropriate action. Numerous organizations are trained and ready to respond. Never approach or try to save an injured or entangled animal yourself—it can be dangerous to both the animal and you
Whale Watching Guidelines for Boat Operators and Ocean Users Brochure (637 KB PDF)
You can help contribute to wildlife sighting data collection by using the Ocean Alert app to better understand whale locations and potential threats to whales.
