Wherever you are in the world, you are never far from a port that whale watching boats operate from, and all the whale species are recovering well, with many already off the critically endangered list. If you would like to have a close-up experience with the majestic whale, there are a few things you should know.
Whale Watching is Seasonal
In NSW, Australia, for example, the whale watching season starts in May and runs through until October and it during this period that Humpback Whales migrate to and from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef. The return journey starts in August, as the females take their young to the Polar waters for the very first time, and being good mothers, they like to hug the coastline, which is great for observation. If you want prime whale watching, Eden tours offer a sure-fire day of many sightings, some really close.
Motion Sickness
If you don’t have sea legs, take some medication an hour before you board the vessel, although the crew are very helpful. It isn’t a good idea to eat prior to setting off, for obvious reasons. The best thing to do is fix your attention on the horizon, rather than on the boat, as this alleviates the nausea. Wear suitable waterproof clothing and make sure to protect your digital camera. Most people recover after 30 minutes and if you are one of the lucky ones who doesn’t suffer from seasickness, it is unpleasant, we can assure you.
Online Booking
As you would expect, many people want to have a close-up experience with whales in their natural habitat, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment. The tour operator’s website would have all the information you need to know; how to prepare and what to expect and when you are ready to book, the process is simple and, barring bad weather, your spot on the boat is booked.
Guaranteed Sightings
The top whale watching tour operators are so confident you will see whales, they offer a money-back guarantee; if the trip does not produce a single sighting, you can have another trip on the operator, or you could have a 50% refund, whichever you prefer.
Regular Customers
If you live near a good whale watching venue, you could make it a regular outing and build up an impressive album of photos, capturing amazing action from a safe distance. Some families book several trips throughout the season and there are group discounts.