Eagle Wing Tours

Guidelines for Marine Wildlife Viewing:

Download colour PDF file

Do your part to protect marine mammals -- Follow these viewing guidelines:

• Whale Watching:
  • BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS: approach areas of known or suspected marine mammal activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
  • SLOW DOWN: reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards of the nearest whale. Avoid abrupt course changes.
  • AVOID approaching closer than 100 metres/yards to any whale.
  • If your vessel is unexpectedly within 100 metres/yards of a whale, STOP IMMEDIATELY and allow the whales to pass.
  • AVOID approaching whales from the front or from behind. Always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
  • KEEP CLEAR of the whales’ path. Avoid positioning your vessel within the 400 metre/yard area in the path of the whales.
  • STAY on the OFFSHORE side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore. Remain at least 200 metres/yards offshore at all times.
  • LIMIT your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes. This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.
  • DO NOT swim with or feed whales.
• Porpoises and Dolphins:
  • OBSERVE all guidelines for watching whales.
  • DO NOT drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins for the purpose of bow-riding.
  • Should dolphins or porpoises choose to ride the bow wave of your vessel, REDUCE SPEED gradually and avoid sudden course changes.
• Seals, sea lions and birds on land:
  • AVOID approaching closer than 100 metres/yards to any marine mammals or birds.
  • SLOW DOWN and reduce your wake/wash and noise levels.
  • PAY ATTENTION and back away at the first sign of disturbance or agitation.
  • BE CAUTIOUS AND QUIET when around haul-outs and bird colonies, especially during breeding, nesting and pupping seasons (generally May to September).
  • DO NOT swim with or feed any marine mammals or birds.
• Viewing wildlife within Marine Protected Areas, Wildlife Refuges, Ecological Reserves and Parks:
  • CHECK your nautical charts for the location of various protected areas.
  • ABIDE by posted restrictions or contact a local authority for further information.
  • The Laws:
    • Regulations in Canada and the U.S. prohibit the harassment and disturbance of marine mammals.