eagle wing tours whale watching

 




Responsible Whale Watching

History

We've come a long way from the 1950's when the U.S. Air Force used killer whales off the coast of Iceland for target practice, using machine guns, rockets and depth charges to slaughter several thousand animals, because fishermen complained that the whales were destroying their nets. As late as 1964, the Air Force used them as targets for strafing runs in the Atlantic. The popularity of the movie "Free Willy" has brought the plight of the killer whale into the public's conscience and while their numbers continue to be questionable, the focus is now on protection rather than slaughter.

We are proud members of the Pacific Whale Watching Association (PWWA). This is an innovative group of companies who are committed & dedicated to responsible educational wildlife viewing. With the annual collaboration of ‘mainstream’ scientists, researchers and governing bodies we have developed an extensive set of 'Be Whale Wise' viewing guidelines for the ethical operation of all types of vessels around the Orcas and other wildlife. Following these guidelines will help ensure the continued safety and happiness of the whales, so that wildlife enthusiasts of all ages will be able to marvel at their magnificence.

We work with purpose and passion on behalf of all wildlife, encouraging our guests to become more involved in the education and conservation of a sustainable, healthy, and more balanced marine eco-system.

When considering an eco-adventure company for your marine excursion in Victoria, please remember to do your 'due diligence' and take note of the following:

A Respectful Whale Watch Company Will

 Put the animals first

  • be careful & perform responsible boat handling.
  • We are uninvited guests in the whales habitat and we are privileged to see them.
  • often careful and considerate behavior around the whales usually results in much more enjoyable encounters.
  • have a responsibility to cause as little disturbance as possible,
  • spend extra money on the most eco-sensitive engine technology
  • minimize your carbon footprint
  • reduce the amount of time around the whales by expanding the on-the-water curriculum and include other marine wildlife,
  • we are able to provide our guests with a much more enhanced marine adventure.

Follow Enforceable Whale Watching Regulations

  • 'Be Whale Wise'; are guidelines that are enforced and recognized by both Canadian and American government agencies,
  • are they members of a professional association? see Look before you book,
  • in other parts of the world, there are areas where whale watching is not enforced and is a "free for all" with nothing to prevent irresponsible operators from continually harassing the whales in an attempt to get closer to the whales as quickly as possible.
  • ask the operator questions to show that you are aware of applicable regulations,
  • don't be afraid to speak up and tell someone, if you feel that a boat captain is not behaving responsibly and putting the needs of the animals first.

Have adequate safety provisions

  •  A safe whale watch boat should have:

    • an experienced skipper; crew who are well-trained in first aid and rescue skills;
    • appropriate safety equipment;
    • appropriate insurance;
    • be Transport Canada Certified
    • a maximum number of passengers;
    • and a properly prepared safety briefing for all passengers

Offer superior standards of customer service & care

This includes honest advertising of what passengers can expect from the trip whale sightings, guarantees, overall quality of product, true safety records every aspect of the trip should be professional, which means: a fair ticket price relative to the experience "you get what you paid for"

  • many extras provided
  • comprehensive wildlife viewing experience 
  • a clean vessel
  • the crew should be friendly, knowledgeable, and polite.
  • cancellations due to adverse sea and weather conditions (be careful, some companies will not cancel trips.),
  • find out whether there is a policy of refunding fares or offering free places on a future trip.

 Have an on-board biologist/naturalist

  • This is really important and can make the difference between just a "boat ride" and a really memorable experience! Your tour guide should offer you:
  •  a lively, entertaining & educational commentary on the various species of whales you are hoping to see, as well as the other marine wildlife in the area.
  •  be a passionate conservationist
  •  be knowledgeable about any threats facing local marine wildlife or their habitat.
  •  will also be able to interpret the behaviour of the whales and wildlife being observed and this can really add to your understanding and enjoyment of the experience.
Protect the whales future
 ... with a comprehensive environmental program

  • reduce your carbon footprint on the water by:  

    • reduce emissions with 4 stroke engine technology (no oil burn)
    • reduce the amount of underwater noise with quiet engine/drive propulsion technology
    • new advanced "scarab" & "catamaran" hull designs,
    • leaves a much smaller wake (wave)
    • is safer, smoother, more efficient, and is quiet
    • NEW oil filtration system on our Diesel engine tour boat: reduces the amount of oil changes needed in a season. (oil sampling taken ans sent for micro-analysis)

  • erase your carbon footprint off the water: