Is Whale Watching Ethical? How to Choose a Responsible Operator in Victoria

What Responsible Wildlife Viewing Looks Like on the Salish Sea

It’s not realistic to state that the presence of boats has zero impact on marine wildlife. Everything has an impact. But when whale watching is done responsibly, with science-based protocols, proper distance, reduced speed and a genuine commitment to the animals, the impact can be reduced to a level the science supports. 

Done well, whale watching can also be a powerful tool for conservation, education and long-term marine protection, because the connection that comes from seeing wildlife in the wild is what turns visitors into advocates.

At Eagle Wing Tours, responsible wildlife viewing is at the foundation of the entire experience. Here’s what that looks like in practice, and what to look for when choosing a whale and wildlife watching operator in Victoria.

Is Whale Watching Bad for Whales?

Responsible operators follow science-based best practices designed to keep that impact as low as possible.

Science shows that vessel speed is the single most important factor influencing underwater noise levels, which is one of the primary ways boats can affect whales. That’s why Eagle Wing Tours and all other members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) slow their vessels to seven knots or less within one kilometre of the known position of the whales. The PWWA’s science-based viewing guidelines are considered among the most rigorous in the world, covering approach distances, speed limits, sonar restrictions and clear travel corridors for whales.

In 2017, we became the first marine ecotourism company in the region to voluntarily have our vessels tested for underwater noise emission levels. In 2023, we conducted a more comprehensive test with JASCO Applied Sciences and DW-Ship Consult in collaboration with Transport Canada. The results confirmed that all five of our vessels are very quiet when travelling below seven knots up to 400 metres from the underwater listening stations in Haro Strait and Boundary Pass.

Vessel design factors that affect underwater sound include propeller design, engine mounts, engine bed supports and hull characteristics. All of these are considered when we upgrade or maintain our fleet.

What Does Responsible Whale Watching Actually Look Like?

Responsible whale watching goes beyond just keeping our distance. It’s an approach to being on the water that puts wildlife first at every level.

Viewing protocols. All PWWA member companies, including Eagle Wing Tours, follow strict viewing distances: at least 200 metres from Bigg’s killer whales in Canadian waters (200 yards in American waters) and 100 metres from humpback, minke and grey whales, with additional distance standards for mother and calf pairs. These aren’t suggestions. They’re standards that every responsible operator in the region commits to, and private boaters are required to follow the same practices.

Speed on the water. When within one kilometre of whales, all PWWA vessels operate at seven knots or less. Science shows that this is the most effective way to reduce underwater noise. Private boaters in the region are urged to follow the same practice.

Vessel technology. Eagle Wing’s fleet incorporates the latest marine technology to minimize underwater sound, boat wake and shoreline erosion. Our vessels have been independently tested for noise emissions and we continue working with marine technology specialists to reduce underwater noise and wake across our fleet. 

How to Choose a Responsible Whale and Wildlife Watching Operator

When comparing whale watching options in Victoria, here are a few things worth looking into.

Check certifications: Third-party verification matters. Look for operators whose environmental claims are backed by independent, audited certifications rather than self-declared statements.

Eagle Wing Tours is WCA Approved by the World Cetacean Alliance, an international certification recognizing global leaders in responsible marine tourism. It follows a rigorous independent audit of whale watching practices and ongoing commitments to conservation, sustainability, research, and education. 

Eagle Wing is also the world’s first Biosphere Certified whale watching operator, GreenStep Platinum certified (the highest level of sustainable tourism certification in Canada), a member of 1% for the Planet, has achieved Gold Tier status with Canada’s Net Zero Challenge, and is Nature Positive, with clear, measurable commitments supporting the health, recovery, and long-term resilience of the Salish Sea. 

Look at research projects and partnerships: Does the operator actively contribute to marine science? Eagle Wing is working with 11 research partners in 2026, collecting data on humpback whale feeding ecology, forage fish abundance, Bigg’s killer whale predation, porpoise habitat use and more. Every tour is an opportunity for the crew to gather meaningful data that goes directly to researchers, including the Center for Whale Research and Bay Cetology.

Check conservation investment: Since 2011, Eagle Wing has raised more than $1.8 million for marine conservation through the per-guest wildlife conservation fee and 1% for the Planet contributions. These funds support more than 25 organizations working to protect and restore the wildlife and ecosystems of the Salish Sea.

Look beyond the marketing: Canadian legislation on greenwashing is holding businesses to a higher standard. Operators whose claims are backed by transparent reporting, annual sustainability audits and third-party certification are the ones doing the work, not just talking about it.

Choosing a whale watching tour is also choosing what kind of tourism you want to support. At Eagle Wing Tours, we believe that when it’s done responsibly, whale watching is a genuine force for conservation, education and connection to the ocean.

Plan your adventure with Eagle Wing Tours and experience whale watching with conservation at its core.

When you join an Eagle Wing tour, you’re not just watching whales. You become part of the ongoing conservation effort, helping support research, education, and initiatives that protect the Salish Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is whale watching harmful to whales? It’s not realistic to say boats have zero impact. But when operators follow science-based viewing protocols, maintain proper distance, reduce speed and invest in quieter vessel technology, the impact is minimized significantly. Responsible operators also contribute to research and conservation that directly benefits the species they view.

What certifications should I look for when choosing a whale watching company? Look for third-party verified certifications such as WCA Approved, Biosphere Certified, GreenStep Platinum, Net Zero Gold and 1% for the Planet membership. These indicate audited, ongoing commitments rather than self-declared claims.

How does Eagle Wing Tours reduce its impact on marine wildlife? Eagle Wing follows rigorous whale watching standards, operating at seven knots or less near whales and maintaining prescribed viewing distances to minimize disturbance. The company also incorporates the latest marine technology to reduce underwater disturbance, and its vessels have been independently tested to measure their underwater acoustic footprint.

What is the Pacific Whale Watch Association? The PWWA is a coalition of whale and wildlife watching companies in the Pacific Northwest that follows science-based viewing guidelines for marine wildlife. These guidelines establish approach distances, speed limits, sonar restrictions and travel corridors for whales.

How much has Eagle Wing Tours invested in conservation? Since 2011, Eagle Wing has raised more than $1.8 million for marine conservation through the per-guest wildlife fee, 1% for the Planet contributions and support from the Wild 4 Whales Foundation. Funds support 25+ organizations including the Center for Whale Research and the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and every one of our guests is helping to make a difference!

How do I book a responsible whale watching tour in Victoria? Choose an operator with a strong commitment to ethical ecotourism, with third-party validated environmental certifications and with many active involvements in marine conservation. Eagle Wing Tours checks all of these boxes! We depart from Fisherman’s Wharf and are Victoria’s most certified whale watching operator, with WCA Approved, Biosphere Certification, GreenStep Platinum certification, Gold Tier recognition through Canada’s Net Zero Challenge, and founding membership in the Pacific Whale Watch Association.