WHALE WATCHING is the practice of observing whales and dolphins (cetaceans) in their natural

habitat. Whales are watched most commonly for recreation but the activity can also serve scientific or educational purposes. A 2009 study, prepared for IFAW, estimated that 13 million people went whale watching globally in 2008. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) - is currently one of the largestanimal welfare and conservation charities in the world. Their mission is "to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress".

Whale watching generated $2.1 billion per annum in tourism revenue worldwide, employing around 13,000 workers. The size and rapid growth of the industry has led to complex and continuing
debates with the whaling industry about the best use of whales as a natural resource.

The Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales,dolphins, and porpoises. Ceantacean-Cetus came from Latin word and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning and

in general, "large sea animal", It comes from Ancient Greek meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea monster". In Greek mythology, the monster Perseus defeated was called Ceto, which is depicted by the constellation of Cetus.Cetology is the branch of marine science associated with the study of cetaceans.

Top Whale Watching Locations:

Washington Seattle,San Juan,Bellinghams Alaska California Hawaii New York Mexico Canada Europe

In Season:
Washington: March-May Gray May-September Orca whales

Alaska: April-May Humpback and Orca Whales California: July-October Hawaii: October-May New York: July-September Mexico: Year Round Canada: May-October Europe: June-October

Featured Tour Operators

The Victoria Clipper
Seattle, WA Since 1986, the Victoria Clipper has provided transportation, tours and accommodation packages throughout the Pacific Northwest. The only whale watching tour departing Seattle, the Clipper offers Gray whale watching from March through May and Orca whale watching May through September. The Clipper also offers a myriad of whale watching packages in Victoria and Vancouver, B.C.

In the Philippines

Pamilacan Island
They Provide the best dolphin and whale watching experience in Bohol, Philippines. Their Spotters and local guides are the former hunters of dolphins, Brydes whale, whale sharks and manta rays of Pamilacan Island.

 They abandoned the centuries-old hunting tradition and participate in the new alternative livelihood program. They now serve as stewards of the sea.