We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and a few companies are now offering the possibility of actually swimming and snorkeling with whales in the wild. Is this a good thing?
Some whalewatching operators in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific islands, advertise the possibility of swimming and snorkeling with humpback whales during the cetacean's annual migration from July to October. This activity sounds appealing, yet there are a number of things to consider.
To drop clients off within snorkeling distance of a whale, the swim boats must come closer than the 30 meters laid down in Tongan government guidelines in 1997. Engine noise from a maneuvering boat can startle a whale, and repeated disturbances can lead to the animals changing their behaviour and even abandoning their traditional habitat. The nursing and resting routines of the pods can be disrupted, potentially threatening the health of the whales.
This high-risk activity is not covered by most travel insurance policies. The humpback whales of Tonga are wild animals with powerful fins, and swimming near one always involves some risk. The movements of these huge creatures can be fatal to a human swimmer, either accidentally or if the beast feels threatened, and a nursing mother with calf can be especially unpredictable. Swimming into the path of a whale greatly increases the danger.
In Tonga, sharks are known to frequent areas where there are whales, especially calves, and at least one shark attack on a Tongan guide swimming with whales has been recorded. A tragic accident involving tourists seems to be only a matter of time.
Most whale encounters occur in deep waters where unperceived currents and wave action can soon tire a snorkeler and possibly lead to panic. For these reasons, responsible whalewatching companies like http://www.whalediscoveries.com do not offer snorkeling with whales.
Of course, the demand is there, and pressure has come to bear on the Tongan Government to revise its guidelines to allow boats to come within 10 meters of a whale. Several new whalewatching licenses have been issued recently, raising the number of commercial operators in this small area to about a dozen, and vessels often have to queue to drop off swimmers. Cases have been observed of boats approaching to within five meters of whale pods, and of mother humpbacks and calves being pursued out to sea.
Visitors should be aware that by purchasing such an excursion, they could be adversely affecting the noble creatures they came to see. It's a good idea to discuss these matters with the operator before booking your trip, and to avoid those who seem most interested in maximizing their own profits at the expense of the whales.
Even if you decide to book such a tour, be aware that only 10 percent of swim-with attempts are successful and there are no refunds. These concerns only apply to attempts to actually swim with whales, and whalewatching from a boat at a safe distance is no problem.
David Stanley is the author of Moon Handbooks South Pacific http://www.southpacific.org/pacific.html which has a chapter on Tonga. Stanley's online Tonga Travel Guide is at http://www.southpacific.org/pacific.html while his Tonga travel photos are on http://www.southpacific.org/pacific.html
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, so long as the byline and resource box are included. Please do not use this article without the byline and resource box. Many thanks!
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThe quaint little balcony was large enough to accommodate two... Read More
For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More
The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More
When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More
As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More
The kind of things you pack when you go on... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
Nightlife in Big Sky, Montana is more exciting than you... Read More
I've been traveling and writing about places I believe others... Read More
The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More
1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More
Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More
Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More
Western Australia Driving Adventure Great Australian Road Trip Large... Read More
For some 30 years I practiced law in Mesa, Arizona.... Read More
The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More
When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?... Read More
You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More
With so many different designs, packing a backpack will vary... Read More
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More
Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More
Most people, who go on a family beach vacation, take... Read More
No one can truly say... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
Hiking shoes versus hiking boots? Hiking shoes win. Okay, next... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Once described in a 1950 article as "The Town That... Read More
For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More
Nightlife in Big Sky, Montana is more exciting than you... Read More
Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More
Yes, it's real. There is a place called Timbuktu and... Read More
As any keen mountain biker will know, there are some... Read More
Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More
An African honeymoon safari is the perfect way to celebrate... Read More
Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer... Read More
With so many different designs, packing a backpack will vary... Read More
As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More
A meal in Greece is highlighted with a selection of... Read More
1. Take the early morning drives on safari even though... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
A saddle is a static object, but your horse is... Read More
Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More
Take a captivating trip through the Cape Cod National Seashore... Read More
You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More
This amazing drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire... Read More
The state of Goa on the West coast of India,... Read More
Inflatable fishing boats are great yacht tenders/camping boats that are... Read More
A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,... Read More
There were four of us on that first Tom Sawyer... Read More
Thousands of golfers flock to the Carolinas each spring and... Read More
HOW ARE MINERALS FORMED?MINERALS are naturally occuring, inorganic solids, with... Read More
Outdoors |