Whale watching is a multi-billion dollar industry globally, but poorly conducted operations cause significant disturbance to cetaceans. Evidence-based best practice guidelines exist but are inconsistently applied.
Whale watching welfare depends entirely on operator conduct. The same species seen by poorly conducted tours suffering repeated approach and pursuit is fundamentally different from the welfare experience of whales briefly encountered by vessels following best practice. The cumulative effect of multiple daily encounters in heavily visited areas is particularly concerning for resident populations (like Southern Resident orcas) that cannot avoid vessel traffic. Welfare-positive whale watching prioritizes the cetaceans' behavioral needs over visitor experience - including leaving when animals show avoidance behavior, maintaining minimum distances, and limiting encounter duration.