Hulda

We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and a couple of businesses are now offering the possibility of in fact swimming and snorkeling with whales in the wild. Is this a very good thing?

Some whalewatching operators in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific islands, promote the possibility of swimming and snorkeling with humpback whales in the course of the cetacean's annual migration from July to October. This activity sounds attractive, but there are a quantity of things to consider.

To drop clientele off inside snorkeling distance of a whale, the swim boats must come closer than the 30 meters laid down in Tongan government suggestions 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 wellness of the whales.

This higher-risk activity is not covered by most travel insurance coverage policies. The humpback whales of Tonga are wild animals with potent fins, and swimming close to one constantly includes some risk. The movements of these enormous creatures can be fatal to a human swimmer, either accidentally or if the beast feels threatened, and a nursing mother with calf can be specifically unpredictable. Swimming into the path of a whale drastically increases the danger.

In Tonga, sharks are identified to frequent places exactly where there are whales, particularly calves, and at least 1 shark attack on a Tongan guide swimming with whales has been recorded. A tragic accident involving tourists appears to be only a matter of time.

Most whale encounters take place in deep waters where unperceived currents and wave action can soon tire a snorkeler and possibly lead to panic. For these motives, accountable whalewatching businesses like Whale Discoveries do not offer snorkeling with whales.

Of course, the demand is there, and stress has come to bear on the Tongan Government to revise its suggestions to enable boats to come inside 10 meters of a whale. Many new whalewatching licenses have been issued lately, raising the number of commercial operators in this little area to about a dozen, and vessels often have to queue to drop off swimmers. Circumstances have been observed of boats approaching to inside five meters of whale pods, and of mother humpbacks and calves becoming pursued out to sea.

Visitors should be conscious that by purchasing such an excursion, they could be adversely affecting the noble creatures they came to see. It's a great idea to discuss these matters with the operator before booking your trip, and to stay away from those who seem most interested in maximizing their own income at the expense of the whales. link

Even if you choose to book such a tour, be aware that only ten percent of swim-with attempts are effective and there are no refunds. These concerns only apply to attempts to truly swim with whales, and whalewatching from a boat at a protected distance is no difficulty.