Dolphin and Whale Watching
Dolphin and Whale Watching Certification
Limiting boat numbers, speeds and viewing times to reduce disturbance. Keeping minimum distances, avoiding chasing, feeding and organised swimming with animals, and training crews and guides.
About the certification
Friend of the Sea assesses how dolphin and whale watching tours operate around wild animals. The programme covers vessel movements, the space left around animals and the information provided to guests.
For operators, the assessment focuses on observable practices during the excursion and the procedures supporting them. For guests, it sets clear expectations for watching animals from the boat.
What can be certified
Defined dolphin and whale watching services and the vessels and observation areas included in the assessment. Scientific research activities have a separate route.
What the standard covers
Boats maintain at least 100 metres from whales and 50 metres from dolphins, except when animals approach. Within viewing zones, maintain a steady no-wake speed of no more than five knots.
Only one boat enters the viewing zone at a time; others wait more than 300 metres away. Viewing lasts up to 30 minutes, reduced to 15 when other boats are waiting.
Do not chase, split groups or separate young animals from mothers. Avoid deliberately approaching resting, mating or evasive animals and isolated mother–young pairs.
Organised swimming and feeding are prohibited. Sound-emitting equipment must not be used to attract cetaceans. Crew receive training, and guests receive information about behaviour and marine conservation.
Activities and vessels require authorisation. Waste controls and workers’ rights are assessed. Research cooperation and energy-use improvements are recommended.
Assessment and certification
The assessment checks evidence for the service or facility being proposed. Agree the scope and audit arrangements before work begins, including the locations, activities and records to be reviewed.
Certification fees
Request a quotation for the proposed scope. Confirm assessment charges and any logo-use royalties before proceeding; submitting an enquiry does not commit you to certification.
Check certification status
Check the listed facility or service and its scope before making a booking or using a certification claim. If the listing is unclear, contact the team for confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
No. Certified watching operations do not organise swimming with cetaceans. Tours are based on observation from the vessel.
No. This programme concerns tourism activities around wild dolphins and whales. Dolphin Safe concerns fishing practices and is a different programme.
Scientific groups have a separate assessment route. Contact Friend of the Sea with a description of the research activities to arrange the appropriate application.
No. Confirm certification approval, the permitted scope of the claim and the applicable logo-use agreement before adding the logo to your website or promotional materials.
Request a quotation based on the facilities or services to be assessed. Ask for assessment charges and logo-use royalties to be identified so you can review the full cost.
Use the application link below and describe the activities and locations you want assessed. The team will confirm the appropriate route and next steps.
Apply for certification
Provide your contact details, operating locations and a description of the service. For boat-based excursions, include vessel details and the activities offered.
