Boating With Whales – What Distance?

What if I want a closer look?

Everyone marvels at the beauty, grace and majesty of the largest animals on our planet.  If approaching a whale to observe it:

  • Do not approach any closer than 100 yards of any whale. This is the law!
  • Do so at a recommended max speed of six knots within 400 yards.
  • Leave the area as you entered, at a recommended max speed of six knots until >400 yards away from the whale.  

Remember to maintain a recommended top speed of 15 knots while in transit.

 

an image showing the recommendations of safe boating practices from the main whale page.

 

1. What TIME of Year?

2. What DEPTH?

3. What SPEED?

4. What DISTANCE?

5. What’s the SOLUTION?

 

Return to Boating with Whales start page

(LAST UPDATED 7/23/25.)