Whale Watching Guidelines apply to all large whales except the North Atlantic right whale. It is illegal to approach a North Atlantic right whale within 500 yards unless granted specific exemption or authorization.
More information on federal right whale approach restrictions.
No Intentional Approach Within 100 Feet
Do not approach within 100 feet of whales. If whales approach within 100 feet of your vessel, put engines in neutral and do not re-engage propulsion until whales are observed clear of harm’s way from your vessel
Two Miles to One Mile Away from Whales
- Reduce speed to 13 knots
- Post a dedicated lookout to assist the vessel operator in monitoring the location of all marine mammals
- Avoid sudden changes in speed and direction
- AIRCRAFT: maintain a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet over water.
One Mile to Half Mile Away from Whales
- Reduce speed to 10 knots
Half Mile or Less from Whales
- Reduce speed to 7 knots.
- Manuever to avoid head-on approach.
Stand by Zone
- 300 Feet to 600 Feet Away from Whales
- Two vessel limit within the 300-foot to 600-foot Stand-By Zone at any one time
Close Approach Zone
- 100 Feet to 600 Feet Away from Whales
- 100-300 feet away from whale: one vessel limit. Other vessels stand by (up to two vessels in Standby Zone-others must wait outside of 600 feet)
- PARALLEL the course and speed of moving whales up to the designated speed limit within that distance.
- Approach and leave stationary whales at no more than idle or “no wake” speed, do not exceed 7 knots.
- NEVER intentionally drift down on whales.
- Maintain communication. Vessels in multi-vessel approaches should communicate with each other (via VHF channels 9, 13, or 16 for hailing) to coordinate viewing.
- Take into account the presence of obstacles (vessels, structures, fishing gear, or the shoreline). All vessels in close approach must stay to the side or behind the whales so they NEVER box in the whales or cut off their paths.
Sailing Vessels
- When in sight of whales (or at 2 miles away from whales are known to be), drop sails and engage propulsion system.
- Adhere to the speed and distance guidelines recommended above
Departure Procedure
- All vessels should leave the whales following the same speed and distance procedures described above
- In order for vessels to be clear of whales before dark, vessels should cease whale watching and begin their return to port 15 minutes before sunset
Dolphin, Porpoise & Seal Watching Guidelines
- Do not approach dolphins, porpoises, or seals within 150 Feet
- It is illegal to attempt to feed dolphins, porpoise, or seals.
Important Contact Information
To report live right whale sightings call 978-585-8473 (pager).
To report stranded, dead, entangled, or shipstruck marine mammals call 1-866-755-NOAA (6622) or radio the US Coast Guard on VHF 16.
If possible, please stand by an entangled whale until a response vessel arrives. If you must depart, please document your sighting with photos or video and report the time, location, and whale’s direction of travel when you left the scene.
Humpback Whale
