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Legal distance rules for watching whales safely

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Sophia M.•10690 rep•2

Our boat in Mirissa chased a blue whale and got within 10 meters. It felt incredibly unsafe. What is the legal distance they are supposed to keep.

13
beacheswildlife

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

It is highly illegal. Under DWC and Coast Guard regulations, boats must stay a minimum of 100 meters away from the whale. They must approach slowly, parallel to the animal, and put the engine in neutral. Never approach head-on or from behind. If your captain breaches this, take a photo of the registration number and report it to the Tourist Police.

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A
Amali D.•9350 rep•1

Leave a 1-star TripAdvisor review too. It is the only way to hit these rogue operators financially.

27
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Oliver B.•6405 rep•2

You should book with certified ethical operators like Raja and the Whales next time.

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Suresh K.•7670 rep•1

I will definitely report them. They were revving the engine right next to the whale.

7
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Sophia M.•10690 rep•2

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