3 Answers from travellers
For whale watching photography: 70-200mm f/2.8 or 100-400mm zoom is ideal. Whales surface unpredictably - versatility matters more than reach. Bring polarizer to cut sea glare. Water spray is huge risk - lens rain cover essential, or plan to shoot from cabin through open window. Fast shutter speed (1/1000+) for blows and breaches. High ISO tolerance helpful (cloudy days common). Sit on the sun side of the boat (lit whales, less glare). Position: front deck for the widest field.
Also: shoot RAW, high burst rate. Blue whales surface 2-3 times then dive for 10-15 minutes. Prepare fast. Boat rocks - image stabilization essential. Practice on dolphins first (they're active earlier in the trip).
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