Watching Wildlife

Wildlife watching is now a multi-billion dollar sustainable industry enjoyed by millions of people in virtually every country in the world. By participating in animal-friendly tours with a tour guide knowledgeable in the ways of wild animals, travelers can enjoy the sight of wild animals playing with their group members and witness animals in their natural environment behaving in the way that nature intended. Sadly, some tours put the welfare of these amazing animals at risk. When planning a trip, compassionate travelers should begin by choosing a responsible travel agent or tour guide. Check if the travel company’s code of ethics aligns with your animal-friendly beliefs and animal welfare concerns.

Travelers must remember that responsible wildlife watching tours will not endorse interacting with or interfering with the animals' routine in any way. So how can a compassionate traveler tell the good tours from the bad? WSPA’s guidelines for responsible wildlife watching can help!

Guidelines for Safe and Responsible Wildlife Watching

Be sure that the tour that you choose does not involve feeding or otherwise enticing the animals to approach your vehicle.
Drivers should never chase, block or crowd animals between vehicles. Allow the animals to dictate the “rules” of your encounter and leave when they are ready; never pursue them.
No more than two vehicles should approach animals at a time. Typically when vehicles crowd around them, wild animals will leave the area – or worse still they might feel threatened and get defensive.
Approach slowly and with care only from the side. Be sure to leave at least one hundred yards of space between your vehicle and the animals.
Photograph animals with care. Attempting to win their attention can be distracting and even dangerous for both you and the animal.
Always travel with your tour guide and use only marked roads in reserves.
Animals are acoustically more sensitive than humans so keep noises to a minimum by turning off your engine or placing your vehicle in neutral when near animals. Unpredictable noises and movements can confuse and alarm animals and result in a collision. Allow animals to leave the area before restarting your vehicle and moving on.
Leave the environment as you found it; avoid littering
Report violations or animal harassment to the proper authorities

Guidelines specific to whales and dolphins >>