Humpback Whales are coming; how to behave when you see the spectacular!

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, December 6, 2022 – As the winter months are upon us, many visitors flock to the Turks and Caicos’ shores, but not all of them are human.  North Atlantic Humpback Whales making their way to warmer waters pass through the Turks and Caicos’ waters from as early as December to as late as April each year.

Humpback whales are the sixth largest whales on earth, and the average Humpback weighs between 28-33 short tons.  The average deck-only boat weighs around 5000 pounds.  The average adult male human weighs many times less; it would take about 275 of them to equal the weight of a single Humpback.

DECR’s Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Amy Avenant, spoke to Magnetic Media.

“The etiquette that has been established has been so in consultation with various tour operators and the TCI Whale Project, and it informs sustainable and respectful practices to keep both whales and humans safe and to ensure that you have an enhanced experience while out on the water,“ she said.

To ensure optimal enjoyment, safety and respect, the DECR provided seven (7) tips to help residents, charter operators and visitors:

1. Vessels are to approach slowly, carefully and quietly (keeping engine noise to a minimum).  Maintaining a respectful distance ensures the animals will not feel stressed or threatened.
2. Do not ‘fence in’ the animal.  This includes blocking them between boats; being too close to the shore/shallow water; cutting off their direction of travel; chasing after them, or getting between mother and calf.
3. If the animal changes direction three (3) or more times, it means they are feeling harassed or stressed. Simply maintain position and allow them their space. Disturbed whales will swim away, and your viewing will be compromised.
4. When operating a vessel, move parallel to the animal to avoid approaching them head-on, as it may give the animal the impression that they are being chased.  Surprised animals may show aggression and become very dangerous.
5. Mothers and calves are tired and more likely to be spooked.  They will require extra consideration of the above.
6.  If another vessel is with a whale/group of whales, display courtesy: radio/call the vessel to a) confirm whether it is safe to approach and b) request to join the experience.
7. REMEMBER: Whales are large animals, outsizing humans and vessels alike.  Safety is to be the first priority for both whales and viewers.  Swimmers are to enter the water with caution and with an experienced guide. Approaching with caution ensures you will get the most out of your experience.

Whale safety keeps you, your guests and the whales safe; ensure all guidelines are followed.