Safe and Responsible Whale Watching Practices

#TurksandCaicos, December 2, 2022 – As the migrating Humpback whales begin to grace our shores once again, the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources would like to appeal to all whale watching enterprises to carefully consider practices employed when enjoying and sharing encounters with these majestic animals.

Typically, the whales are migrating from the colder, nutrition-filled waters of the North Atlantic, to the warm waters of the West Indies. Along the way females will be accompanied by young, recently-calved juveniles, or may calve in warmer waters. Males may be solitary or move in larger groups in search of an appropriate mate.

As such, we are to respect this age-old migratory passage and act as custodians and stewards, ensuring the animals do not incur stress through overcrowding, inappropriately close encounters, racing vessels or an overstayed welcome.

Please adhere to the following etiquette to ensure a safe and sustainable whale-watching season in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For further information on humpback whales, the Turks and Caicos Islands Whale Project, or responsible whale watching practices, please contact the DECR at 338-4170 or environment@gov.tc .