Whale watching in Fraser Island is a once in a lifetime kind of experience. You get to interact with these magnificent creatures closely and observe them in their natural habitat. If you are lucky enough you might even be able to see an orca jump right in front of your eyes.
However, there are certain things which should be kept in mind before you go on a whale watching expedition in Fraser Island.
Observe the behavior of the whales closely
Whether you are going on a solo expedition to watch the whales or in a group you need to observe the behavior pattern of the whales closely. If you observe loads of activity which would include tail slapping and diving, or if you notice mother whales shielding their calves, make sure to leave the area immediately. You don’t want the whales to become agitated and rock your vessel.
Keep a safe distance
Whales are curious creatures. They might come real close to a vessel just to see who else is in their habitat. However, it’s always better to keep a safe distance. The rule of the thumb is to keep at least a 100 yard distance from the whales. However the distance normally varies with the species of the whale you are observing. Some species require a distance of at least 500 yards. Those who are observing in a motor boat shouldn’t turn off the power and keep in neutral gear until the whales pass by. Its always better to be alert when whale watching.
Slow and steady
It’s understandable that you might feel excited about catching a glimpse of these beautiful creatures but the speed of your boat shouldn’t be more than 10 knots. In the recent years, fast speed of the boats has become the number one cause of whale deaths and strangulations. We should care for these gentle creatures and while observing them is fun but it should be made as safe as possible.
Limit the time for whale watching activity
You may be tempted to park your boat all day in the pristine waters observing these graceful creatures but whale watching should be restricted to no more than a few minutes. A group of over eager tourists snapping away pictures can prove to be pretty distressing for the whales. The time limit shouldn’t be more than half an hour. The noise can cause the whales to become stressed and disrupt their migration route. It might also prevent them from hunting for their food.
Avoid touching and feeding the whales
Though you might be tempted to touch the whales you can cause the whales to become distressed and in turn get harmed as well. Large animals can be pretty much unpredictable; you risk the transmission of harmful diseases and the food which you feed them might make them sick as well.
Getting too close could also mean the whales could get hit with the boats and get injured. Keep in mind that you are the one who’s invading their natural habitat. It would be better to treat these beautiful creatures with the respect and awe that they deserve. Come to Fraser Island and enjoy these awesome sea mammals in their natural habitat.