How to use this Guide

This guide provides guidance for:

- Tour operators of cetacean watching activities; best practice tour management and sustainable practices.

- Cetacean watching destinations in Ireland; including management options.

This ‘Guidelines for Whale Watching Handbook’ has been developed for use by commercial tour operators in Ireland but should also apply to research vessels and photography or filming expeditions where appropriate. It is not recommended for private boats to intentionally attempt to view or encounter cetaceans without licences or permits.

This guidance represents international best practice for responsible cetacean watching in the wild. However, has applied national regulations that are specific to Irish waters to provide a regional and local context. These guidelines are designed to exceed the existing guidance currently available. Certified operators should clearly display ‘Best Practice’ guidelines and make such available to customers at all times, in addition to actively referencing these guidelines both before and during each tour.

Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) head-out. Photo by David Edwards, West Cork Charters.