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Know Before You Go on the West Coast

Santa Cruz Island Blue Whaler aerial by Adam Ernster

Responsible recreational boating on the West Coast

Your actions on the water help keep you, your loved ones, your boat, and whales safe.

ALL marine mammals are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Some threatened and endangered marine mammal species are also protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Both of these Acts prohibit the harassment of whales, which is any action that has the potential to injure whales or disturb their natural behaviors.

Laws

All whales and marine mammals are protected from harassment under federal law: All vessels—including boats, kayaks, jet skis, and drones must keep their distance and not disturb marine mammals.

Acts of harassment include: pursuing, tormenting, or bothering any marine mammal or attempting to disrupt natural behaviors or cause injury. Learn more about West Coast marine mammal viewing laws.

Limit your observation time to 30 minutes or less. Our continued presence can cause the animals unnecessary stress.

Guidelines & Best Practices

Approach guidelines for other whale species: Stay back at least 100 yards (300 ft or 1 football fields).

Approach guidelines for other protected species: Stay back at least 50 yards from sea lions, seals, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Go 10 knots or less in voluntary Slow Zones: NOAA Fisheries recommends going slow in areas in which whales have been seen or heard. Learn more about vessel speed reduction in California.

Viewing guidelines and laws vary by region, state and species. Please be familiar with the applicable rules prior to visiting our coastal waters, learn more here.

Keep a Look Out For Feeding and Resting Whales

The productive waters of the West Coast provide ample feeding opportunities for hungry whales! Feeding whales are especially unpredictable! Knowing how to spot this behavior can help you know when to give extra space!

Many whales travel through the Northeastern Pacific from breeding grounds in Mexico to feeding grounds in Alaska, you may encounter a resting whale at the surface, be sure to not to disturb or harass the whale, they need their rest for the long journey!

Bubbles and Birds! Keep an eye out and stay back: Birds often indicate bait fish, and buddles show us feeding whale could surface at any time!
Open Mouths! Wide open mouths lunging at the surface are humpback whales chasing bait fish to the surface. Give extra space so that you don’t get in their way!
Resting Whales! Whales resting at the surface can be hard to spot, be on the lookout and be sure to not disturb resting whales as they need to restore energy reserves for their long migrations!

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