It’s all about going out with an ethical company. Operators that dump snorkelers on top of an animal while it is feeding or resting aren’t cool.

Animal safety is rule number one. A good operator will keep the boat at a distance. You will get in at that distance and slowly approach until you are within viewing distance. The animal will decide the whether or not to approach you. You never chase an animal no matter how bad you want to get closer. Also a good operator will know the behaviors of the animal and may deny you access if they think the whales shouldn’t be disturbed.

Hopefully as demand increases for these experiences the governing bodies will continue to limit permits in a way that protects the animals but still allows for these encounters.

Experiencing Sperm whales in Dominica was much different than Whale Sharks near Holbox. I am hoping to go to French Polynesia next year to view Humpbacks with same operator that I used in Dominica. These encounters are what dreams are made of.