How To Stay Safe When Paddling Near Dolphins And Whales

Spotting a whale or a pod of dolphins from a kayak, canoe, or SUP board is a thrilling experience that you’ll remember forever. Furthermore, paddling in waters where whales and dolphins frequent can be safe if you know what to do. These encounters can also be terrifying, especially if you have no idea how to act in the moment.

If you encounter a whale or dolphin in the wild do not panic or make any sudden movements. Instead, move slowly away from the animal, and be careful not to get in its path. Do not try to chase, touch, or feed the animals. Be particularly cautious when mothers are caring for young. Do not suddenly change direction in your paddling vessel, and don’t jump in the water.

If you plan to paddle in waters where you may encounter whales, dolphins, or any other large marine life, then you need to know how to act. There are several general rules of thumb and even laws in certain countries that dictate how to behave around whales and dolphins. Below is a detailed list of what you should and should not do when you encounter dolphins or whales while paddling in their natural habitat.

12 Ways To Stay Safe When Paddling Near Whales Or Dolphins

1. Don’t Chase Or Follow The Animals

If you see whales or dolphins when you are paddling, you may instinctively want to get closer. After all, such an encounter is so rare that you probably want as close a view as possible. You must resist the urge to chase down or follow dolphins or whales when you spot them.

They may feel threatened by you. This is particularly true if they are alone, or have young whales and dolphins with them. Instead, stay still, and determine which way they are going. Enjoy the quiet and stillness as you avoid a potentially negative interaction with these giant marine mammals.

2. Never Touch Or Harass The Animals

When you encounter wildlife while paddling, including large marine malas like dolphins or whales jumping nearby, you might have the desire to touch, feed, or interact with them. Please resist this urge. Feeding whales and dolphins in the wild is never a good idea.

Touching these animals is an even worse idea. Unless they come up to you, these animals want to be left alone. While these animals appear friendly from afar, these giants can unintentionally hurt you in several ways.

3. Stay Out Of Its Path

When you are observing the whale or dolphin from afar, take the time to notice the direction the animal is heading. This may take some time as some species only surface once every few minutes.

Once you determine the animal's path, make sure you are not on this path. If you seem to be in the animal’s path, slowly back away. As you back away make sure you keep an eye on the water so you can avoid an accidental run-in with the animal.

4. Ensure Your PFD Is Securely Fastened

You must always wear a life jacket when you are paddling. When you are in your paddling vessel and notice any large marine mammal, it’s particularly important to ensure your PFD is securely fastened.

While unlikely, there is a chance that you can capsize and end up in the water when paddling close to large animals. If you are wearing a reliable PFD then you will have a much easier time getting back in your boat.

5. Don’t Change Your Direction Suddenly

Make sure when you are paddling around dolphins or whales you don’t suddenly change your direction. This sudden change in direction and speed can alarm and even aggravate certain marine mammals. It can also cause a whale to breach dangerously close to you.

Instead, stay on a slow and steady path. If you need to turn or adjust your course, then do so calmly and gently. Instead of a rapid chap turn, make it a slower curved turn.

6. Avoid Splashing Or Panicked Movements

One of the worst things you can do when paddling near dolphins or whales is to make lots of splashing or create other alarmed or panicked movements. These movements can include dropping items in the water, shifting and rocking in your boat, and rapid paddling strokes.

Do your best to relax and overcome your fear and panic while paddling around these massive creatures. All these movements are likely to alarm your otherwise gentle marine mammal friends nearby. Furthermore, if there are predators, like sharks or some predatory whales, these panicked movements can lure them closer, which is the last thing you want.

7. Don’t Jump In The Water

As much as you might want an epic shot of you swimming with a whale in the wild for your social media, it is best to resist this temptation. Do not jump in the water in attempts to photograph yourself with whales or dolphins.

If you can avoid the water, you should do so. Do your best to stay inside your paddling vessel. This will not only cause less alarm to the whales or dolphins, but it also limits your risk.

8. Try To Stay at least 100 Meters Away

As a general rule, you should try your best to stay at least 100 meters away (about a football field) away from whales and pods of dolphins. This rule of thumb ensures these giant creatures don’t get dangerously close.

Some countries even have laws dictating how close you can get to certain marine life. This is usually 50 meters to 100 meters and can vary based on the type of animal. If you aren’t familiar with local laws make sure you keep as much distance as possible.

9. Remain Calm And Focused

When you witness something as captivating as a whale breaching near your paddling vessel, there is a good chance your mind is moving rapidly. It can be hard to concentrate on the task at hand, which is paddling.

Once you notice a whale or dolphin breach, take a few moments together yourself before continuing. You will put yourself in danger if you start to panic. Instead, take a few deep breaths and do not continue paddling until you have regained your sense of calm. This will help keep you rational and safe throughout the encounter.

10. Head For Shore If Possible

When you see a whale or dolphin, don’t head out to sea with it. Instead, if there is land in sight, you should try to head in that direction. Naturally, if the animals are between you and the land, do not head directly towards them. Instead, find a path that allows you to keep a safe distance from the mammals while you head towards shore.

Heading towards shore, regardless if it is the exact point where you launched, is often the safest option. The exception to this is if the shoreline you are approaching has cliffs, jagged rocks, or a rough shorebreak.

11. Know The Rules And Laws Before Entering The Water

As mentioned previously, many areas have protections set up to ensure whales and dolphins are not harassed. This usually means there are laws created to prevent these animals from being harassed or touched. Before you enter the water where you know whales and dolphins frequent, read up on these rules, as there are often hefty fines for those who break these rules.

12. Learn About Local Marine Life In The Area Before Paddling

One of the best ways to prepare yourself for a whale or dolphin encounter is to know all the animals (especially the large ones) you may encounter on your paddle. Knowledge is power, and knowing more about the animals you are likely to encounter will make you much more confident in the water.

Study up on the animals and their behavior. The more you know about them, the less afraid and panicked you are likely to be. You will also be able to enjoy the experience from a more educated place, which will make the entire encounter more fulfilling.

Five Questions To Ask When Paddling Near Dolphins Or Whales

1. What Type Of Whale Or Dolphins Are You Encountering?

One of the most important questions you should ask yourself when you see a giant animal breach nearby is “What was that, exactly?”

There are many species of whales and dolphins. Whales vary greatly in size and behavior. Therefore, knowing the exact species of animal that is nearby will give you a better idea as to how you should react.

2. How Far From The Shore Are You?

Another important factor you need to consider is how close you are to the shore and your launch point. It’s usually best to head to the closest shore when you see large mammals breaching near you.

If, however, the shore is far away, you will need to ensure you are not panicked and stay out of the path of these animals.

3. Is It One Whale Or Dolphin Or An Entire Pod?

If you encounter one whale, you have different concerns than if there is an entire pod around you. The more animals there are around, the more crucial you use your senses to navigate away from these animals.

It is hard to keep track of multiple whales and dolphins, especially when they only surface every few minutes.

4. Are There Young Whales Or Dolphins Present?

Keep an eye out for baby whales or dolphins. They might be cute to look at, but they should also be treated with great caution. Mothers and pods are fiercely protective of their young. If you notice a young whale or dolphin make sure you keep a very safe distance from them to avoid any potential defensive behavior.

5. Is There Other Underwater Wildlife Nearby?

It’s important to remember that whales tend to attract other large marine animals, especially when feeding. This includes several predators like sharks and large fish. Be mindful of the fact that there may be other large animals nearby and that it’s best to avoid falling into the water. Instead, keep an eye below the surface when you can, and head slowly toward a safe and tranquil spot.

Summing Up Safety When Paddling Near Dolphins Or Whales

Paddling amid dolphins and whales is a bucket-list-worthy experience for many paddlers and nature lovers. It can be an unexpected experience you’ll cherish forever. If, however, you are unprepared for this chance encounter, it can be terrifying and dangerous.

When you find yourself paddling near whales or dolphins it’s important to remain calm, and slowly paddle away from them. Try to keep at least 100 meters between you and the whales, and stay out of their path. Be extra cautious when you notice whale mothers with their young. Never chase, feed, or swim after dolphins or whales, and when possible head towards shore to safer water.