Whale and dolphin watching rules and regulation are explicit in a regional Degree since 1999. The rules are extremely important for the safety of those observing as well as for the animals. These are the rules we stick to during the trips.
Fundamental rules:
- Do not exceed the speed of the animals in more than 2 knots, keeping it steady.
- The boats should sail parallel to each other, positioning themselves on a 60º angle, behind the animals.
- Avoid direction and heading changes.
- Maintain a parallel course, slightly behind de animals, so they may keep a 180º angle free ahead of them.
- Avoid noises in the proximity of the animals that may disturb or attract them.
- Whenever the animals show signs of disturbance, the boats should move beyond the observation area, behind the animals.
- To get closer than 50 metres from any cetacean.
- To remain in a 500 metres radius around na animal or group of animals that are motionless, resting or in labor.
- To provoke the separation of the group of animals, mainly the calves.
- To approach whale calves when alone on the surface, as well as to approach whales with small calves, less than 100 metres.
- The presence of more than 3 boats, in a 300 metres radius in the presence of dolphins, and 500 metres in the presence of whales.
- To remain in the observation area beyond 30 minutes.
- To approach the animals with a sail boat not using an engine.
- The use of sonar, including the area outsider the observation zone.
- The use of underwater motorised vehicles, in the area close to the animals.
- To chase the animals.
- To feed the animals.
- To swim with the whales.
- Pollute the ocean with solid or liquid residues.
LICENCES
Licença de Operador Marítimo-Turístico nº 2/2008 emitida pela Secretaria Regional da Economia
Direção Regional dos Transportes Aéreos e Marítimos
Licença de Exploração Turística da Observação de Cetáceos (emitida anualmente)
Emitida pela Secretaria Regional da Economia – Direção Regional de Turismo
INSURANCES
Responsabilidade Civil – apólice nº 55.0040658 – Açoreana Seguros
Marítimo – Embarcações Recreio – apólice nº 87.00103995 – Açoreana Seguros