Swimming with the Whales
why we don't offer swimming with the Whales
IS IT LEGAL TO SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIAIs it legal to swim with humpback whales in Australia? The answer to this question is a bit complicated, as there are both federal and state laws that apply.The short answer is that there is no explicit law that prohibits swimming with humpback whales in Australia. However, there are several regulations that have been put in place to protect the species and ensure that the whales are not disturbed while they are in the water.The most important regulation is the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This law requires that people not disturb whales in any way when they are in the water and that they must remain at least 300 meters away from the whales at all times. This law applies to all species of whales, including humpbacks.In addition to the EPBC Act, there are also state laws in place in some areas of Australia that prohibit people from swimming with whales. For example, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMP) has a regulation that prohibits people from swimming with whales in the marine park.In conclusion, it is not illegal to swim with humpback whales in Australia, but there are regulations that must be followed in order to protect the species. It is important to always follow the regulations, as even the most minor violation can have serious consequences.If you are planning to swim with humpback whales in Australia, it is important to research the laws and regulations in the area, as well as the appropriate behaviour when interacting with the whales. Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching Swimming (which includes snorkelling and diving) with a whale or dolphin may place both people and animals at risk. Risks to people include injury and possible death from forceful interactions with a whale or dolphin. The greatest risk to whales and dolphins is disturbance caused by the misuse of vessels and the inappropriate placement of people in the water, forcing animals to actively avoid interaction. These impacts and risks may be minimised by ensuring that swim programs are only conducted by operators who are authorised by the relevant state, territory or Commonwealth agency. In addition permits may be issued that allow people to swim or dive with whales and dolphins for scientific or educational purposes.
Dropping customers in the water miles out to sea is very dangerous and dropping customers the legal distance away you would not see the whales from that distance.