There are few moments more awe-inspiring than seeing a whale surface beside your boat. The stillness of the sea, the power of the breath, the sheer scale — it’s unforgettable. But with the privilege of sharing the water with whales comes the responsibility to do it right. That’s where the Be Whale Wise guidelines come in.
Whether you’re sailing the Inside Passage or exploring coastal waters near Vancouver Island or Puget Sound, it’s essential to understand how to navigate responsibly around marine mammals. At Backstay Logbooks, we include Be Whale Wise reference guidelines in every All-Weather Logbook — because good seamanship includes marine stewardship.
Why It Matters
Whales and other marine mammals are vulnerable to human disturbance. Fast-moving boats, underwater noise, and unintentional encroachment can interfere with feeding, resting, or parenting behaviors — and in some tragic cases, lead to injury or death. Following the Be Whale Wise laws and best practices helps reduce these risks and ensures everyone can continue to witness these animals in the wild.
Know the Distance Regulations
Depending on where you’re sailing, there are different legal minimum distances for approaching whales:
🇺🇸 In US Waters
- 100 yards from all marine mammals (including humpback whales, sea lions, and seals)
- 300 yards from Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW)
- 400 yards from the path (in front or behind) of SRKW
- Starting in 2025, Washington boaters must stay 1,000 yards from SRKW
🇨🇦 In Canadian Waters
- 100 metres from all whales, dolphins, and porpoises
- 200 metres if whales are resting or accompanied by a calf
- 400 metres from all killer whales in southern BC coastal waters
These aren’t just guidelines — they’re legal requirements. Failure to comply can result in fines and enforcement action.
Slow Down and Stay Alert
Even outside of the required distance zones, it’s important to operate your vessel with care when you see a marine mammal:
- Reduce speed to 7 knots or less
- Turn off depth sounders and fish finders when whales are nearby
- Observe their behavior and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction
- Use binoculars to view from a distance instead of approaching
Raise the Whale Warning Flag
The Whale Warning Flag is a simple tool to signal the presence of whales in the area. If whales are within 1 km (0.65 mi) of your vessel:
- Raise the flag
- Slow down
- Follow local whale-wise regulations
- Alert others in the area
The flag acts as a visual cue to reduce risk and protect wildlife. And it’s a great conversation starter about marine protection.
What We Include in Every Logbook
At Backstay Logbooks, we believe that navigation and nature go hand in hand. That’s why every All-Weather Logbook includes a quick-reference guide to Be Whale Wise regulations — both for US and Canadian waters.
Final Thoughts
Being whale wise isn’t just for scientists or tour boats — it’s for every sailor, paddler, cruiser, and captain. Respecting distance, reducing noise, and slowing down are small actions that make a big difference. When you log your journey, take a moment to record and remember the wildlife you share it with — and how you protected it.
Because moments like these are worth protecting.
Sail smarter. Log better. Respect the wild.
Shop the All-Weather Logbook. Learn more at BeWhaleWise.org