Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

Marine Mammal Watching Guidelines

• Approach areas of marine mammal activity with caution
• Reduce speed to less than 7 knots and avoid abrupt course changes
• Avoid approaching closer than 100 metres
• Do not swim with or feed the mammals
• Limit your viewing time to a maximum of 30 minutes

Sea Lions
© Parks Canada / Debby Gardiner

Whales, porpoises, and dolphins

• Approach and depart from the side, instead of the front or from behind the mammals
• Travel parallel to the direction of the whales, dolphins, and porpoises
• Do not drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins for the purpose of bowriding

Sea lions and seals

• Depart at the first sign of disturbance or agitation
• Use caution around haul-outs, especially during breeding and pupping seasons (May to July)

Seal
© Parks Canada / Rob Harding