Whale Watching Worldwide

Most whale watching activity occurs around southwest Cornwall, focusing on Penzance Harbour as a
departure port. Whale watching also occurs from the localities of Feock, Albert Pier, Fowey, Newquay, East
Looe Quay and Falmouth. In Jersey, two operators promote opportunistic cetacean watching.
Tours run for between 90 minutes and two‐and‐a‐half hours, with and average boat capacity of 11
passengers. The average cost of a trip is $51 per adult and $31 per child. According to local cetacean
organisations, whales and dolphins can be sighted all year around. However, tours are offered between May
and November, and concentrated primarily between June and September due to summer season visitors.
The most common species encountered are harbour porpoises, bottlenose and less often short‐beaked
common dolphin. More unusual species may be encountered, such as Risso's dolphins and long‐finned pilot
whales, and even large cetaceans such as fin and minke whales.
Main species: Small cetaceans:
bottlenose dolphin, short‐beaked common
dolphin, harbour porpoise
Tourists:
International 40%
Domestic 60%
Types of tours: Boat‐based, short trips (1.5 to 2.5 hours),
opportunistic.
Average adult ticket price: $51
Estimated employment
10
numbers:
Main whale watch season: April to October
Acknowledgements:
Ben Wallbridge of Durlson Country Park, Dave Ball of Silver Dolphin Centre and Colin Speedie of Wise Scheme.
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