Whale Watching Worldwide

Target species are mainly smaller cetaceans – spinner dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, Risso’s dolphin,
bottlenose dolphin and Fraser’s dolphin. However, orcas, false killer whales, beaked whales (type not
specified) and sperm whales are also seen.
Whale and dolphin tourism is considered an important drawing card for Yilan, Hualien and Taitung.
Some incidental watching of the Chinese white dolphin is also carried out on the west coast, but has not
been included in this analysis.
Main species: Small cetaceans:
bottlenose dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, spinner
dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, Fraser’s
dolphin
Tourists:
International 1%
Domestic 99%
Types of tours: Boat‐based day or half‐day trips
Average adult ticket price: $28
Estimated employment
150
numbers:
Main whale watch season: April to October
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to Lien‐Siang Chou at National Taiwan University, Mr Zhu at Hualien Fisheries Department and seven operators.
Special thanks to Chen Xin for her fantastic translation and research assistance.
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