Want to see whales?
Choose RESPECT.
Not convenience.
Not entertainment.
RESPECT.
We are the Shelltone Whale Project, an environmental organization.
We are developing a worldwide network of whale-watching operators selected for their respectful approach to cetaceans.
Book your respectful whale watching trip with operators who have chosen respect.
Operators who observe whales daily are often best positioned to notice early signs of stress or disturbance.
By choosing these operators, you help shape the future of respectful whale watching.
Book directly with Shelltone Selected Operators, with no additional fees.
Respectful whale watching starts here.
The origins of our environmental organization.
Since 1981, in Maui, Hawaii, the Shelltone Whale Project has explored a unique form of communication with whales.
Through music. Through presence. Through shared moments in the water.
These years of research led to a method.
A way to approach without disturbance and reduce stress responses in cetaceans.
A respectful, non-intrusive approach increases the chances of observing whales.
A whale that is respected shows fewer avoidance behaviors and remains calmer in the presence of the boat.
Today, this approach guides every encounter.
The problem of abusive whale watching
Whale-watching activity has grown significantly worldwide over the past two decades, increasing pressure on cetacean populations in high-traffic areas.
The Shelltone Whale Project defines a new standard for human–cetacean interaction.
A more respectful approach. A more attentive presence. A more natural encounter.
The Shelltone Charter
Observing whales and respecting them are not opposing goals.
Respect is what makes a better encounter possible.
Encounters are not created. They are allowed.
A framework is defined. Conditions are respected.
When everything is aligned, the encounter may happen.
Our mission: to help you experience unforgettable moments with cetaceans, while ensuring their protection.
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