Skip to content

Worldwide listing of responsible whale watching bases

Menu

OUR MISSION: PROTECTING CETACEANS 

By observing dolphins and whales with the Shelltone Whale Project, you are helping to protect them by making the following choices a responsible approach.

Photograph by Pierre Lavagne de Castellan, head of the Shelltone Whale Project

Pierre Lavagne De Castellan

Marine bioacoustician - Ethologist - Founder of the Shelltone Whale Project 

Since 1981, my passion for cetaceans and my research into communication with whales have enabled me to observe the evolution of whale watching, past of a confidential activity to a booming tourist industry in the 2000s. This growth has often led to disrespectful practices towards cetaceanscausing stress and displacement. Despite the creation of sanctuaries and regulations, many operators do not respect them.

Fortunately, some enthusiasts are adopting respectful approaches that encourage harmonious interactions. The aim of our organisation, the Shelltone Whale Project, is to reference these ethical operators to offer responsible experiences while protecting cetaceans.

Pierre-Lavagne-de-Castellan-black-high-res

DESTINATIONS

Experience a unique moment and get up close to cetaceans while guaranteeing their protection. The bases we have selected guarantee a responsible and caring approach. 

Pierre Lavagane de castellan

The origins of the association

The Shelltone Whale Project was founded by Pierre Lavagne de Castellan, a marine bioacoustician and ethologist. It is a non-profit association recognised as being in the public interest for its environmental actions and its acoustic research on cetaceans.

Since 1981 in Maui, Hawaii, the mission of the Shelltone Whale Project has been to play, improvise, co-write and record music with whales, sublimating through this joint creation the fundamentals of inter-species communication with cetaceans.

These years of research close to the intimacy of the animals, to the depths of their feelings about our presence among them, have enabled us to develop a non-aggressive approach techniqueextremely effective because the animals are confident.

abusive whale watching

The problem of abusive whale watching

Abusive whale watching poses serious problems for the welfare of cetaceans. This practice, which involves watching whales and other cetaceans at close quarters, has become an uncontrolled tourist industry, with many boats invading their natural habitats.

Disrespectful approaches disturb the animals, causing stress, behavioural changes, loss of appetite and even abandonment of their territories. In search of thrills to satisfy tourists, some operators neglect regulations and good practiceThese sensitive species are in danger.

It is therefore essential to promote responsible practices to preserve the tranquillity and survival of cetaceans! That's our mission. 

Label for cetacean watching that respects the marine environment

The Shelltone Whale Project Charter Respect

Our experience has enabled us to validate operators around the world that practice respectful and conscious approaches to cetaceans. These bases are signatories to our "Shelltone Whale Project RESPECT" charter.

We have selected these bases for you so that you can make the right choice for your excursion. You can sign up directly from our site for their expeditions, in complete confidence and at the best price, while allowing us to continue our selection work in the field to validate the operators who are respectful, for your greatest pleasure and for the well-being of the animals we love.

OUR MISSION? TO BRING YOU UNFORGETTABLE ENCOUNTERS WITH CETACEANS, WHILE GUARANTEEING THEIR PROTECTION. 

Guadeloupe outing
Cadaquès outing
IMG_1264

The guarantee of a timeless moment

By choosing to go to sea with the Shelltone Whale Project, not only are you contributing to the welfare of the animals, but you are also offering yourself a unique and intimate experience. All excursions take place in small groups, in a peaceful and caring atmosphere, far from the big tourist boats where everyone is rushing around...

Our mission: to protect cetaceans

The aim of our organisation, Shelltone Whale Project, is to list and promote these conscientious operators, giving everyone the chance to make the right choice when booking their whale watching trip. Our aim is to ensure that passengers enjoy a real encounter in harmony and, of course, to protect the cetaceans from any indelicate or intrusive approach.
By booking your outings through our organisation, you are enabling us to continue our mission of listing and monitoring responsible cetacean-watching bases. 

Tee-Shirt Shelltone Whale Project : Cetacean observation and protection

Much more than just clothing! 

Support us and join our community 🙂

100 % of the profits from the sale of our clothing is donated to the Shelltone Whale Project, enabling us to continue protecting cetaceans by selecting animal-friendly whale-watching operators around the world.

Social networks

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us! 

Whale songs - 43 min.

Recorded 10 miles off Baille Argent on 26 April 2016. We are convinced that there is a message in this song. Good listening!

Read more...