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Fishers' involvement is crucial. Image: WDC/JTF

When porpoises and people overlap

We're funding a project in Hong Kong that's working with fishing communities to help save...

Mindful conservation – why we need a new respect for nature

'We should look at whales and dolphins as the indigenous people of the seas -...
A dolphin called Arnie with a shell

Dolphins catch fish using giant shell tools

In Shark Bay, Australia, two groups of dolphins have figured out how to use tools...
Common dolphins at surface

Did you know that dolphins have unique personalities?

We all have personalities, and between the work Christmas party and your family get-together, perhaps...
Leaping harbour porpoise

The power of harbour porpoise poo

We know we need to save the whale to save the world. Now we are...
Holly. Image: Miray Campbell

Meet Holly, she’s an incredible orca leader

Let me tell you the story of an awe-inspiring orca with a fascinating family story...
Humpback whale. Image: Christopher Swann

A story about whales and humans

As well as working for WDC, I write books for young people. Stories; about the...
Risso's dolphin at surface

My lucky number – 13 years studying amazing Risso’s dolphins

Everything we learn about the Risso's dolphins off the coast of Scotland amazes us and...

How to beat the January blues? Book a whale watch trip!

I’m sure I’m not the only person shivering through dismal January days – and equally dismal events on the world stage – and seeking solace in the prospect of planning my next escape from routine: preferably somewhere with stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Step forward Oliver Dirr, keen traveller and whale watcher, whose recent travels with his wife, Theresa, inspired them to create a website  and a ‘Whaleplanner’.  This brilliant-looking month-by-month guide to some of the best whale watching opportunities around the world has already inspired me and will hopefully inspire you, too, to book an adventure or two this coming year!

As Oliver commented: “My wife, Theresa, and I travelled a lot in the last few years and mostly it was about whales.  We’ve been to Iceland, Greenland, Canada (Quebec and Vancouver Island), New Zealand and Australia (Queensland and New South Wales) and we were lucky enough to see humpbacks, orcas, sperm whales, fin whales, minke whales, blue whales and belugas. Some sightings were from land, some on a tour with a group of researchers and some via regular whale watching tours.  We’ve learned a lot about whale watching during our trips and we still think it can have a positive impact if it’s done properly. Unfortunately, we’ve seen some operators who really missed their chance to delight the people on board. Through our website, we want to inspire people to just get out there and see the whales with their own eyes. But we also want them to know how to choose a good operator and how to have a rich experience.”

Look out for a series of guest blogs on Oliver and Theresa’s whale watch adventures this spring  – but meanwhile, why not dive into the Whaleplanner and get inspired!

For more information on responsible whale watching, check out also our new guide.