Safe Whale Watching Organization

SAFE is a group of whale watch operators who provide:

A SAFE boating experience for you without interfering with the natural environment.

An AFFORDABLE and comfortable whale watching experience.

A FUN trip with an experienced captain and crew.

An EDUCATIONAL cruise where you learn about everything - and we mean everything!

SAFE is dedicated to the conservation of whales and their environment. We excel in providing an educational, enjoyable, top quality experience without overcrowding or jeopardizing your safety.

For maximum comfort and safety, no vessel should carry more than one passenger per foot of vessel length. A 50-foot boat should carry no more than 50 passengers.

By limiting our passenger count, we give you room to take photos, have comfortable seating, convenient use of restrooms, and room to move around to view wildlife and interact with your fellow whale watchers.

SAFE vessels all have enclosed and heated cabins. You won't have to be outside in inclement weather.

SAFE members agree to comply or exceed all State and Federal guidelines for safe viewing of wildlife. We follow the rules pertaining to distance, direction, speed, closeness to shore, and blocking the path of the whales and other wildlife.

SAFE members always have an awareness of the damage a ship's wake may cause the shoreline, other vessels, and resting marine mammals.

Questions to ask before scheduling a Whale Watching cruise:

What is the length of the vessel to be used?
How many passengers will be allowed onboard?
Is there cabin space for all passengers to be inside?
Is the upper deck suitable for all passengers to view marine activity?
Does the vessel have an adequate sound system for all the guest areas?
Are food facilities accessible to all guests?
Has the crew been trained in emergency procedures?
Are the cabins heated?
Are there restrooms?
Is the boat and crew licensed by U.S. and /or Canadian Coast Guard?

You can check out the length of whale watching boats by clicking here and search by vessel name.

If you wish information on how to become a member, click here.

For information on members, click here.

Look for the SAFE insignia on brochures, web sites, and boat hulls.

All SAFE members are members of the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest.