- Whale and dolphin watching tours benefit the animals, if conducted responsibly. The tours inspire people to protect marine life and illustrate its economic value to decision makers. Wild dolphins bringing tourist money into a region pushes the conservation of the dolphins and their habitat high up the list of priorities. Problems can arise with rogue tour companies, which harass and disturb dolphins. This doesn't appear to be a major problem in Tampa Bay. However, if you witness a tour company harassing dolphins by getting too close--NOAA states that closer than 50 yards is too close--chasing them or encouraging people to feed them, report the company to Florida's fisheries service.
- Dolphin watch tours can't guarantee you will see dolphins, as they are wild animals. However, in Tampa Bay there is a high probability you will see some. Dolphins are social and travel in family groups--when you see one dolphin you will almost certainly see more, including babies on occasion. Bottlenose dolphins are large and active dolphins who often engage in spectacular behavior such as jumping out of the water, spinning and twisting. Dolphins sometimes approach boats and swim alongside, although the tour boat should not approach them. Some of the boats used for dolphin watch tours are luxurious yachts, while others are much smaller. The only required level of physical fitness is the ability to get on and off the boat, with or without assistance. While the smaller boats aren't suitable for wheelchairs, some of the large ones are.
- A pair of lightweight binoculars is invaluable for getting a good view of the dolphins when they are not very close. Taking photographs of wild animals is not easy and dolphins only surface or jump out of the water for seconds at a time. A high-speed sports camera helps, but many people find videoing rather than photographing their trip is a better reminder. It also allows you to focus on the experience instead of concentrating on taking the perfect picture.
- A dolphin watch cruise, as of 2011, runs from $20 to $50 per person. The rate is often less for children. You can find tours online or ask hotel staff for recommendations. When booking your cruise, ask what to expect from the trip, what is and is not included (such as drinks and snacks), and how the company ensures the dolphins are not harassed. Responsible companies educate people about the animals and how to behave around them.
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