Swimming with whales: You must know the risks and when it’s best to keep your distance

Three people were injured last month in separate humpback whale encounters off the Western Australia coast.

The incidents happened during snorkeling tours on Ningaloo Reef when swimmers came too close to a mother and her calf.

Swim encounters with humpback whales are relatively new in the Australian wildlife tourism portfolio. The WA tours are part of a trial that ends in 2023. A few tour options have also been available in Queensland since 2014.

But last month’s injuries have raised concerns about the safety of swimming with such giant creatures in the wild.

Read phys.org