Whale Watching - Observe Humpback Whales

My name is Thomas Büttner and for over 20 years it has been my great passion to observe whales and dolphins in the wild. On over 400 whale-watching tours around the world, I have seen more than 20 different species of whales and dolphins in the world’s oceans.

Whether in Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Norway, Thailand and many other places, it was and is always a lasting experience.

Due to the high number of tours, I have a good comparison of the quality of the individual providers. Alongside the legendary company Whale Samana run by Kim Bedell, I consider Boa Vista Tours run by Andrea and Frank Hennicke to be one of the world’s best providers of sustainable whale watching. The company has clearly been awarded the accolades of exemplary and exceptional by me. There are a whole host of reasons for this.

Andrea, Frank and the entire team go whale watching out of love for the animals. Respect in dealing with the whales is at the centre of the trips. Guests are offered a fascinating encounter with the animals in all their depth and beauty, so that it will remain in their hearts forever.

All trips are accompanied by a marine biologist from a local conservation organisation. The collection of sighting data thus makes a valuable contribution to the protection of the whales off Boa Vista.

At the beginning of the trip, there is detailed information about the species present, their behaviour and what to look out for. Here you can once again feel the great passion of the team, because the extent of the knowledge imparted is exemplary. The information is available in German and English. Detailed information is also provided about behaviour on board and all safety measures. Here too, Boa Vista Tours is a prime example for me and guarantees a safe and relaxed trip.

The company organises whale-watching trips on two classes of boat, which offer very different experiences with the animals.

The motor yacht offers space for 20 people, has different levels and thus enables different perspectives on the whales. The lower deck has seats in the shade and there is a toilet inside the boat. At the top of the boat, you are close to the captain and the guides. Ideal for a more intensive dialogue about the whales. The top deck offers a wonderful 360-degree panoramic view. Whale watchers and photographers love this place. The boat offers comfortable space for all guests, making it easy to move around and change position on board during the tour.

The direct commentary on the viewing experiences is also very valuable. This is also far above the average of other providers in terms of intensity. Andrea and Frank contribute their enormous knowledge of humpback whales. Their years of experience are also clearly noticeable here. This means that everyone on board knows what the current situation is, how the whales are currently behaving and what they are waiting for. During whale watching with Boa Vista Tours, you can expand your knowledge of humpback whales enormously. This knowledge is further deepened with the help of various whale models.

You can get even closer to the animals on a whale-watching trip in a rubber dinghy. Boa Vista Tours has had its own zodiac built to exact specifications. Safety, comfort and quality of experience took centre stage. There are also some shaded areas on this boat and a marine biologist is on board. The proximity to the surface of the water gives guests a completely different perspective compared to a motor yacht. What’s more, the ride across the water at the speed of the inflatable boat offers an additional fun factor.

Regardless of which of the boats you choose, the same high ethical standards always apply when dealing with the animals. The way in which the whales are approached and the behaviour of the boats during sightings is exemplary. Andrea, Frank and the team are able to interpret the animals‘ signs precisely. If the animals feel disturbed, the boats move away. The same applies to the time spent with the whales. In addition to safety, consideration for the animals is a top priority for Boa Vista Tours.

The valuable thing about whale watching off the island of Boa Vista is that it is an area where whales gather to give birth to calves and mate. Of course, it is always a trip out into the open ocean with no guarantees. But the probability of seeing mothers with their young, accompanying bulls or bulls fighting over females is high.

What also touches me about Andrea and Frank’s work is their high level of social competence. Here, responsibility for nature and the people of Boa Vista is taken seriously and put into practice. Jobs are created for the local population and thus prospects for a better life. The cordial, trusting interaction with the employees is always noticeable on the trips. For me, this is also a valuable criterion for sustainable whale watching.

Boa Vista’s service is complemented by an informative website and helpful communication when planning and booking tours. Andrea and Frank Hennicke always have an open ear for the wishes of their guests and advise them with all their heart.