Wildlife and the law, destination by destination
Where the animals are, what each country actually allows, who holds the permit, and whether we work there. We keep this page because “ethical” is a word anyone can print, and a rule with a number in it is harder to fake.
What changed, as of 23 September 2026
Every destination we track
Twelve places, each with its own file: the species and its season, the regulation by name, the distances in metres, and who holds the permit.
Moʻorea, French Polynesia
Humpback whales · legal season 20 July – 20 November
We work with an authorised boatFuvahmulah, Maldives
Tiger sharks · guided scuba, year-round
Not currently offeredVavaʻu and Haʻapai, Tonga
Humpback whales · mid-July to October
Not currently offeredSilver Bank, Dominican Republic
Humpback whales · January to April
Hosted shared ship only, not currently offeredNingaloo, Western Australia
Whale sharks March–July · humpback swim July–October
Not an Ocean Calling destinationDominica
Sperm whales · November to June
Not sold until the permit letter is on fileBaja California and Socorro, Mexico
Gray, humpback and sperm whales · boat observation only
Orca swim suspended since 31 July 2026Sri Lanka
Blue and sperm whales · boat watching at ~100 m
We do not sell swim tours hereTofo, Mozambique
Humpbacks July–October · whale sharks November–March
Permit status incompleteHawaii and Alaska, United States
Humpback whales · watch only, December to April
No US swim productSkjervøy, northern Norway
Orcas and humpbacks · late autumn into winter
Legal, but not our focusHanifaru Bay, Maldives
Reef mantas · managed, guided access
Not a listed Ocean Calling tripHow we decide
Every destination on this page has a file behind it: the species and its season, the regulation by name, the distances in metres, and the permit holder. A trip only goes on sale when that file is complete and the operator’s current permit document is in our hands — not an advert, not a screenshot of last season, not a promise on a call.
That is why several pages here end with “not offered”. We would rather show you the places we are still working on, and why, than quietly leave them off and let the site imply we can take you anywhere. Ocean Calling is not a permit holder anywhere in the world. The boats and dive centres we work with are, and we check them before a season, not after a complaint.
Three things you will never read on an Ocean Calling page: a guaranteed sighting, an encounter that a country’s own law does not allow, and a date we cannot yet stand behind.
Questions worth asking anyone
Who holds the permit for this activity, and may I see it? How many people go in the water, including the guide? What happens on a day when the animals are not there — and what happens if the operator decides not to get in? A good operator has quick answers to all three.