Dolphin Watching is the practice of observing dolphins in their natural habitat. It is usually described as whale watching. It is mostly a recreational activity but it can also serve scientific and/or educational purposes.

 

A study prepared for International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2009 estimated that 13 million people went whale watching globally in 2008. Whale watching generates $2.1 billion per annum in tourism revenue worldwide, employing around 13,000 workers.The size and rapid growth of the industry has led to complex and continuing debates with the whaling industry about the best use of whales as a natural resource.