Whale Watching Travel Insurance
Cover for professionally organised whale watching excursions
Access to 24/7 emergency medical support
Quick online quotes for your trip
Get QuotesOver 100 activities included at no extra cost on Direct Travel policies.
What is whale watching?
Whale watching involves observing whales and other marine wildlife in their natural environment. Excursions usually take place aboard a boat operated by guides who understand the local waters and wildlife.
Cover is limited to professionally organised whale watching. Independently arranged or self-operated boat trips are not included under this activity.
Can I get travel insurance for whale watching?
Yes, policies that cover professionally organised whale watching excursions can be available through Direct Travel.
Add whale watching when getting your quote and check that it appears on your Policy Certificate or policy documents. Book through a professional operator and follow the crew’s instructions throughout the excursion.
Whale watching top tips:
- Add whale watching when getting your quote
- Check that it appears on your policy documents
- Book through a professional whale watching operator
- Attend the safety briefing and follow the crew’s instructions
- Check the weather and departure details before travelling
What can travel insurance help with?
If you’re injured or become unwell during an insured whale watching excursion, emergency medical expenses and repatriation can be covered, subject to the terms and limits of your policy.
Depending on the policy selected, cover may also be available for cancellation, curtailment and other travel-related problems. Travel insurance does not guarantee reimbursement of the excursion cost if the operator cancels, changes the route or no whales are sighted. Personal Liability is not covered while using a motorised vehicle, including a motorised boat. Check the applicable Policy Wording.
Whale Watching FAQs
Does whale watching need to be added to my policy?
Yes. Add whale watching when getting your quote and check that it appears on your Policy Certificate or policy documents before joining the excursion.
Does the whale watching trip need to be professionally organised?
Yes. Cover is limited to professionally organised whale watching excursions. Book through an established operator and follow the instructions given by its crew.
Can I operate the whale watching boat?
No. This activity covers participation as a passenger on a professionally organised excursion. It does not cover operating, navigating, or crewing the vessel.
Does whale watching include swimming with whales?
No. Entering the water, swimming, snorkelling or diving with whales is not included under whale watching.
Is the excursion cost covered if the operator cancels?
Not automatically. Travel insurance does not guarantee reimbursement simply because the operator cancels or changes the excursion. You should approach the operator for a refund or alternative booking first.
Can I claim if no whales are sighted?
No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, and not seeing a whale is not an insured event under travel insurance.
Can medical expenses be covered if I become injured or unwell?
Emergency medical expenses can be covered if whale watching appears on your policy documents, the excursion is professionally organised and the claim meets the policy’s terms and conditions.
Can I get cover if I have a medical condition?
Pre-existing medical conditions are considered separately from activity cover. Declare them when getting your quote, as cover is subject to medical screening and acceptance.
Cover is subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of your policy. Check the applicable Policy Wording and your policy documents before taking part.
