NSW whale watching operator critical of whale swimming experiences

A NSW whale watching tour operator has criticised Queensland-based tourism experiences that allow people to swim with whales.

In June, Sunshine Coast dive operator Sunreef Mooloolaba launched an experience that gives divers the opportunity to see Humpback Whales.

Based on the success of this venture, other tour operators are believed to planning to launch similar experiences.

Sunreef Mooloolaba allows swimmers to snorkel in the path of Humpback whale, at distances in excess of 100 metres from the mammals – although other operators have posted images on their websites of guests touching the giant marine creatures.

However, Ross O'Brien ('Captain Rosscoe') who runs a whale watching tour company in Kiama believes the practice is too dangerous.

O'Brien told the ABC "they're a wild creature, they're not a creature that was raised by hand at Sea World.

"Just recently, I can't remember how long ago, but we had a doctor sitting on a surfboard at Bondi and he got slapped up the back of the head by a whale tail."

"I don't think people realise how big these things are."

O'Brien said the plan shouldn't be condoned, adding "you've got a 40 tonne beast there. They're the size of a double-decker bus. Go and tackle a double-decker bus.

"There'd be a lot of sharks swimming around down there too."

"You're talking about the ocean, not a swimming pool."

Captain Rosscoe runs whale watching tours aboard the MV Signa.

For details go to www.mvsigna.com.au

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