Directory of cetology organisations: whale watching operators and associations (France & international)

Looking for an HQWW-certified whale watching operator (High Quality Whale Watching) in the Mediterranean, a serious association to donate to, or a scientific research centre on cetaceans in France? This interactive directory brings together the recognised bodies working on cetacean conservation, research and responsible observation in metropolitan France and the overseas territories, along with the main international NGOs.

The HQWW label (High Quality Whale Watching) was created in 2014 by the ACCOBAMS agreement (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area) to single out operators that undertake to follow a scientific code of good conduct: a minimum approach distance, limited speed, a maximum observation time, no more than 3 boats per cetacean, and a compulsory scientific briefing on board. Only HQWW-labelled operators are listed here for the whale watching section.

On the association side, we distinguish three broad categories: scientific research (data collection, photo-identification, necropsies), conservation & lobbying (campaigns, political advocacy, direct action) and rescue & strandings (intervention on stranded animals, alive or dead, through the Réseau National Échouage). Click on a record to see the contact details, the area covered and a direct link to the official website.