Topics > Animals and plants > Living with wildlife

Whales and dolphins

Whales and dolphins are protected by law in South Australia under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Before you go whale or dolphin watching, there are a few things you need to know.

Respect marine mammals and help keep them safe. Always keep at least 100m away from a whale, or 50m from a dolphin. Special restrictions apply when a calf is present. For more information about marine mammal approach distances, see the respecting marine mammals safety sticker.

Never feed or harass marine mammals, it is illegal and it harms the animal.

If you find a sick or stranded marine mammal (including whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins) please contact your local National Parks and Wildlife Service office. For more information on what to do and who to call, visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website.

Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement of Country

The state government acknowledges Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Nations of the lands and waters we live and work upon and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection and the relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country.

We work in partnership with the First Peoples of South Australia and support their Nations to take a leading role in caring for their Country.