Just wondering if it'd be really unsafe to whale watch from a canoe? 16 foot Canadian open canoe. I am in Australia and thinking of going out for a paddle at Cape Otway area.
People go on whale watching trips from seakyaks all the time....they are basically covered canoes.....o do not see what the big difference is....as long as it is a calm day.

just about as safe as walking the middle of the freeway in the dark

I've seen them do it on TV in Zodiac sized boats.Be a drag if you got knocked in the water though.After watching shark week on the discover channel i'm not sure i'd want to end up in the water there in Australia lol.It would sure be fun to go do though.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WX1pWboc5QA

all l have to say.

Barnacles grow on whales and it is not uncommon for them to rub against things to try and remove them ( l assume that they are an irritation).

l would personally not get to close, as if they decided to use your canoe as the object to rub against, you would stand little chance.

l suppose at the end of the day, it is a gamble that you take, same as the chance of being in a bank when it is robbed.

Leave your children on shore & have a will made> l sail the Atlantic & have had whales come up beside the boat and look at you>About 10'away> Hit the botton of the boat>So they might think your playing with them>In a canoe> Or maybe just a meal???

I've gone whale watching in a zodiak, but both times l was with people that study whale behaviour. So they knew what to expect from the animals.

Make sure u follow local regulations when whale watching. Do not get too close to the animal or try to alter the animals behaviour in any way. Using a moter boat close to a slow moving whale is dangerous as u could harm the whale. If u get too close or try to chase the whale it will get grumpy.

Whale watching from land is the safest & most whale friendly option.
Next would be going in a larger craft.
l am not sure how safe or practical canoeing would be. You can use a canoe in the ocean but it is more work & more tippy.