Locate a spot on the shore to watch from. The higher up the better as you'll have a view of more ocean. Especially if you are staying in a hotel on the northern part of Myrtle Beach, try viewing the ocean from your balcony.
Scan the ocean with or without the binoculars. Look for the plumes of water that indicate whales are blowing. You need to be alert to catch them.
Use the binoculars to focus on the whale or whales. A camera with a good telephoto lens allows you to take pictures.
Maintain a distance of at least 500 yards, if you are whale watching from a boat. It is important not to harass the whales. Whales may approach a stationary boat but do not chase them in an effort to get closer. If you accidentally find yourself too close to whales, move your vessel away slowly. Scan the ocean to find the whales.
Try to identify the whale. Look at the kind of blow, the shape of the tail when the whale dives, fins, the head and the approximate size. Right whales for example are about 40 to 50 feet long, have black tails and fins, white bumps on their heads and no dorsal fins on their backs. Take photos if you are unsure.
Note down the time, date, species and coordinates if you see a whale. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, is collecting this information to aid conservation.
Book a whale-watching cruise with a reputable company to make it easier to find whales. Hotels in Myrtle beach can give you details. The company will have experience on where whales are most likely to be seen at any given time.
