So far, great app
I’ll up date again as I get more familiar with all the app does.
Excellent!
Heavily relies on free data
It is tough to justify the monthly subscription fee when the app relies so heavily on data that is available for free elsewhere. Sighting reports are pulled directly from local, volunteer Facebook groups (e.g., Howe Sound and Sea to Sky wildlife sightings, Sunshine Coast fb group) without offering anything original.
Charging a subscription for data that local community members shared for free is a major red flag - and seeing personal sightings re-posted here without permission to monetize them shouldn't be allowed.
Outside of community posts, the app heavily relies on live AIS tracking of commercial whale-watching boats. It works during peak daytime hours when the tour boats are out, but the second the boats head in for the night, updates are basically nonexistent. I also doubt how useful this app will be once the peak whale-watching season ends and commercial boats aren't on the water anymore.
Great idea poor UI
Notification limitations
Response from developer
Thank you for your thoughtful suggestion! Your real feedback helps us significantly in improving the app. The timing is perfect; we are currently working on enhancements to our notification system. These improvements may also include the ability to create custom alert areas on the map. In the meantime, while we continue testing this new feature, we have added the Seattle and Puget Sound area, including Vashon, to our list of notification zones. If you have any additional suggestions to improve Whale Locator, please feel free to email us at contact@whalelocator.com. We would love to have you back when everything is ready. Happy Sightings!
Don’t share here
Response from developer
Hi Brenda. We built whale locator so that all users could access whale reports, not just tour operators. Our goal is for people on shore to see more whales, and for recreational boaters to know where the whales are so they can make informed decisions on the water, rather than blindly motoring over active wildlife. The whale watching fleet already has access to the local social media sighting groups, plus a private app. What Whale Locator adds is public oversight: it shows where those vessels are, so anyone from shore can see which boats are where, and any rule breakers can be easily reported if needed. We have marine mammal viewing regulations built into the app so users can view the rules at any time, plus a link to report infractions. Public whale reports that all users can see are what hold boat operators accountable, and that is what protects the whales.
Best App for Whale Spotting
Response from developer
Thank you so much. Helping people watch whales from shore is the whole idea behind Whale Locator. Happy Sightings!
My favorite app ever
Response from developer
Thank you, this is wonderful to read. Being the only app you allow notifications from is about the highest compliment an app can get, and we do not take it lightly. Seeing orcas from land is exactly what the platform was built for, and we are glad the hydrophone and webcam links are adding to the experience. Happy Sightings!
Amazing experiences
Response from developer
Reviews like this are why we build. Ten years for one shore sighting, then five in two months with real time alerts, we could not ask for a better summary of what Whale Locator is for. Thank you for reporting your own sightings too. Every report helps keep the whales safer and the whole community enjoying more of them. Happy Sightings!
Amazing app!
Response from developer
This makes our day, thank you. The fact that you are both watching and reporting is the whole idea, every sighting you add helps the next person catch one too. Glad to have you in the community. Happy Sightings!
This is a good app
Response from developer
Thanks so much for this. Real-time information, historical data, and simple to use - that is the app we wanted to build. As for the criticism, a lot of it comes down to one thing: not everyone is glad to see sighting information become open to everybody rather than locked away. More eyes on the water is safer for the whales, and for the community, so we are happy to be a little disruptive. We appreciate you seeing it for what it is. Happy Sightings!
Let’s continue to improve things
Response from developer
Thanks for the thoughtful review. Vessel tracks are actively in the works, and we should have news on that soon. Thanks also for sharing the app, that helps more than you might think. Happy sightings!
Really good app
Response from developer
Thank you for your kind review. It means a lot to us to get feedback from someone who actually tried the Whale Locator.
An Incredible Tool for Marine Wildlife Enthusiasts
I also follow local Facebook groups, but having sightings displayed on a live map is a game changer. Instead of just reading that whales were seen somewhere, I can understand their direction of travel and position myself responsibly if I’m already out paddleboarding. It has completely changed the way I explore Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm.
Another huge advantage is that professional whale watching boats and other vessels contribute sightings, making the information even more timely and reliable.
Beyond helping people see whales, this app encourages responsible wildlife viewing and respect for marine mammals. I happily pay for it and recommend it to anyone who spends time on the BC coast. Thank you to the developers, volunteers, and everyone who contributes sightings. You’ve built something truly exceptional.
Response from developer
Thank you for your review. It means a lot to us to get feedback from someone who actually tried the Whale Locator.
Good idea, but heavily reliant on free boat tracking data
Subscription Needed
Response from developer
Hi, Obm827. There seems to be some confusion. As clearly stated in the app description, available before downloading the app, Whale Locator offers a 3-day free trial, so you can try the whole app and decide from there. It's also clearly stated in the app description that Whale Locator is subscription-supported.
The Best Whale App!
Response from developer
Thank you for your review. It means a lot to us when someone who actually tried the app leaves us a review.
Not very user friendly
Response from developer
Thanks for the feedback! Signing up to Whale Locator takes just a name and email, or a single tap with Google or Apple and nothing else. Thus, we are confused about what you mean by "asking a lot of information upfront." Please send the exact issues you hit to contact@whalelocator.com, and we'll do our best to resolve them quickly. Whale Locator also covers the full Salish Sea, not just Vancouver, including Vancouver Island, the San Juans, Gulf Islands, and Puget Sound. The vessel data is secondary to improve accuracy, while whale sightings powered by the community stay as the heart of the app. Hope you will give it another try.
Not part of PWWA
Response from developer
Thanks, and glad you like the concept! Whale Locator is intentionally independent and not tied to any single industry association. We're a community and conservation project whose data is openly accessible to the general public, whale researchers, conservation NGOs, enforcement agencies, and First Nations. That independence is exactly what keeps our whale sightings neutral and accessible to everyone. Some of the people involved in the creation and development were, at one time, members of the PWWA and left because of the bad-faith lobbying against science-backed regulations to protect marine life, especially regarding the critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. The PWWA is simply a business association with no accountability to its members and serves only to protect whale-watching operators from scrutiny and accountability. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. You can see for yourself how they use their member fees, as their financial records are a matter of public record. We'd be glad to have you on board. Happy Sightings!
Data mining scam
Response from developer
Hi Jazmine, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear your first impression didn't reflect the experience we work hard to provide. We'd like to address a few points, as we believe there may be some misunderstandings: Pricing & transparency: Our subscription fee is clearly outlined in the app's description before download. We strive to be upfront so there are no surprises. The 3-day free trial is offered so users can explore the app before committing. What you're paying for: The core value of our app is access to real-time whale sighting reports, including data that is not available anywhere else. Whale sightings are contributed by a network of trained spotters and vessels, and we also use AIS (Automatic Identification System) vessel tracking data to intelligently generate sighting locations based on real-time marine traffic. We are a small team of passionate experts, and the subscription fee exists purely to cover the cost of the servers and infrastructure that keep the app running. It is precisely because of this model that we have no need or desire to monetise our users' data. This is further supplemented by weather data, map overlays, and other features to give users the most complete on-the-water picture possible. Account requirements: We understand privacy concerns, and want to be clear: no phone number is required to create an account, you are not obligated to use your full or real name, and while a valid email address is required, this is solely for account functionality (password recovery, important updates, and the like). We do not engage in data mining or sell user information to third parties. We genuinely want every user to feel confident and informed when using our app. If you'd like to discuss your experience further or have any remaining questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly through the app's support channel. The Whale Locator Team