How can this course HELP me protect Dolphins and Whales ?
In this course you will:
• Understand whales and dolphins, their behaviour, and the threats they face
• Learn how responsible tourism protects marine life
• Gain a recognised Level 1 certificate to support volunteering, internships, and your next training step
VOLUNTEERS & INTERNSHIPS
Love whales and dolphins? Want to help protect them — and inspire others to care too?
Whether you’re a student, traveller, eco-volunteer, or simply ocean-obsessed, this course gives you the knowledge and confidence to take meaningful action.
With your Level 1 certification, you can explore volunteer and internship opportunities through the WCA partner network.
E-KO IMPACT SPONSORSHIP
Special Offer – E-Ko Impact Sponsorship
Thanks to support from E-Ko Tours, the Certified Whale Champion course is currently available for just $39 USD (reduced from $199).
This sponsorship is designed to help more people start their ocean journey with purpose.
What you’ll learn (Level 1)
• WCA Global Guidelines for responsible wildlife interaction
• Whale and dolphin biology, behaviour, and conservation
• How to observe respectfully and safely
• Binocular and spotting basics
• Introduction to guiding, storytelling, and conservation messaging
• The role of responsible tourism in protecting the ocean
Course cost and time
Price: $39 USD (sponsored)
Time: 25–40 hours total (self-paced)
Access: 100% online, available worldwide
You can pause, replay, and learn at your own pace.
What you receive
• Certified Whale Champion (CWC) digital diploma
• Downloadable WCA Training Record Book
• Downloadable WCA Global Guidelines
• 1-year access to the Whale Champions community
• 50% discount on E-Ko Tours for 2 years
• Optional listing in the WCA network as a Certified Whale Champion
Where this can lead
After Level 1, you can:
• Apply for volunteer or internship pathways with WCA partners
• Continue to Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide (CMG) if you want paid guiding opportunities
Continue to Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide →
E-ko Sponsership Ocean Education 25% Discount if you purchase an E-ko gift voucher.https://www.e-ko.nz/gift-vouchers
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have access?
You can learn at your own pace and revisit lessons anytime.
Do I need experience?
No. Level 1 is designed for beginners and ocean lovers.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes — you’ll receive the Certified Whale Champion (CWC) digital diploma upon completion.
Can this help me volunteer or intern?
Yes — Level 1 is designed as a pathway into volunteering, internships, and further training.
What’s the next step after Level 1?
Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide (CMG) if you want to move toward professional paid guiding.
The Certified Whale Champion Course – WCA Level 1 is the perfect starting point for anyone passionate about whales, dolphins, and ocean conservation.
This online diploma, delivered by Marine Guide Training and accredited by the World Cetacean Alliance, gives you a recognised qualification that opens doors to volunteering, internships, and future guiding roles.
With your CWC certificate, you can:
✅ Apply for volunteer roles or internships with one of over 120 WCA partners worldwide
✅ Continue your journey into professional guiding by enrolling in Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide (CMG)
This course is:
🌍 100% online — study anytime, from anywhere
⏱️ Self-paced — pause, replay, and learn on your schedule
🧠 Designed by expert marine guide trainers — combining real-world knowledge with engaging, beginner-friendly content
WCA Global Guidelines for responsible wildlife tourism
Dolphin and whale biology, behaviour, and conservation
How to inspire others to care for marine mammals
Real-world tips and techniques used by professional guides
Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building the foundation for a conservation-focused career, this course is your first step toward educating, inspiring, and protecting what you love.
🔗 Apply for a WCA Internship →
🔗 Continue to Certified Marine Guide – Level 2 →
$39 USD ( subsidized)
⏱️ Time Commitment:
Expect to complete the course in 25–40 hours, depending on your pace and learning style.
You’ll have full access to video modules, quizzes, and downloads — all designed to be completed at your own speed, with lifetime access to the content.
🌍 Study Anywhere, Anytime
Whether you’re at home, on the move, or preparing for an internship abroad, the CWC course is fully online and accessible worldwide.
🎯 Start your journey today — and begin building a meaningful future in marine education, guiding, and conservation.
🎓 Complete WCA Foundation Modules
Learn the core knowledge and values behind the world’s largest alliance for responsible whale and dolphin tourism.
🐬 Cetacean Identification at Sea
Discover how to spot and identify common whale and dolphin species using visual cues, movement patterns, and behaviours.
🔭 Binocular & Spotting Techniques
Practice using binoculars and field tools to enhance your marine wildlife observation skills.
🐋 Understanding Cetacean Behaviour
Learn how to interpret dolphin and whale behaviour — from surfacing patterns to social dynamics — for safer, more respectful wildlife interactions.
🌊 Applying the WCA Global Guidelines
Gain the knowledge to apply WCA’s responsible tourism standards in real-world situations around wild marine animals.
🧭 Ethical Wildlife Interaction
Understand how to approach, view, and engage with marine mammals in ways that are sustainable, respectful, and conservation-focused.
🗣️ Guiding & Interpretation Basics
Get an introduction to professional marine guiding, including storytelling, guest engagement, and conservation messaging.
🎤 Presentation & Communication Skills
Learn how to deliver facts, emotions, and purpose — and speak about marine life in ways that inspire and educate others.
🌱 Principles of Responsible Tourism
Explore how ethical wildlife tourism supports conservation, communities, and the health of our oceans.
✅ Expert Training
Receive online instruction from experienced marine guides and WCA-accredited professionals.
✅ Pathway to Global Opportunities
Qualify to apply for internships and volunteer roles with over 120 WCA partners worldwide.
✅ WCA Knowledge Tools
Download your own copies of the:
📝 WCA Global Guidelines
📘 WCA Training Record Book
✅ Certified Diploma
Earn the official Certified Whale Champion (CWC) digital diploma — your entry into the WCA marine guide pathway.
✅ Career Visibility
Get listed in the WCA Recruitment Network as a Certified Whale Champion, making you visible to global partners.
✅ Exclusive E-Ko Benefit
Enjoy 50% off E-Ko Tours for 2 years — only available to MGT students, thanks to E-Ko Impact Sponsorship.
🎯 Upon completion, Certified Whale Champions are encouraged to:
Volunteer or intern with trusted conservation-focused partners
Continue to Level 2 – Certified Marine Guide (CMG) for paid work in the marine tourism industry
