Abstract
A sustainable blue economy requires balance between economic and environmental goals. Underpinned by the core concepts of the blue economy and posited in whale watching, this paper explored the natural soundscape and emotions including wonder, to inform experience design. Based on online survey responses, whale watchers in 2024 and 2025, reported the natural soundscape was considered important and increased the quality of the experience; prompted visitors to feel calm, curious and connected to the whales, marine environment and each other (guides, family and friends). Whale behaviours and proximity were strong elicitors of wonder. Physiological responses from experiencing wonder included smiling, laughter, and crying. Psychologically, wonder experiences were described as feelings of happiness, joy, curiosity and calm. Soundscapes and emotions, rather than being ignored, can aid in designing tourism experiences to enhance broader outcomes from revenue generation, visitor engagement to conservation. Considering natural soundscapes and emotive experiences can support the blue economy’s aim to generate economic benefits and sustain marine environments, while creating meaningful encounters that inspire visitors to care for ocean systems.