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- Extended reality interfaces for enhancing user engagement and learning in onshore whale-watchingPublication . Silva, Telmo Gonçalves; Radeta, Marko; Alves, Filipe Marco AndradeNowadays, the image of great whales has been dramatically shifted from being viewed as a dangerous species and a source of resources to a species that has been protected and turned into a symbol for marine life sustainability, being whale-watching an important touristic and economic activity. Whale-watching is a globally significant activity that provides public engage ment with marine life; however, traditional methods often fall short due to ecological disturbances, limited accessibility, and a lack of deep educational and emotional connections. This thesis explores the potential of Extended Reality (XR) technolo gies—specifically Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—to address these challenges in coastal whale-watching experiences. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of AR, VR, and MR in enhancing user engagement, educational outcomes, and conservation awareness. Through simulated whale-watching experiences in coastal settings, the study collected participant feedback, pre- and post-experience questionnaires, and observational data to assess the usability, educational impact, and emotional connection facilitated by each technology. Key findings reveal that AR is particularly effective in promoting user engagement and educational impact, while MR excels in fostering a strong emotional connection to marine life. Despite these benefits, each technology faces distinct challenges related to ease of use and environ mental constraints, highlighting areas for further optimization. This research contributes to the growing field of XR in marine tourism by providing valuable insights into how these technologies can be optimized to create more engaging, educational, and sustainable whale-watching experiences. The findings offer a foundation for future research and development in the application of XR technologies within marine environments.