Dolphin Encounters

Having a dolphin encounter is a wonderful experience, the memory of which will almost certainly stay with you for the rest of your life. The aim of this guide is to help you have just such a memorable moment. However, organisations offering dolphin watching and swim facilities are constantly changing. The accuracy of the information in this guide cannot therefore be guaranteed. We try to update constantly. If you have an organisation/group you would like to see included, please let us know at International Dolphin Watch. Please also write and tell us of your personal dolphin encounter experiences including brief details of when, where and how.

Many of our contacts are individual or small, charitable groups, please do not expect them to bear the cost of replying to your queries. For example, a stamped, addressed envelope is a welcome courtesy and more likely to get you a prompt response.

Please note, we do not provide organised trips ourselves and cannot make bookings for you.

Regulations governing watching and swimming with cetaceans (whales and dolphins) vary greatly. In some regions swimming with dolphins is restricted to those holding special permits, usually for research. It is advisable therefore to check with operators before making a choice of location, especially if you want to swim with dolphins. When you go dolphin watching, observe the local regulations, and please, always follow the International Dolphin Watch Code of Conduct if you go swimming with dolphins.

I hope you have a wonderful time and that the dolphins enjoy it too.

Good Luck

Melanie Parker
Honorary Secretary, IDW


	“Dear Dr Dobbs For 20 years I have dreamed of seeing dolphins in the wild. I have been to many foreign places where ‘encounters’ were virtually guaranteed and always my hopes have been dashed. I have just come back from a trip to the Canary Islands. The night before my outing on a boat I did your Dolphin Dreamtime meditation and I asked the dolphins to come. The very next day I saw my dream turn into a reality - our boat was surrounded by dolphins. I felt so strongly that they had chosen to honour us with their presence — I was not prepared for the intense feelings that I felt and the purest beauty I have ever encountered in my life. My heart feels fit to burst at what has happened for me and I needed to share it with someone who would understand. I also wanted to say thank you for bringing Dolphin Dreamtime to us - it has been a source of great joy for me. I suffer with M.E. and it has been a great help in my ‘healing’ process and now I feel it has brought the dolphins to me in real life. THANK YOU!” Deneice Amiss March 2001

	Note from Melanie Parker Horace Dobbs is always pleased to hear from dolphin lovers like Deneice who have had their dolphin dreams come true. Send your stories to him at International Dolphin Watch 10 Melton Road, North Ferriby S Yorks HUI4 3ET UK or Email: idw@talk21.com

	*DoIphin* Pushing through green waters Symbol of joy You leap from the depths To touch the sky Scattering spray Like handfuls of jewels Not caged by union rules Unfettered by sales targets No trains, or planes to catch Your time is set by the flow Of the sea’s tide And the moon’s glow You give us images of ecstasy That we lock away Behind the doors of memory For quiet moments When released by our possessions We dream of freedom like yours *Portreath, July 1982* Poem from Magic of Dolphins by Horace Dobbs


	CODE OF CONDUCT

An encounter with a wild dolphin or a pod of dolphins is an experience relished by sailors and land lubbers alike. Many people are now swimming with dolphins. If you behave sensibly you can safely have the absolutely wonderful experience of meeting wild animals that have been called ‘man’s cousins in the sea’ because of their brain size and intelligent behaviour. Dolphins can easily kill sharks with a blow from their beak - please respect their power.

WILD DOLPHINS ARE NOT CUDDLY TOYS OR PETS

Here are some common sense guidelines to ensure that your meeting is enjoyed with the minimum of risk for all concerned.
Dolphins are naturally curious. When ever possible, let them approach you.
Sometimes a dolphin will swim behind a boat, close to the propellor. This is quite safe provided the boat maintains a constant speed.

Users of twin screw boats DO NOT manoeuvre using the screws in opposition as this creates violent and confusing water movements.

Dolphins may be out of site under your boat. DO NOT make sudden bursts of speed or changes in direction. Also DO NOT stop or slow down suddenly, this can confuse and alarm dolphins as much as sudden acceleration.

When dolphins are feeding, stand off and observe quietly.


	NEVER CHASE OR HARASS DOLPHINS - especially when they have young


	SWIMMERS

Wear a buoyancy aid if you are not a strong swimmer. DO NOT wear or carry sharp objects that could accidentally damage a dolphin's skin.

Be aware of the local conditions. The strength and direction of currents can vary dramatically with the state of the tide. If the sea is rough remember it is easy to get in and difficult to get out.

DO NOT stray too far from the boat or land.

Slip quietly into the water. Until a close relationship has been established DO NOT attempt to touch the dolphins - let them take the initiative! Remember they are not there to perform. Establish trust and accept what comes.

DO NOT touch a dolphin’s blowhole.

Be vigilant near boats - a whirling propeller can be lethal.

Make sure you can be seen by boat users.

If a dolphin becomes boisterous and you feel frightened try not to panic, stay still and it will usually calm down.

Dolphins are rumbustious and often have physical contact with one another.

If a dolphin biffs or nips you, keep your arms by your side and swim quietly away.

FISHERMEN

DO NOT cast lines or leave them set when there are dolphins close by.

DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES - CHERISHED MEMORIES

Since ancient times some dolphins have chosen to associate with humans. Why they do this remains a mystery. Can we learn anything from watching dolphins in their natural environment as they show us their joyful, uninhibited behaviour? Of course we can! But everybody approaches from a different viewpoint and therefor has a different experience. Whatever your experience it will almost certainly remain a cherished memory.

International Dolphin Watch 10 Melton Road, North Ferriby, E.Yorks HU14 3ET. England.
Tel: +44 (0)1482 632650 Fax: +44 (0)1482 634914 E-mail: idw@talk21.com