SOFT ENCOUNTER
Rules for the behavior to swim with the dolphins

Soft Encounter describes a method of approach between human and dolphins. With fins, mask and snorkel we flow on the surface of the ocean without to swim. The natural curiosity of the dolphins is relevant for a big  part: they are coming closer, check the situation, watch, listen?

Whales and dolphins are very sensitive. They feel our presence very quick and precise. Abrupt and uncontrolled movements might put them to flight.

The Soft Encounter-technique might sometimes be frustrating, cause the animals are the ones who decide whether they want to encounter us or not: we are guests in their world. If you follow these rules, you’ll leave nothing to chance and you’ll have the best chances to encounter an open-minded, playful and curious animal in its own natural habitat:

 • Check the fitting of your mask and fins before going in the water: if your equipment is comfortable you’ll feel well as you then can forget about the technical aspects. A short 5mm thick wet suit is recommended.

 • Slide silent inside the water without a „splash“. Don’t jump inside the water and also avoid a header. Your skipper will get the boat in the good position to give you the best condition

• Don’t swim towards the animals, don’t try to follow them...they are swimming better and faster than you in any case, so just let them come towards you. Our experience shows that they will not immediately come directly close to you: they will swim around you, make some maneuver, check you out…these first minutes of approach are very important to an unforgettable encounter

Following this „settling phase“ you’ll be able to slowly get close to them in 2 or 3 m depth. Don’t splash with your fins at the surface but slowly and calmly sink down to them.

Our experience also shows that the dolphins are reacting very sensitive on you. A diver, who’s “stressed” by the technique or that’s not familiar with the ocean will often only experience a short and glimpsing encounter with the animal. The more experience you have with the dolphins the more intensive the encounters will become.

You have to know that the encounters are dependent on the condition of the sea, the activities of the animals (feedings, social behavior, resting...), the presence of boats and the experience of the crew onboard.
That’s why it’s important when choosing a dolphin encounter program to check whether the organizer respects these rules, the current law of the Azores and most importantly the decisions of the dolphins.