Many of us wish to not only watch dolphins but more: to swim with dolphins in their habitat the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. When we dive in the blue Atlantic ocean we cross the border to another dimension and get inside the home of the dolphins.. We are guests in their home!

Just like us dolphins know different moods. When they are feeling good and relaxed we will be welcome close to them. In other moments, e.g. when they are hunting, take care of a calve or during mating time we might be seen as intruding. Some dolphin species are naturally very curious so we can get close to them without any problems. Others are more shy and prefer to leave or even might feel threatened which even can make them dangerous.

The dolphins & whales that are observed during this week to swim with dolphins are wild and free. This one week program will give you enough time with the dolphins and whales - even though encounters and interaction with wild dolphins can never be guaranteed the organizer has a success rate of over 90% (in 2004 only 1 out of 581 went by without a sighting). Given one week you'll be more relaxed even if it should include a day without any sightings. And this feeling of being relaxed, calm and open will have an influence on any dolphin encounter - dolphins are very sensitive and it seems that they can feel stress.

Being conscious of the effects that our activities might have on the wellbeing of the animals  as well as in the interest of your security we ask you to respect our ethical principals during the Dance with the Dolphins and to follow these rules:

1. The swim with dolphin activities are limited to 5 species: The common dolphin, atlantic spotted dolphin, striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, Risso’s dolphin. The current regional law forbids to swim with other species like for example with sperm whales.
 

2. We use the method of the soft encounter to swim with wild dolphins. That means we only flow on the surface and never try to swim towards the animals or even to follow them. Just in the opposite we leave it to the dolphins to come to us out of curiosity.

3. Never more than two swimmers are in the water at the same time. Only ABC-equipment (snorkel, mask and fins) are allowed. We never use dive equipment. In interest of your security a second member of the crew always stays on board to ensure that your encounter with the animals proceeds without any problems and that you get back inside the boat after max 15 minutes.

4. The decision whether and when you are allowed to swim the dolphins is always with the skipper. His decision is based on experience and depends on the swell, the condition of the participants and especially on the behavior of the animals…cause in the end the dolphins make the final decisions!

These rules might seem strict to you. We are aware that you are on vacation and probably dream for many years to encounter a dolphin in its own environment. But these rules are not only  based on 10 years of experience but also on out attempt to give you the best conditions for your moments with the dolphins: cause dolphins are playful, friendly and open-minded as long as they don’t feel harassed or threatened.

My wish is that you come back on board with a bright and satisfied smile and to hear you say: “Wonderful! I’ve been in one world with them and one watched straight in my eyes!“  Serge Viallelle, leader of the cetacean-watching station of the Azores.

 Costs

03rd April – 09th July: 775 EUR/per person shared

10th July – 28^th Aug: 860 EUR/per person shared

29th Aug – 9th Oct:  775 EUR/per person shared

Additional for single accommodation: 85 EUR

* other currencies are possible please contact us

organizer:

Sea Breese/Espaco Talasso

They already lead these tours to the dolphins sinde the early 90s and are very concious towards the dolphins, whales and the customers.