Frequently Asked Questions
What does a launch involve?
We meet at our center at the given time, located across from Gozo Azul Dive Centre.
Snorkeling gear is provided, and participants complete an indemnity form. After gearing up, a pre launch briefing is conducted, covering expectations, boat procedures, and insights into dolphin behavior.
Subsequently, we transport you to the beach using a trailer pulled by a tractor, where the boat awaits. We guide the boat while the tractor pushes it into the water, and navigate our way through the surf with life jackets.
Our journey begins by heading south towards the border between South Africa and Mozambique, offering views of the distant Lighthouse and Kosi Bay. We then proceed north in search of dolphins.
Upon encountering a dolphin pod, our team assesses their behavior. If the dolphins are not resting, we instruct you to prepare with mask, snorkel, and fins, ready to enter the water. Upon receiving the go- ahead, you’ll slip into the water and swim toward the dolphin guide, maintaining a quiet and non-disruptive presence with arms at your sides.
Social dolphins often enjoy lingering and playing. It’s important to refrain from touching any marine life and avoid diving down during the dolphin encounter. While we boast an 80% success rate in boat sightings, in-water interactions are solely at the discretion of the dolphins. The excursion also includes a stop at one of our shallow reef snorkel sites (7-10m) before returning to the launch site and using the tractor for the journey back to the center.
What time do we launch?
The optimal time for launching is typically early in the morning, given that the wind tends to intensify as the day progresses. Our preference is to set out on the ocean as early as possible to ensure the best possible experience. Exact times are confirmed the day before, taking into account the latest weather forecast. During the summer, we may commence activities from 05:00, in autumn from 06:00, and during winter from 07:00.
What are the age groups of participants?
The minimum age requirement is 5 years old. While we’ve had participants as old as 80 join
us, eligibility depends on personal limitations and the ocean conditions on the day.
How many people are on a launch?
Minimum is 6 people and max is 12 per trip. This total includes children.
Do you cater for special needs?
Yes, we do. Please contact us for further details and to make necessary arrangements.
Can I swim with dolphins if I'm pregnant?
Yes you can, up until 6 months, weather conditions permitting. Please discuss the activity
with your doctor prior.
What is your policy regarding rough seas?
Spotting dolphins becomes challenging when the sea is too choppy, and snorkeling or swimming in such conditions is also more demanding. Large swells can further complicate the situation, as dolphins often navigate closer to the shore, near bigger waves that are beyond our reach. Ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone aboard the boat is our foremost concern, and we refrain from venturing out in unsuitable conditions.
What can we expect to see on our trip?
Throughout the entire year, you can witness our friendly pods of bottlenose dolphins. From July to October, Humpback whales treat us to breathtaking surface displays, while in the summer months, turtles and manta rays gracefully navigate our backline. Occasional sightings include the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin, Spinner dolphins and Pan-tropical Spotted dolphins. We make a stop for snorkelling on one of our shallow reefs, where we encounter diverse fish species.
Are there Sharks?
Shark sightings are extremely rare during our dolphin swims, and it is highly unlikely that you
will encounter one. On the off chance that we do come across sharks, they would typically be
small reef sharks, which pose no cause for concern. Please don’t let this deter your
enthusiasm for swimming with dolphins.
What can I do to prevent seasickness?
If you are aware that you are prone to seasickness, kindly bring motion sickness medication with you. The recommended approach is to take one tablet the night before your ocean experience and another on the morning of the trip, approximately an hour before departure. Limit alcoholic beverages the night before, and only eat a small amount of food prior to launching.
Will we be allowed to touch the dolphins?
No. These dolphins are wild, and it is strictly outlined in the Dolphin Centre’s regulated code of conduct that touching is prohibited. These dolphins naturally come close enough to us, eliminating the necessity for touching. Attempting to touch them poses a risk of disrupting the entire experience for everyone, so we emphasize the importance of refraining from any attempts to touch them.
Can we feed the dolphins?
No, these are pods of wild dolphins that are perfectly capable of sourcing and catching their own food, so no feeding is permitted. We simply observe and interact with them as naturally as possible, whilst abiding by our dolphin code of conduct.
Can I bring my camera?
You are more than welcome to bring along your own camera (if you have one with a waterproof casing). We provide underwater photography services at the Dolphin Centre free of extra charge; however, you are encouraged to bring your own camera, especially if it is equipped with a waterproof casing. Cameras without waterproof casings are brought at your own risk, and it is advised to place them in a bag for safety. Ensure the flash is turned off when capturing underwater footage of the dolphins.
Is there a discounted rate if I won't be getting into the water on a Dolphin Trip?
No, you are paying for a spot on the boat and therefore the rate remains the same.
Is there risk of Malaria in Ponta?
This area is considered very low risk and it is not necessary to take prophylactics. However, we do recommend you use mosquito repellent in the evenings as a precaution (natural remedies include citronella oils or candles). To date we have had no recorded cases of any malaria in Ponta do Ouro itself for the last 16 years.
How do I make a booking?
We prefer to liaise on Whatsapp (+258 84 242 9864), or you can email us at
info@thedolphincentre.com