Responsible Tourism

The Dolphin Connection

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Highlights of this tour.

Encounters with several species of dolphin and whales in the open ocean, learning about marine conservation and the wildlife of the Azores, Opportunities to swim with dolphins in water using safe and responsible guidelines. Escorted tour with expert guide

How you can help

The Dolphin Connection is involved with various research projects in The Azores. You can either just come in an observing capacity where you will be given information and participate in the holiday. Alternatively you can time your visit to actively contribute with collection of data. This can be monitoring the occurence of different species of dolphin and whales to track the migration patterns in the small area in which we work. Also there is a turtle tagging project with which you can help collate statistics. A new venture is to record data on the effects of boat based tourism on the behaviour of the dolphins and whales , particularly the ways in which the ways boats approach the animals and the various behaviours of the animals in response to different approaches. We have our own theories as to low impact, non intrusive methods which need statistical endorsement.

Sample Itinerary.

Day1
Welcome briefing, complimentary drinks, learning safety procedures and guidelines for swimming with dolphins in the open ocean. Our expert guides have full RLSS life saving qualifications and are there for your safety and to encourage you as you gain confidence in the water with the dolphins.
This itinerary is flexible to cater for individual requirements
Day 2
Typically a morning dolphin swim boat trip, orientation around the local vicinity. Snorkelling practice if needed and an opportunity to snorkel in the lagoon.
Group games and socialising ( optional)
This Itinerary is flexible to cater for individual requirements.
Day 3
Dolphin swim boat trip ( am or pm)
Free afternoon to relax, snorkel in the lagoon, enjoy nature walks, local crafts
Evening presentation on the marine wildlife of the Azores learning about conservation projects as well as learning some facinating facts about dolphins and whales.
Day 4
Dolphin swim boat trip ( am or pm )
Complientary cultural tour of the Island ( 3 hours), learning about the nature, cultural history and wildlife on land.
Visiting famous sightseeing spots revealing the Island's history
Day 5
Dolphin Swim boat trip ( am or pm)
Visit to the Sperm whale museum. Talk by marine biologist and whale expert.
Evening slide show of beautiful marine photography taken in the Azores.
Day 6
Dolphin Swim boat trip ( am or pm)
Nature walks, exploring the wildlife inland, nature reserve or free time by pool relaxing.
Dinner out in local fish restaurant
Day 7
Free Day to explore the volcano, visit a neighbouring Island, see the trans-atlantic yachts and visit vineyards or play some sport.
Or to do your own thing!
Day 8
Dolphin swim boat trip ( am or pm )
We can offer additional boat trips for real enthusiasts, many people get hooked! or focus more on whale watching.
Time for an excursion to explore the underground caves where you are taken into the Tolkein- like world by guides ( 30 min)
Day 9
Dolphin swim boat trip ( if required )
souvenir shopping, relaxation Slide show of guest pictures
Entertanment, party and goodbyes
Day 10
Departure from hotel

 How your visit benefits the community

The local community benefit a lot by our trips to the Azores.
We employ the services of local suppliers for accommodation and boats who employ local staff. The "vigia" are the dedicated lookouts for spotting the animals from land and sending the boats to them by radio contact. Thes men used to spot whales at the time of hunting and now whale hunting is illegal, they are employed so that tourists can appreciate the marine mammals. Sightings are consequently very easy with this method and we see dolphins and whales on 99% of all trips to sea.
We also employ local guides for specialist information although there is a UK guide accompanying most of the trips to assist with logistics and coordinate all practical details.

 

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