Dolphin

Humans have always been fascinated by dolphins and there has been a long history of association

between the two. Over time this has turned into a rapidly expanding world-wide tourist activity –

swimming with dolphins. The chance to see dolphins in the wild is often a lifetime dream for many

people, but few consider the implications of actually swimming with these animals.

The ‘swim-with-dolphins’ tourist industry is becoming more popular every year and tour operators are

always on the lookout to give their tourist swimmers the best experience they can. After all, it can cost

a large amount of money to have this kind of holiday experience. So tour operators try to place eager

swimmers as near as possible to the dolphins by trying to predict where the dolphins will be. The

swimmers usually enter the water from the back of a stationary boat and swim freely in the water.

Research has shown that while dolphins can move away if they do not want to interact with human

swimmers, they do not like it at all if the swimmers slip into the water directly on top of them or if

humans are in their path of travel. However, if swimmers enter the water to one side of them, the

dolphins do not avoid the swimmers to the same extent. This possibly seems like less threatening

behaviour to them.

In all cases, the dolphins seem to have become more sensitised to the presence of the swimmers.

For dolphins, swimming amongst or with humans is not necessarily a high priority. This research has

shown that only 19% of any group of dolphins will participate in interaction. Young dolphins are the

most likely to interact; they do seem curious about being with humans. It is believed that they see

humans as ‘entertainment’ and that the interaction is a new and unusual experience for them.

It is frequently asked whether ‘swim-with-dolphins’ tourism should be discontinued. The advice is that dolphins should be given substantial periods of time throughout the day when they are not exposed to tourism. Permitted interactions should not be too intrusive to the dolphins since there could be mothers and calves present in dolphin groups. There should also be educational campaigns about the creatures and the likely threats to them. If not, in the long term there could be detrimental effects on the dolphins’ well-being which may not become evident until many years later.

It is not easy to explain to someone that they cannot fulfil their lifelong dreams because the dolphins are resting, or that a mother dolphin and calf are in the area. But if we are to enjoy these remarkable animals and not just use them for our entertainment, then we must carefully monitor the ‘swim-with-dolphins’ industry worldwide.