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Imagine a world where wildlife and humans live in harmony. Imagine a world
where wild animals trust humans and vice versa. Well you need not look too
far. The wild bottlenose dolphins off the coast of Ponta do Ouro (Point of
Gold) in Mozambique are curious and often seek out human contact.
Swimming with wild dolphins, on their terms, and in the company of licensed,
knowledgeable and eco-sensitive hosts is an extraordinary experience.
Angie Gullan who started this unobtrusive, non-interfering and eco-sensitive
operation, leads most of the swims. She has been swimming with these
super-intelligent beings for over ten years and has dedicated her life to
facilitating the transformative effects human-dolphin interactions have on
us.
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A mutual benefit has been established with the dolphins and
Angie’s resident team of dolphin guides. It is out of this trusting
relationship that they are able to take you into the dolphins’ home, giving
you a glimpse of how dolphins function in the wild.
The experience is, in short, dolphin-centred. A strict,
internationally-ratified code of good conduct is adhered to. Swimmers are
well briefed. The conservation commitment of the operation is self evident.
When a pod is spotted they are approached cautiously – their body language
is interpreted and they are not approached, for example, if they are resting
or in traveling mode. Entry into the water is controlled (only 3-5 people at
a time) and swimmers are urged not to splash about or try and swim towards
the dolphins but to wait for them to swim towards you. And this they do! You
hear (clicking and “wheeee-ing”) and feel them (described as being “buzzed”
- checked out, “sonar-ed”) before you see them. And then they are upon you,
eye-balling you, communicating with you, urging you to play. The water is
warm and clear and the whole experience is exhilarating and uplifting.
Stories of the human/dolphin bond are well-known through history. Going into
this millennium, the interactions between the two, and the lessons learnt
from this, will be increasingly important for the survival of this, our blue
planet.
Accommodation is in simple, rustic, beach casitas.
The company’s support for the local Mozambiquan community is significant.
The local lifeguard service has been set up with the help of Angie and her
team, who continue as patrons of the service. The company also actively
contributes to dolphin conservation, awareness and scientific research in
Southern Africa.
Various options for swimming with wild dolphins are available.
Contact ecoAfrica for
more information.
"To the dolphin alone, beyond all others, nature has granted what the best
philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no need at all
for man, yet it is a genial friend to all and has helped many." ~ ‘Plutarch’
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