Code of Conduct for dolphin watching (Red Sea, Egypt)

30.12.2011

Please find below some very basic and simple rules to follow, in case of an encounter with dolphins in their habitat. Remember that any interactions must be decided by the animals (no pressure to establish contact must be imposed) and if mothers with calves are present, reduce the time spent with them.

Code of Conduct for dolphin swimming-with

· Swim gently and quietly

· Let the dolphins approach and decide if and how to interact

· Avoid noises

· Do not chase dolphins

· Touching and feeding dolphins is strictly forbidden

· Always use fins, mask and snorkel

Code of Conduct for boats

· Approach dolphins slowly, carefully and parallel

· Maintain a clearance distance of 30m from the dolphins

· Do not chase dolphins, let them decide if or when to approach the boat

· Do not reverse, accelerate and/or change direction suddenly

· Do not drop people in the water if other boats are around or when the sea is rough

· When dolphins are already approached by another boat wait for your turn

· Do not follow dolphins inside lagoons and keep a distance of 200m from the reef

Approaching a reef is ALWAYS dangerous for boats, people and marine life. Navigation near a reef must be done with the only purpose of mooring and at very low speed (<2 knots).