Since time immemorial dolphins have captivated the hearts of men and woman the world over. In Ponta do Ouro on the southern most shores of Moçambique, our hearts have been captivated too.  Join Africa’s longest running wild dolphin swim program for a purposeful holiday. Programs are scheduled throughout the year and cater for families, solitary seekers and holistic workshops!

For the past 17 years Angie Gullan has been swimming with a pod of wild inshore bottlenose dolphins that go by the scientific name of Tursiops aduncus. During the mid 90’s she was honored to be able to share the space of this gregarious species who welcomed her into their watery realm. Although that first encounter was brief, it triggered a response that what was soon to become a lifelong commitment to the well being of dolphins. 

Educational and ethical practice have been the foundation of encountours since its inception and participants gain a special insight into the realm of the wild dolphins of Ponta through an program that identifies dolphins as non-human persons. Bo, a now adult female introduced Angie to the concept of conscious interaction between dolphin and man in 1999.  Since then she has identified a number of dolfriends who choose to socially engage with participants. Bouts of circle swimming, direct approaches and trust allows us to observe the dolphins in the most intimate way. One on one in the big blue….. 

Participants follow the DolphinCareAfrica in-water code of conduct that was formulated in collaboration with the Natural History Museum in Maputo and other experts in the field. This creates a safe space for both human and dolphin to socially engage and limits the potential stress caused to the dolphins.

Educational and ethical practice have been the foundation of encountours since its inception and participants gain a special

insight into the realm of the wild dolphins of Ponta through an program that identifies dolphins as non-human persons.

Bo, a now adult female introduced Angie to the concept of conscious interaction between dolphin and man in 1999.  Since then she has identified a number of dolfriends who choose to socially engage with participants. Bouts of circle swimming, direct approaches and trust allows us to observe the dolphins in the most intimate way. One on one in the big blue….. 

Participants follow the DolphinCareAfrica in-water code of conduct that was formulated in collaboration with the Natural History Museum in Maputo and other experts in the field. This creates a safe space for both human and dolphin to socially engage and limits the potential stress caused to the dolphins.

As part of our long term commitment to the wild dolphins, we have been active in promoting the sustainable growth of dolphin tourism in the area. Our sister non-profit organization DCA was established in 98 as our conservation, awareness, research & education arm. This has resulted in the consistent collecting of data for the natural history museum in maputo as well as the creation of a photographic fin id program were some 250 semi/resident bottlenose dolphins are recorded. The operations’s work has greatly contributed to the Partial Marine Protected Area that was proclaimed in 2009.

Encountours are structured and run over a minimum of three nights. Encountours are offered at different venues, each chosen for the unique atmosphere and attentive service.

ENCOUNTOURS SWIM PROGRAM WITH DCA ADDON

Tours offer a four day journey with the wild dolphins of Ponta and are specially designed for in-water observations. The program is structured and guided by DolphinCareAfrica’s on-site biologist Diana Rocha and program founder Angie Gullan. Programs include pre-training with snorkeling & swim code of conduct, interesting conservation & research based presentations, tribe t-shirt, images downloads, membership to DCA & daily encounters with the dolphins. Encountour participants have preference to the first launch of the day. 

Three nights dinner, bed and brunch 

@ R3340 Olar * high season applies

Three nights bed only self catering venue 

@ R2400 @ Planet Scuba

EnCOuntour three launch dolphin swim program

self lodging @ R1500

VOLUNTEER PACKAGES WITH DOLPHINCAREAFRICA

An extended stay with the dolphins while getting involved behind the scenes with various projects undertaken through DolphinCareAfrica. One can expect to have regular interactions with the wild dolphins of ponta throughout the month, assist with the photo id project amongst other research and conservation based activities. Programs include lodging, basic meals, field trips & supervision. Ideal sabbatical retreat,  gap year getaway, photographic & knowledge based holiday. Thirty days based in Ponta do Ouro, where you will be directly involved with the many research based activities undertaken by DolphinCareAfrica. This is the ideal sabbatical and getaway for those who would like to spend some soul time with the dolphins while learning about them! R11250