Human/Dolphin Interactions

A Greek legend tells the story of Dionysos, God of orgies and wine, who changed into a lion in fury as he was being taken away on a ship to be enslaved. Fearing his madness, the men on board jumped over the side into the ocean and turned into dolphins. This, the legend says, is how dolphins were created.

Ancient lore also says: The dolphin appears when man is at the bottom of the Abyss.

Dolphins will share with you what you expect of them.

Six years of observations of wild dolphins interacting with humans in Panama City have shown us that:

The dolphins will stay around the usual tourist tourist for about five seconds and will be on his way if he/she has not received a frozen fish to keep him/her interested (it is illegal to feed wild dolphins). Of course, Jonh Doe will pat it on the head, try to make it jump and get a picture taken for the folks back home.

The Water Planet Educational Program participants have been in the water with dolphins as long as twenty minutes, uninterrupted; down and up and breach and back down, swirl around in a mad carrousel - without feeding the dolphin. What makes the difference? YOU DO!

We will give you the data that you need to begin teaching yourself to deal with dolphins on their terms. To be in the water with them is a privilege that will be revoked if it leads to harassment. One of the goals of the workshop is to work with you so that we can keep that incredible privilege by learning how to manage one of earth's treasures. To us at Water Planet, the steps to achieve that are: information, education, ethics and protection; what links that all is the direct experience in the wild. Our workshops will show you how to organize yourself and look in the mirror.

Guidelines for Encounters with Wild Dolphins

Do not chase or pursue the dolphins. Anchor your boat and swim in the area around your boat. Not only is it a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act to follow closer than 50 yards, you run the risk of disturbing important activities such as feeding, courtship and nursing.

Always put out a dive flag when anyone is in the water. Remember approaching boaters cannot easily see snorkelers in the water and it is difficult for snorkelers to see or hear approaching boats when they are in the water.

Do not feed the dolphins, either from the water or from a boat. Feeding dolphins disrupts their natural behavioral patterns and it puts young dolphins who are not "boat-wise" at risk from boating injuries. Dolphins can also become sick from eating contaminated fish. Feeding dolphins, like chasing them, is illegal and can cost you a hefty fine.

If you are swimming and a dolphin approaches you, do not reach out and try to touch him. These dolphins are wild animals and rarely tolerate physical contact from humans. Trying to touch or grab a dolphin is illegal and is virtually guaranteed to to scare them away.

Dolphins interest in people is frequently based on curiosity. Diving, twisting, spiraling and making unusual sounds underwater often succeed in attracting a dolphin's attention. Be playful and active in a nonaggressive way.

Spend as much time as possible underwater. Dolphins live underwater.

Swim in a fluid and graceful a style as you can. Avoid using your hands for swimming as much as possible. Dolphins do not have hands and many dolphins avoid people who wave their arms in front of them.

Dolphins are often curious about children. Do not allow children to swim alone with dolphins. Dolphin's games are sometimes rough and aggressive; many children can become frightened in this situation. Dolphins keep their youngest close to them when exploring something new. We should follow this example.

Remember, RESPECT is the key to any interaction. Dolphins must initiate any interaction and they have the right to terminate it. Most dolphin encounters last less than 1 minute. Do not pursue a dolphin either in the water or with your boat.

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