An open letter from Serge Viallelle, co-founder of Espaço Talassa.

To swim or not to swim… That is no longer the question…

Since 2001, Espaço Talassa had a strict policy on swimming with dolphins: small groups (8 maximum), trained supervisors, a mandatory medical certificate for the swimmer, a specific briefing on the activity and the ecology of the 5 species you are allowed to swim with, a minimum package of 5 trips… Taking time with nature is the key to respect!

The idea of this code of conduct, which we imposed on ourselves, was to limit the negative impact on dolphin populations and the dangers for swimmers. My secret wish was to convince the other operators and Azorean politicians to follow us.

Fifteen years later, I have to admit that we failed.

I’m amazed that no serious accident has been reported yet… dolphins really are patient and peaceful animals!

Today, this is the reality:

Not enough information about the animals: which species you may swim with and how to behave with them (noise, sudden movements…).
Not enough information about the risks of swimming in the open sea.
Too many boats in the swimming area.
Engines that are too powerful and too noisy (large boats).
Not enough controls.
Training for supervisors: none…

Faced with the lack of respect of most operators, their illegal practices and the passiveness (even complicity) of the Azorean authorities, we have, to stay true to our convictions, no choice but to stop offering this activity. And to those who want to try it at all costs, we recommend thinking twice.

And, at the very least, making sure that:

The operator is insured for this activity and the boat’s licence is up to date.
Your physical condition allows you to do it: talk to your doctor.
The people with you are able to supervise you safely. Do they have first-aid training, a lifeguard course, a PADI qualification…?
Swimming in the open sea has risks. Your safety (and your children’s) depends on the ability, experience and training of the crew: a cramp, a moment of panic, hypothermia… will they be able to get you back on board?

Preferably:

Avoid July and August. There is so much activity at sea that there’s little chance of a good encounter: the animals are saturated. Remember that “observation” boats have priority over “swimming” boats: you will often have to get out of the water and wait until no other boat is around!
Choose a small semi-rigid boat. It’s easier to manoeuvre and disturbs less than large rigid-hull boats (Azorean law forbids going into reverse).
Make sure the group has 8 swimmers at most and that the trip lasts at least 3 hours. Azorean law only allows two people in the water at a time. Too many swimmers, the time to get there and back, and a careful approach to the animals make a cocktail that leaves little hope of a calm encounter. With too many customers on board, the operator is either lying to you about your chances of swimming, or won’t respect the law.
Go on a boat that is for swimming only. Many operators, to make it pay, mix watchers and swimmers. The result: everyone is left unsatisfied, some for seeing little, others for swimming little.

I know I’ll have a hard time convincing some of you.

Yes, meeting these animals is a moment of rare and intense beauty… but, as in a love affair, the feelings have to be shared… Otherwise, it’s rape!

Let us question this wish to be in the water with them at all costs, the frustration when it isn’t possible, this childish idea we have of cetaceans (and of their world), and also certain “gurus” who exploit this naivety…

In 1996, I wrote:

“Superb, I was in their home!” That’s exactly what it’s about: when you enter the blue of the Atlantic, you open the door to another dimension, you walk into their home…

My deepest wish is to see you climb back on board with a smile from ear to ear and hear you say: “Superb, I was in their home, they looked me in the eye.”

Unfortunately, that smile is becoming more and more discreet.

Don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re always ready to discuss this position. Together we can better inform people who want to swim, push operators towards more responsible behaviour and get the regional government to legislate on it… or at least to enforce the law that already exists…

For example, applying article 20 of Regional Legislative Decree no. 9/99/A, which forbids approaching a cetacean from the front, would in fact put an end to this activity… nobody can catch a dolphin by swimming!

Our dreams are often their nightmares!

Together we can campaign for more responsible tourism.
There are no bad tourists, only badly informed travellers.

Serge Viallelle, Espaço Talassa · Lajes do Pico, Azores (2017)

To Swim or Not to Swim with Dolphins?