The Potential of Whale Watching in the Caribbean: 1999+

Bahamian Dolphin Guidelines
These guidelines are developed and supported by: Wild Dolphin Project, Bahamas
National Trust, Bahamas Dept. of Fisheries, Bottomtime Adventures, Jennifer Marie,
Crown Diving Corporation, Dream Team, Sea Fever, Wren of Aln, Shearwater Excursions,
Gulfstream Eagle, and Island Chaser. Special thanks: Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Society.
While you are travelling in the Bahamas you may encounter dolphins or other
marine mammals. Marine mammals are protected in Bahamian waters by Department of
Fisheries regulations. These include rules against harassment, capture, molesting and
feeding dolphins.
If you happen to encounter dolphins with your vessel or while you are in the
water, there are a few simple things you can do to help protect these animals.
Q. WHAT IF THE DOLPHINS APPROACH OUR VESSEL AND BOW RIDE
A. Most operators allow the dolphins to bow ride both large and small vessels at times.
Care should be taken during approaches and vessels are encouraged to let the dolphins
leave, without pursuit, if they appear uninterested in such activities.
Q. CAN WE SAFELY DISPOSE OF OUR WASTE PRODUCTS NEAR DOLPHINS
A: Dumping holding tanks, especially untreated ones, near any marine life, is discouraged.
If you must dump tanks it is recommended that you do so off the shallow sand banks, in
deeper water with better current flow. At no time should trash, other than biodegradable
food waste, be dumped overboard. U.S. registered vessels are subject to fines by USCG
and Bahamian Defense Force.
Q. WHAT DO I DO IF A DOLPHIN APPROACHES ME IN THE WATER
A. LET THE DOLPHINS VOLUNTARILY APPROACH YOU. Touching, riding, or feeding
the dolphins is highly discouraged. Capturing dolphins is illegal. Aggressive activities
include rapid swimming or grabbing at the dolphins which will frighten the dolphins
away. Scratching with fingernails or touching the dolphins may cause skin infections and
they could possibly contract human diseases. Keeping your arms along side your body or
behind your back increases your chances for a close and successful encounter.
Q. HOW LONG DO THE DOLPHINS STAY WITH SWIMMERS AND DO I HAVE TO
KEEP UP WITH THEM
A. You can never keep up with a dolphin. If the dolphins want to interact with you they
will stay nearby. Stay near the boat for safety reasons and if you do find yourself away
from the boat, return to the vessel and the dolphins will often return with you.
Q. IS IT BETTER TO SNORKEL OR SCUBA WITH THE DOLPHINS
A. Most boats familiar with dolphin encounters encourage snorkeling. Scuba can be
encumbering and will limit your movement with the dolphins. The use of scooters is
discouraged because they allow the diver to stray too far from the vessel.
Q. DO THE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE IN THE WATER AFFECT THE DOLPHINS
A. It is not known whether a high ration of people to dolphins in the water has adverse
affects. Dolphin etiquette IN THE WATER is probably more important. Initially, a low
ratio of people to dolphins in the water is recommended. Low ratios make the encounter
more enjoyable for people.
Q. DOES MUSIC ATTRACT THE DOLPHINS
A. Since dolphins are acoustic animals it is important that this acoustic channel remain
open for their communication. Excluding the use of listening devices, putting sounds into
the water should be used judiciously. For example, the use of killer, false killer, and pilot
whale sounds, continuous music, or sounds from species not normally in the area are
discouraged. Bahamian research permits are encouraged for such activities.
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