1. Let the dolphins approach you. Maintain a quiet, relaxed manner when swimming among or near them. Avoid separating dolphins from the pod.
2. Swim with your hands by your sides. Chasing after, reaching for, or touching dolphins will frighten or startle them, & they will move away.
3. Leave foreign objects ashore, such as plastics or playtoys. Dolphins prefer to find and play with leaves and other organic debris. Follow their lead.
4. Trust in natures food supply. To attempt to feed wild dolphins would be harmful to their health needs as well as their social behaviors and it is STRICTLY AGAINST THE LAW!
5. Be sensitive to dolphin behaviors. If they are in a state of rest or traveling, please respect that they may choose not to interact with you. Honor their habitat.
6. Be considerate. Watch out for other swimmers, allowing them adequate space for an intimate encounter.
7. Avoid sudden actions or noise. Erratic changes in speed, direction, or sound can confuse or startle dolphins.
8. Dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Under the act it is illegal to harass, feed, hunt, capture, collect, or kill any marine mammal. Swimmers and boaters should make every effort to avoid disturbing them in their natural environment.
9. Dolphins at rest will surface for only brief periods, sustaining long deep dives together. In this state they show little interest in humans. Play mode is indicated by an increase in their aerial behavior, vocalization, splitting into smaller groups, & speeding up, generally favorable conditions for dolphins to initiate an encounter with humans. Thanks for your consideration & cooperation to help make your experience a memorable one for everyone without threat to these magnificent creatures.