To swim or not to swim — the question no longer applies!
Swimming with dolphins in the Azores
The Azores have long been one of the best cetacean-watching hubs in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly around the volcanic island of Pico.
Moving through a wild environment, travellers can approach dolphins — a protected mammal species — while respecting certain safety rules and the ethical observation code established for environmental protection.
By offering nature- and wildlife-focused journeys, Etendues Sauvages supports an environmental preservation approach aimed at sustaining the wonder that certain places can offer.
Our local correspondent, awarded the silver medal of “tourism merit”, has upheld a very strict policy on swimming with dolphins since 2001. Having set up the first cetacean observation base at Lajes do Pico, he hoped to see this code of conduct adopted by the local government and by the companies offering the same activities. “I am convinced it is possible to enjoy remarkable underwater encounters with dolphins while combining passion and respect,” he said at the time.
Sadly, 15 years on, the ecological picture resulting from the growth of these tourist activities is troubling: “irresponsible and disrespectful behaviour from most whale-watching companies”, “a lack of enforcement of existing regulations” — he fears an irreversible impact on the species being observed.
This is why we have decided to stop promoting dolphin swimming activities from 2018 onward. We will honour confirmed and upcoming bookings for the next two seasons, maintaining the same level of care. We will likely lose some of the clients we had already lost after relaxing our approach technique introduced in 2001 — floating at the surface, never chasing the animal, but instead letting it approach on its own, driven by curiosity. A first step towards a genuine awareness of environmental issues, initiated through these efforts to change swimmers’ behaviour. “Contributing to the conservation of endangered species is also part of our mission,” our correspondent notes. Refusing to encourage poor practices and acting for responsible tourism is our guiding principle.
A genuine call to all tourism operators and local authorities to:
– stop dolphin swimming, for the welfare of the animals as well as to restore the reputation of whale watching in the Azores
– regulate shark swimming, which is increasingly in demand
Aware that another kind of tourism is possible, Etendues Sauvages instead encourages you to opt for whale watching with its brand-new programme: an 8-day adventure in Lajes do Pico, combining cultural visits, hikes through unspoiled nature, cetacean observation, and wildlife talks led by a team as passionate as ever.
Discover our new programme on our website and contact Catherine by phone at +33 1 77 37 03 10 or by email to design your tailor-made journey to the Azores.
