Marine Park Rules

  • Swimming with the dolphins is allowed between 10 am and 2 pm
  • The Zones are marked by buoys in the water
  • >Do not enter Zone A – This area is for dolphins only. There may be a fine of up to €1000 for entering Zone A
  • Snorkelling is allowed in Zones B and C and outside the reef
  • Safety boats are allowed in Zone C and outside the reef
  • Swim gently with your arms folded or behind you when the dolphins are close
  • Do not chase the dolphins
  • No diving underwater in the dolphins’ area
  • Do not attempt to touch the dolphins
  • Life jackets must be worn (provided on boat)
  • Do not wear jewellery
  • Apply sun-tan lotions at least 30 minutes before entering the water

The dolphins tend to be in groups and are usually easily spotted from the boat. Swim slowly towards them. Do not try to catch hold of them and they may come quite close. There may be between 20 and 300 dolphins around you and they will come and go. You will hear them clicking and whistling and they may be very playful.

Definitely bring an underwater camera with you. The disposable ones are perfectly adequate. Relax and enjoy lunch on board. If you wish to make extra swims on your own, you may provided you inform the swim guide. Only snorkellers are allowed in with the dolphins, no scuba diving, though the divers come to enjoy the excellent dive sites outside the reef.

We make the boat trip to the dolphins on 3 days each week provided the weather allows, and there are a minumm of 6 people on the day. The best months are between March – November, although the dolphins are resident all year, it is easier to see them and swim with them in the warmer months when the sea is calm. Every day the dolphins come into the reef in the mornings and spend the day there, playing, breeding and resting, then go out at night to feed. The winter months can sometimes be windy, but if your boat trip is cancelled for any reason we will endeavour to make it up during your stay, though please understand we do not control the weather!

If you wish and if there is availability you may book extra dolphin-swim days on-site at 35 Euros per person plus Environmental Tax of 15 Euros.

The beach of the Ecolodge Village has a sandy approach leading to superb coral reefs to the north and south, known as the House Reefs. The best coral can be seen near the surface and there is a huge variety of coloured fish. In addition to fish and beautiful coloured hard and soft corals, you may spot an octopus, turtles, small sharks, rays or even a dugong Often Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins can be found on the House Reefs.

You should bring thick soled swimming booties, essential for shore based snorkelling as the coral is sharp and some fish have dangerous stings.