Dolphin Watching Code of Conduct
Our commitment to responsible wildlife watching in the Strait of Gibraltar. Every guest, crew member, and captain plays a vital role in protecting dolphins and their habitat for future generations.
Conduct Standards for Everyone On Board
These guidelines apply to every person aboard a Dolphin Adventure vessel — passengers, crew, and captain alike. Together we protect the dolphins of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Passenger Code of Conduct
- 1Remain seated or in designated viewing areas at all times while the vessel is in motion.
- 2Do not attempt to touch, feed, or enter the water to swim with dolphins — this stresses the animals.
- 3Keep noise levels low; avoid shouting, playing loud music, or sudden loud sounds that can disturb marine life.
- 4Dispose of waste responsibly — no plastic, food waste, or litter overboard at any time.
- 5Follow all crew instructions immediately, especially during safety briefings and emergency procedures.
- 6Do not throw any objects overboard, including biodegradable items that could harm wildlife.
- 7Children must be supervised by adults at all times and must not lean over the railings.
- 8No smoking is permitted anywhere on the vessel during the tour.
- 9Alcohol consumption is limited to designated areas; intoxicated passengers may be asked to leave.
- 10Respect other passengers' personal space and their opportunity to observe and photograph wildlife.
Captain & Crew Guidelines
- Approach dolphin pods at no more than 4 knots within a 300-metre radius, reducing to idle speed at 100 metres.
- Never intercept the path of a dolphin pod — always approach from the side or rear.
- Limit time spent alongside any single dolphin group to a maximum of 30 minutes.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from mothers with calves.
- If dolphins show signs of disturbance (erratic swimming, changed direction, slapping flukes), depart immediately.
- Do not pursue dolphins that are moving away from the vessel.
- Engines must be kept in neutral when dolphins are within 50 metres.
- Log all wildlife encounters including species, group size, behaviour, and GPS coordinates for conservation records.
Marine Mammal Interaction Protocols
The Strait of Gibraltar is home to resident common dolphins, striped dolphins, sperm whales, and occasional orca sightings. Our interaction protocols align with EU Habitats Directive regulations and ACCOBAMS guidelines for cetacean watching in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Minimum Approach Distance
50 m for all cetaceans; 100 m for mother-calf pairs and resting pods.
Speed Restriction Zone
Reduce to 4 knots within 300 m; idle speed within 100 m of any cetacean.
Time Limitation
No more than 30 minutes spent alongside any single group in a single encounter.
Parallel Approach Only
Always approach from the side or rear — never cut across the path of dolphins.
No Pursuit Policy
If a pod moves away from the vessel, do not follow. Let them choose to interact.
Feeding Prohibition
Absolutely no feeding of dolphins or any other marine wildlife under any circumstances.
Photography Guidelines
Photography is encouraged as a way to document your experience and support our photo-identification research programme. Please adhere to the following rules:
- No flash photography within 50 metres of any dolphin or whale — flash can startle and distress animals.
- Do not lean over the railings to extend cameras toward dolphins in the water.
- Drone photography is strictly prohibited unless prior written permission has been obtained.
- Share photos with our research team via the onboard photo-ID card — your images help track individuals.
- Avoid using bright laser pointers or strong flashlights directed at animals.
- Commercial photographers must declare their equipment and purpose before boarding.
Noise & Disturbance Minimisation
Dolphins rely on echolocation and acoustic communication for navigation, hunting, and social bonding. Noise pollution poses one of the greatest threats to their wellbeing. Our vessel operates under a strict noise-reduction policy:
Environmental Responsibility
On the Water
- Zero single-use plastic policy on all vessels
- Biodegradable cleaning products only
- Fuel consumption logged and carbon offset annually
- No anchoring in seagrass or protected benthic zones
- All waste brought back ashore for proper disposal
Beyond the Boat
- Contributions to CIRCE and ACCOBAMS research initiatives
- Collaboration with the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society
- Annual crew conservation training and first-aid recertification
- Beach clean-up events open to former passengers
- Photo-ID data shared with international cetacean databases
Learn more about our ongoing conservation work on our Research page or discover the full story on our Responsible Dolphin Watching page.
Emergency Procedures
All Dolphin Adventure vessels carry full safety equipment including life jackets for every person on board, first-aid kits, EPIRB locator beacons, flares, and radio communication with Gibraltar Port Authority and the Spanish Maritime Rescue Service.
1Man Overboard
- 1.Shout 'Man Overboard' and point continuously at person in water
- 2.Captain deploys lifebuoy immediately
- 3.Crew activates MOB on GPS and alerts authorities
- 4.All passengers move to opposite side of deck
2Medical Emergency
- 1.Notify crew immediately — do not attempt treatment alone
- 2.Captain contacts Coast Guard for medical advice via Channel 16
- 3.First-aid kit is available at the helm station
- 4.Vessel returns to port for emergency medical treatment if required
3Fire on Board
- 1.Alert captain immediately and move all passengers to the bow
- 2.Do not use water on electrical fires — use onboard extinguisher
- 3.Life jackets must be donned if captain calls abandon ship
- 4.Crew activates distress signal and contacts authorities
4Severe Weather
- 1.Captain monitors marine weather forecast before departure
- 2.Tours cancelled or diverted if wind exceeds Beaufort Force 4
- 3.Passengers advised to sit and hold rails if swell increases
- 4.Emergency shelter identified at nearest safe port
Ready to Experience Responsible Dolphin Watching?
Our expert crew will guide you through every aspect of responsible wildlife watching. Join us for an unforgettable, ethical encounter in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Book Your Tour NowYour Questions About Our Conduct Rules
Everything you need to know about passenger rules, safety protocols, and responsible behaviour on a Dolphin Adventure tour.
Book a Tour That Puts Dolphins First
Every Dolphin Adventure tour operates under this Code of Conduct. When you book with us, you are choosing an experience built on respect, responsibility, and genuine love for the marine world of the Strait of Gibraltar.