The behavior of the animals in our presence will establish the absolute priorities for our activities and length of stay with them.

Before nearing any group of animals we'll be certain of :

1. The species that we observe (each species reacts differently to the presence of boats)
2. The presence of juveniles in the group
3. The animals' state of activity (moving, eating, fleeing...)

Each observation presents a different set of circumstances, however the appropriate conduct in general is:

1. Approach the animal from a rear quarter, with reduced and constant velocity
2. Never approach closer than 50 meters
3. Never position the boat between calfs and adults
4. Allow only a few boats within a 150-meter range of the group
5. Group boats on the same side of the cetaceans, never encircling them.
6. Don't stay more than 10 minutes with the same animal
7. When departing, go slowly while within a 300-meter range of the animals
8. Never try to touch or feed an animal

To swim with cetaceans (dolphins) is a privilege and a unique moment. For this reason, only the Skipper of the boat may decide whether visitors may enter the water with the animals. In spite of the strong impressions that these encounters provide, the animals themselves are not always disposed to be friendly, due to the presence of their calves or if they are hunting, mating, feeding, etc. The skipper must also consider the state of the sea, the particular species being observed, individual swimming ability and other factors.
Today it is prohibited to swim with the large cetaceans, although it is permitted, within certain conditions and safety regulations, to swim with 5 different species of dolphin. They are: common dolphin, atlantic spotted dolphin, striped dolphin, risso's dolphin and bottlenose dolphin.
In any case, only snorkeling is authorized; no scuba gear is permitted.

We believe that gathering information and gaining knowledge contribute to the protection of animals. During research work or in image collection, it may be impossible to adhere totally to some of these rules. All such cases are exceptional situations and take place only when there are no other solutions. Disturbances of animals for research purposes are, in most cases, minimal. 

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