Dolphin Encountours Research Center was founded in the 90’s for the purpose of educational and ethical marine mammal eco-tourism that would fund a longterm monitoring and conservation project. The project undertakes research motivated, boat based eco-tourism activities which focus on close-up encounters with dolphins and whales while following the specially developed DolphinCare code of conduct that limits the amount of stress caused from this species specific tourism. 

Swim with dolphin tours started in Mozambique during the mid 90’s and has subsequently grown as an industry that by now also incorporates humpback whales. Sustainable and ethical marine mammal tourism policies and regulations are priority within a country that has a coastline of 2500km. For us at the Dolphin Encountours Research Center, sticking to these policies and regulations has the highets priority! The safetly and well-being of the marine mammals that we are swimming and diving with is our top concern. However, to ensure that these species aren't threatened in their natural habitat, longterm monitoring and thus swimming with them in their realm is unavoidable.

Our mission is to create a safe space for marine mammals that are subject to human disturbance in Mozambique. Therefore the Dolphin Encoutours Research Center promotes ethical marine mammal tourism practices which includes that we offer our own tours for a stress-free ancounter between tourists and mammals. To ensure this, we also provide an education for our tourists, the local community and our operators about the policies and regulations. Furthermore we conduct a continued long-term monitoring of the animals in their natural habitat. 

As a volunteer at the Dolphin Encountours Research Center you will be able to help us on both on land and on a boat/in the water! You undertake specialised dolphin & whale eco-tours that support the longterm monitoring of marine mammals in the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve.