Dolphin Encountours Research Center
Dolphin Encountours Research Center
Dolphin Encountours Research Center
5
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Full view
About
Welcome to our world, a world filled with dolphins, whales and an underwater kingdom just waiting to be explored. We invite you to take the plunge, face your fears and experience something truly magical when coming face to face with the Dolphins of Ponta, were we experience the true essence of being wild and free!Operating within the Ponta Partial Marine Reserve, Dolphin offers boat based marine activities that includes volunteer programs, in-water encountours over multiple launches, holistic dolphin retreats and day visiter options.Our focuses is on observing dolphins in the wild whilst following the DolphinCare code of conduct allowing for dolphin friendly, non-intrusive viewing on the dolphins terms. Whales are seen regularly during season (jun to nov) whilst opportunistic sightings are had of other special species that include whale sharks, mantas and turtles (season and conditions dependent). Our programs have been created to ensure that a nurturing rather than needy approach is followed. No feeding, forcing or coaxing, just you and our dolfriends face to face in the big blue. An experience that often leaves us wondering ‘who is actually watching who’! The stuff dolphin dreams are made of! Senior crew on on-board consist of our dolphin surf skipper, a marine biologist and original founder Angie Gullan who has for almost 20 years been exploring the realms of conscious interaction between dolphin and human while dedicating her life to monitoring and befriending the population of wild indo-pacific bottlenose’s she met in the December of 94.Options are structured and are used as a data collection and educational platform that offer a special insight into the life of the wild dolphin through a program that resonates with sustainable and ethical marine mammal tourism whereby participants are actively contributing.Ponta do Ouro is situated on the southern most point of Mozambique and is easily accessible from the Kosi Bay Border or Maputo.
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Dolphin Encountours Research Center
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5.0
107 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
6
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
0
DarlA
6 contributions
May 2023 • Family
There are a lot of programs out there with dolphins - some are with dolphins in captivity, some are wild but you aren’t really getting an experience, or you are but it isn’t ensuring the safety of the dolphins.
I know because we looked all over the planet while my daughter was searching for a Gap Year program. From first hand experience, I can honestly say this program resolves all of the above: ensuring an experience, learning, and preserving the safety and sustainability of wild dolphins.
So much so, that with my daughters urging, on short notice, I flew halfway across the world to experience this life changing program with her.
I highly encourage you to come and volunteer with Dolphin Encountours and consider an internship. If you can’t do either one of these things, you MUST stay multiple days for YOU to ensure YOU have the experience you want. They are wild creatures after all, and no one can guarantee they’re making an entrance if you commit to only one day- I suggest you stay at least 3-4 days if not a whole week.
Not only will your experience with the dolphins be a once in a lifetime, you will so appreciate the laid back vibe of the town, the delicious food served by Tina, Angie and the team. But also the welcoming environment and attention to our needs - yes as a volunteer, our dietary restrictions were taken into consideration. This felt wonderful.
Dolphins are incredible beings, they can teach us many things when observed with respect and safety. I promise you this program will change your life and I do hope you have the opportunity to participate!
I know because we looked all over the planet while my daughter was searching for a Gap Year program. From first hand experience, I can honestly say this program resolves all of the above: ensuring an experience, learning, and preserving the safety and sustainability of wild dolphins.
So much so, that with my daughters urging, on short notice, I flew halfway across the world to experience this life changing program with her.
I highly encourage you to come and volunteer with Dolphin Encountours and consider an internship. If you can’t do either one of these things, you MUST stay multiple days for YOU to ensure YOU have the experience you want. They are wild creatures after all, and no one can guarantee they’re making an entrance if you commit to only one day- I suggest you stay at least 3-4 days if not a whole week.
Not only will your experience with the dolphins be a once in a lifetime, you will so appreciate the laid back vibe of the town, the delicious food served by Tina, Angie and the team. But also the welcoming environment and attention to our needs - yes as a volunteer, our dietary restrictions were taken into consideration. This felt wonderful.
Dolphins are incredible beings, they can teach us many things when observed with respect and safety. I promise you this program will change your life and I do hope you have the opportunity to participate!
Written June 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Riesenburg Aircons Pty Ltd.
Pretoria, South Africa3 contributions
May 2023 • Business
5 Star experience. Crew professional and very safety orientated. Clients found the experience daunting but absolutely 💯 worth 👌 the opportunity.
Written May 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie B
Johannesburg, South Africa52 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Couples
After a very informartive presentation detailling the aim of the Research Centre, we went into the Indian Ocean with the highly experienced crew. Soon three pods came to greet and we had the privilidge of swimming with these beautiful mammals.
Written March 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bush Xplorers
7 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Family
We saw whales and swam with the Dolphins.
Had an absolutely amazing experience. Highly recommended.
As a tour operator myself in the Kruger National Park, this was the first for me, and definitely not the last.
Their knowledge and passion for the ocean is untouched.
Something not to be missed. Will be back soon.
Faizal
Bush Xplorers
Had an absolutely amazing experience. Highly recommended.
As a tour operator myself in the Kruger National Park, this was the first for me, and definitely not the last.
Their knowledge and passion for the ocean is untouched.
Something not to be missed. Will be back soon.
Faizal
Bush Xplorers
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krugerandmore
Nelspruit, South Africa358 contributions
Feb. 2022
Wow what a wonderful morning. We went out just the two of ,plus one of their volunteers. We had no expectations , that might be the secret!. What we saw we would be happy with. The crew were professional and accommodating. Thanks .They even changed the launch time for us to 6am. A dream come true we swam with about 14 dolphins that morning. Learnt a lot. Thanks guys what more can we say. Thanks a million .
Crazy Dave
Crazy Dave
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marion S
Johannesburg, South Africa1,563 contributions
Sep. 2021 • Friends
A bucket list experience. Nobody should leave Mozambique without visiting Angie at Dolphin encounters . She had her first encounter with the dolphins in December 1994. She then went on to start Dolphin encounters in 1996. There are about 250 bottle nose dolphins in the reserve. We got to meet Elvis who is approximately 16 years old. Skipper Mitchel Niemeyer does a fantastic job. The sea tours last approximately 2 hours. We were also spoilt in that we got to see the whales up close. No touching of the dolphins is allowed but they come up close as they are naturally inquisitive. Angie provides an educational before setting out to sea, it’s really informative. Highly recommend this experience
Photos taken by Dolphin Encounters as we of course can’t take our phones in the water
Photos taken by Dolphin Encounters as we of course can’t take our phones in the water
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meindert
Enkhuizen, The Netherlands5 contributions
Apr. 2021 • Family
Absolutely lifetime and educational experience! We’ve seen so many curious dolphins around us. Amazing!
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aaqtansisi
GRAAFF-REINET, EASTERN CAPE7 contributions
Apr. 2019
Our visit to PONTA DO OURO has always been unforgettable!; with safe,
pristine beaches, & long beach walks at our doorstep!
The highlight of our trip was the most awesome dolphin swim; mastered by DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS RESEARCH CENTRE; ANGE GULLUN.
pristine beaches, & long beach walks at our doorstep!
The highlight of our trip was the most awesome dolphin swim; mastered by DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS RESEARCH CENTRE; ANGE GULLUN.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MAXIMVS M
224 contributions
Jan. 2020 • Family
Had wanted to take my kids with Angie and Mitch for a long time. It finally happened and it all went 100%.
Very professional operation. Awesome boat and great team.
Definitely recommended.
Very professional operation. Awesome boat and great team.
Definitely recommended.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DurbanKimJ
Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique148 contributions
Oct. 2019 • Family
What a great experience with people who are passionate about the environment and looking after these beautiful creatures! So worth it!
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dolphin greetings Kim
Thank you very much for your kind words and positive feedback.
Your support in our project is much appreciated.
For the Love of Dolphins
Angie Gullan and the Dolphin Team
Written November 8, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Traci van Reenen
Lanseria, South Africa53 contributions
I have a 3,5 year old son who swims confidently unassisted. Would he be able to join the excursion?
Traci van Reenen
Lanseria, South Africa53 contributions
I have a 3,5 year old son who swims confidently unassisted. Would he be able to join the excursion?
angiepontadoouro
Ponta do Ouro2 contributions
Dear Traci
Thank you so much for your message.
Sadly we only take children from the age of 5 years old due to safety reasons as we are working in the open ocean off semi ridged dive boats. We are so sorry we are not able to assist you at this stage.
For the Love of Dolphins
Angie
como reservo?
angiepontadoouro
Ponta do Ouro2 contributions
Hi, yes you can book. Please email me.
Tiffany db
13 contributions
Bonjour, est-ce que vos excursions dure la journée ou sur plusieurs jours?
Tiffany db
13 contributions
Hi,
We are interested for the 3,5hr Encountour so what’s the price per person please.
Thanks
Carolynschoeman
London, UK15 contributions
Are you open all year round? We are planning to come to SA in July/August 2018. Thanks
angiepontadoouro
Ponta do Ouro2 contributions
Dolphin greetings...
Thank you for the message.
Yes we are open all year through, however pre-booking is required. Please pop me a mail for more info.
For the Love of Dolphins
Angie
946corim
Marloth Park, South Africa1 contribution
We Dutch do we need to buy a visa for crossing te border by Kosi Bay to the Dolphin Encountours Research Center ????
Kind regards,
Cora Immers
angiepontadoouro
Ponta do Ouro2 contributions
Hi, yes to my knowlege you will require a visa to enter into Mozambique to visit our Center.
Tourist visa's are available at immigration on the Moz side.