TRIPS  & ENCOUNTERS: Ponta De Ouro, Mozambique
	Bottlenose Dolphin-Swim Mozambique

 

Ponta D'Oura is home to some of the friendliest and most interactive wild bottlenose dolphins in the world. Here, in the south-eastern corner of Africa, the dolphins have been swimming alongside delighted visitors for more than a decade - playing with seaweed, showing off their young, performing underwater acrobatics - just a few footsteps away from beautiful beaches under a warm sub-tropical sun. Ponta De Ouro is minutes away from the border with South Africa, and offers a home in cosy beach cabins for a few days of dolphin-filled magic! PONTA DE OURO Located at the southern tip of Mozambique, Ponta is a small village with two distinct sides - the small African market and surrounding eateries in old colonial buildings from its Portuguese past, and the beach area with a long stretch of golden sand, warm water and lots of activities for the visitor. The climate is pleasant year-round - and is very warm from November to February. The sea can be flat-calm or gently rolling, and the dolphins seem to love playing whatever the weather! On 28th December 1994 the Dolphins of Ponta welcomed a family of South Africans into their watery realm, allowing an interaction so close that others heard about this developing relationship and came to visit. A beckoning to share the wonder of dolphins with humans as well as a profound desire to protect and learn from them has developed into a unique inter-species relationship, where both species seemingly benefit from the social interactions. MOZAMBIQUE'S DOLPHINS AND WHALES The POD is delighted to be running this trip in conjunction with Dolphin Encountours, a responsible eco-tour organisation that has been based in southern Mozambique since 1995. Much care is taken when working with this Bottlenose dolphin society. A strict code of conduct has been developed, resulting in a program that observes and monitors the wild dolphin behavior and allows for close interactions - always on the dolphin's terms. Ongoing research in collaboration with The Natural History Museum in Maputo and universities in South Africa ensures that programs are run to very high standards, where observations are strictly monitored and daily data is collected. There are believed to be several hundred bottlenose dolphins living along the coastline of southern Mozambique, and sightings range from a handful of individuals to large 'super-pod' gatherings at certain times of the year. There are dolphins that seem particularly interested in humans, and these have been given names as a means of identifying and referring to them. At certain times of year humpback whales pass through the region en route to and from their Summer mating and birthing grounds, and these can often be spotted from the shore or the boat - often with dolphins playing around them!   TRIP DATES & GETTING THERE Dates for the 2009 trip run from Thursday 26 February to Sunday 1 March (dates to be confirmed). The trip begins and ends in Ponta, easily accessible by land from South Africa. From Durban, the border is approximately a 4-hour drive, and from Johannesburg it is a 6-8 hour drive. Cars can be parked in a secure compound at the border, and then customs and immigration formalities can be passed through by foot. The Dolphin Camp organises shuttles (included in the price of the tour) to pick up participants from the border for the 30-minute transfer to the Beach Camp. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS This is a trip for anyone who loves bottlenose dolphins, golden beaches, sunshine and that laid-back life of living in a cabin on the coast for a few days! Under the warm sunshine we can expect to interact with Africa's friendliest and most energetic dolphins - as interested in playing alongside swimmers as they were when they first initiated contact back in the mid 90s. The chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, perhaps see a turtle or two, wander into the local vibrant market and sample some delicious seafood also make this a wonderfully relaxing vacation at a very reasonable price. It's the perfect weekend getaway for South Africans and those taking a vacation in that part of the world.   ITINERARY Our program begins on Thursday February 26th (dates to be confirmed), with a transfer from the Kosi Bay border crossing. In the afternoon there will a chance to explore the local village, enjoy some yoga on the beach and learn about our ancient connections with Dolphins and Whales with the first of Jason's illustrated multi-media talks beneath the stars. Early to rise each morning for our trips to spend time with the dolphins - enjoying several hours on the water in their company and working up an appetite for brunch! Time to relax upon returning to the Dolphin Camp, then afternoons spent enjoying Yoga, Dolphin-inspired relaxation and personal growth activities, and the evening story-telling around the campfire. The trip rounds off with a final dolphin swim on Sunday morning, March 1st (dates to be confirmed), followed by a closing session and farewells. WHO IS THE TRIP FOR? A love for energetic wild dolphins, a basic comfort with swimming in coastal waters and a desire to really get away from it all for a long weekend is all that's required! Full details on preparing for the trip, and good ideas for things to bring, will be supplied to all participants well in advance. Whether you're travelling alone, in a couple or in a group – tours of this kind typically attract a wide variety of people of different backgrounds and ages - the only pre-requisite is a love of cetacea, together with a desire to get very close and personal with these friendly dolphins! The trip is open to residents of any country.  The tour officially begins and ends at the Kosi Bay border crossing, and full information will be given on getting there. Because you make your own way there it really doesn't matter where you begin the journey! WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO GAIN FROM THE TRIP? An appreciation of dolphin behaviour and sense of play by encountering friendly bottlenose dolphins in their own natural environment The chance to spot other cetacea, including migrating Humpback Whales, as well as many species of fish and even the occasional sea turtle A chance to explore the pretty colonial remains of Ponta village and a totally relaxed pace of life, yet so close to the border with South African that extended overland travel in Mozambique is not necessary An insight into local folklore and beliefs about dolphins and whales, as well as traditional Mozambique ways of life and tastes of the local fresh foods The trip will be led by Dr Jason Cressey, founder of The POD, in collaboration with dolphin devotee and local passionate campaigner for Dolphin Welfare, Angie Gullan. Jason first encountered the magic of Ponta in 2005, and was deeply moved by the fine work that Angie has done in taking care of the local dolphins - involving at great personal sacrifice and with many obstacles to overcome. Jason is delighted to share with others the wonderful opportunities to enjoy first-class dolphin encounters while supporting a responsible eco-tourism venture that gives back to the local community and does its utmost to ensure the well-being of all local marine life.  WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices for the 2009 trip is R3980 (Click here to convert to a different currency) based on double occupancy (a single room supplement is payable if you wish to have a double room to yourself). This includes: Three nights accommodation with brunch after the dolphin trip each morning Transfers to and from the Kosi Bay border crossing Three trips out to see and swim with the local dolphins Whale and dolphin audio-visual presentations and activities provided daily by Dr Jason Cressey Yoga Sessions with Brett Wearne (individual physio/energy work sessions also available). The gentle yoga classes are for all levels and ages - no experienced required. Two Dinners at the beach camp The price does not include: ·  Transportation to Kosi Bay from other points in South Africa (you will be supplied with full details about arranging travel from your home country/area, how to find the best deals, etc., when you pay your deposit) ·  Accommodation/food before or after the tour (if you choose to stay in the region before or after the trip) ·  One Dinner that is taken as a group in a local restaurant ·  Travel Insurance, local visa/entry/departure taxes or gratuities  HOW TO BOOK Places are limited (the maximum size of the group is 22 guests), and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please e-mail Dolphin Encountours to make a booking, or telephone Peter: (South African country code +27) 82 920 8952. Please note that, in the event that you need to cancel your place(s), this must be done in writing.  Refunds of any payments made after the deposit will only be given if your place(s) on the tour can be filled.     Click Here to Return to the Trips Page Questions or comments? E-Mail The POD! © The POD - People, Oceans, Dolphins   2008