Dolphins in the Red Sea: the code of conduct for boats and swimmers

• Keep a minimum of 30 metres from dolphins and approach parallel to their direction, in open water.
• Slow to a maximum of 4 knots (7 km/h); no sudden reversing, accelerating or turning.
• Engine in neutral if dolphins approach the boat.
• Never herd, chase, encircle or separate groups; leave them an escape route.
• Don't follow dolphins into lagoons or resting areas; no loud noise or music.

• Wear fins, mask, snorkel and a lifejacket; enter gently without jumping or splashing.
• Swim quietly alongside the group, not from above, and let dolphins choose whether to approach.
• Touching dolphins is strictly forbidden (risk of disease exchange); never feed them; scooters are forbidden.
• Never throw rubbish in the water.

HEPCA names Fanous, Shaab El Erg and Abu Nugar as places dolphins use mainly to rest, so activities that disturb their sleep should be avoided. Dolphins' hearing is far more sensitive than ours, so noise matters.