Swim with Wild Dolphins in Ponta Malongane, Mozambique
A respectful, heart-opening encounter with one of nature’s most intelligent and playful beings.
The Ocean Is Calling
Few experiences compare to meeting a wild dolphin in their natural home – free, curious, and radiant with joy. In the Maputo National Park ( then, Ponta Do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve – PPMR) of Southern Mozambique, you’ll find one of the rare places on earth where these encounters still happen in a respectful and sustainable way.
Here, Halo Gaia invites you to step off the shore and into an unforgettable connection with nature – an ocean experience that heals, inspires, and awakens something deep within.
Why This Experience Matters
Modern life pulls us away from nature’s rhythm. Swimming with wild dolphins isn’t about chasing wildlife – it’s about remembering how to belong again.
Each encounter invites stillness, curiosity, and joy. The dolphins approach when they choose, often circling, chatting,sounding, clicking or gliding alongside swimmers in spontaneous harmony. Their presence is both playful and profoundly powerful,moving – a reminder of how wild freedom and connection coexist in nature.
Guided by Experience and Respect
For over two decades, Courtney Ward, co-founder of Halo Gaia Adventure Travel, has been facilitating responsible dolphin swims in Ponta Malongane – one of Mozambique’s most pristine marine sanctuaries.
Her approach is rooted in marine awareness, ethical practice, and conservation, ensuring that every encounter happens on the dolphins’ terms and nature’s conditions.
Halo Gaia operates under full legal licensing for commercial dolphin launches through Complexo Turístico do Malongane, with adherence to Mozambique’s Marine Mammal Operator Code of Conduct and the strict “One Boat Policy” – ensuring the dolphins are never harassed or crowded.
What You’ll Experience
Respectful Dolphin Encounters
Swim with free,wild, socialised pods of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in their natural environment – known for their intelligence, curiosity, and gentle nature.
A Living Marine Sanctuary
You may also witness large pods of energetic Spinner Dolphins, Pan Tropic Spotted Dolphins, critically-endangered Humpback Dolphins (including resident, Hermie), and during the winter migration (July–October), the majestic Humpback Whales that calve in these waters.
Guided Ocean Launches
Each launch is accompanied by experienced marine guides who brief guests on ocean etiquette, safety, and respectful in-water interaction.
A Gift Beyond Measure
"Being in Mama Ocean with these extraordinary dolphin beings is beyond measure — truly a gift of grace that takes the breath away. The wonder,...A Divine Experience
"Gorgeous landscapes, soulful seascapes, and deep reverence for the ocean’s creatures — this journey is divine. The guides are heartful and wise, sharing soul...A Rare Combination
"The setting, the people, and the friendliness — such a rare combination! I’ve been three times this year, and it’s become my yearly must-do because...A Journey of Love and Discovery
"The boat trips, drumming, and sound journeys vibrated through my spirit and soul. I discovered what love and passion truly feel like. So grateful ...A Magical Retreat
"Courtney holds the safest space for you to unfold. Her bond with the dolphins creates a higher chance of encounters. The sound journey was beautifully healing...Healing Through Grace
"This retreat opened massive space for healing through unconditional love and support. Every second held such power — it became an eternal flame within me."Wellness Meets Music
"Breathtaking views and peaceful tranquility. Sandy and Courtney hold a magical space where wellness and music blend seamlessly into an incredible retreat experience."Exquisite Time with Dolphins
"I cannot recommend this highly enough — breathwork, meditation, sound and music, and of course exquisite time on the sea with the dolphins."Angels on Earth
"What a blessing to meet such wonderful souls who uplift with positive energy. The dolphins and whales were a bonus to this inspiring experience."A Magical Place, Respectful Encounters
"What a magical place this is. Halo Gaia offers such an exquisite experience — so respectful to these precious ocean creatures. Courtney is...Energy, Magic, and Love
What an amazing experience and such beautiful souls. Courtney, never stop spreading the magic — I need a weekly energy fix!The Heart of Malongane
"Halo Gaia is more than just a tented camp — it’s the heart of Malongane. Since my first trip in 2013, I’ve returned over ten...How It Works
Book Your Adventure
Fill out our Booking Form, choose your preferred date or join one of our upcoming retreats.
Get Ready To Dive In
Receive a pre-launch briefing, equipment, and safety orientation, and surf launch to sea.
Meet Our Resident Pod
If welcomed, glide into the water and share a moment of pure connection with the ocean’s most conscious, joyful ambassadors.
Guided by deep respect and ecological awareness
- No-touch, non-invasive interaction
- One boat per pod policy
- Quiet entry, minimal disturbance
- Partnership with Maputo National Park and local conservation teams
This ensures each swim remains an authentic, ethical exchange – honouring both the dolphins and their marine home.
Why Ponta Malongane
Nestled between the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park (South Africa) and the Maputo Elephant Reserve, Ponta Malongane offers warm turquoise waters, coral reefs, and abundant marine life – a true sanctuary for cetaceans and conscious travellers alike. Our beautiful wooden dive center has sole launch rights for the magnificent Ponta Malongane Bay preventing queues and crowds hampering your experience.
Add This Experience to Your Ponta Malongane Holiday
Swimming with wild dolphins is included in Halo Gaia wellness retreats, but you can also book standalone dolphin experiences or add them to your Ponta Malongane Holiday. Whether you join for a single morning launch or weave it into a week-long getaway, you’ll carry the memory for life.
Meet the Dolphins of Ponta Malongane
Southern Mozambique’s coastline is home to several resident and migratory dolphin species that thrive within the protected waters of the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR).
Swimming with Wild Dolphins Questions
Ready to Dive In?
Experience the magic of swimming with wild dolphins in Mozambique.
Ethical. Transformative. Unforgettable.