Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism - A report into ethical marine tourism in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
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Sharm el Sheikh
and marine tourism
A report into ethical marine tourism
in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
CONTENTS
Chapter Page
Preface i
1 Introduction 1
2 Tourism in Sharm el Sheikh 3
3 Dolphinariums in Sharm el Sheikh
3.1 Timeline of dolphinariums in Sharm el Sheikh 5
3.2 Existing dolphinariums in Sharm el Sheikh (July 2006)
a. Dolphinella 5
Marine Connection investigation into Dolphinella 6
3.3 Closed and prevented dolphinariums in Sharm el Sheikh
a. Concorde el Salaam Hotel 7
b. Hilton Sharm Dreams Vacation Club 7
3.4 Potential dolphinariums in Sharm el Sheikh?
a. Concorde el Salaam Hotel 7
b. Other potential dolphinariums 7
4 Alternative Marine Tourism in Egypt
4.1 Diving in Sharm el Sheikh 8
4.2 Dolphin watching in the Red Sea 9
4.3 Other marine-based activities available in Sharm el Sheikh 10
a. Snorkelling 11
b. SNUBA® 11
c. Introductory/Trial dives 11
d. Wind surfing, kite-surfing, water skiing and other water sports 12
e. Other water-based activities 12
5 Discussion 13
6 Conclusions 16
Image Copyright details
Supporting companies
Produced by Andrina Murrell, Captivity Officer for
© www.dolphinswims.co.uk
Marine Connection, a UK based charity working for
dolphin and whale welfare, conservation and
protection worldwide.
For more information please contact the Marine
Connection:
Email: info@marineconnection.org
Address: Marine Connection
PO Box 2404
W2 3WG
Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 9196
Fax: +44 (0)20 7409 2133
Reg UK charity no. 1062222
PREFACE
The first marine mammals were brought into captivity by P T Barnum in 1860, but the
dolphinarium industry as we know it today did not gain popularity until the early 1960s.
At that time little was known about marine mammals or their habitat, however with
technological advances; the growth of animal specific cable channels, specialist TV
programmes and expanding eco-tourism opportunities, it has become easier to learn
about, and see these animals in the wild.
Captive facilities can no longer draw on the education or conservation argument to justify
keeping these highly social, intelligent marine mammals, and it is now widely accepted that
no marine park or confined sea pen, can hope to successfully replicate the vast space and
diversity of the worlds’ oceans these animals enjoy in the wild or require for their welfare.
With captures from wild populations still occurring to supply this industry, far from serving a
conservation purpose they are actually presenting a real threat to the future survival of the
species and teaches children no respect for these animals in their wild form.
(Margaux Dodds, Director of Marine Connection)
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
i
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
T he sea has always been of fascination to humans. However, it has been said that we
know more about Space than we do about the oceans we are surrounded by. The
ocean covers 71% of the Earth’s surface and cetaceans roam every part of it. At its deepest
the ocean is over three kilometres deep, its volume is 1340 million km³ - it is a diverse and
constantly changing environment which is host to innumerable species of wildlife.
In short, the ocean is an environment which we could never
hope to replicate. Yet people still try - to the detriment of
countless marine animals.
Dolphins (Delphinidae), from orcas to bottlenose dolphins,
are cetaceans well-recognised worldwide as animals which
are kept in captivity for public exhibition. From television
shows to adverts, images of these complex marine mammals
performing are seen on a daily basis. This artificial and
unvarying portrayal of dolphins was once embedded
throughout public opinion as acceptable.
However, as time has gone by, the ‘dark’ side of dolphinariums has become blatantly
apparent. Many reports have been publicised; from how the dolphins are captured from
the wild and become devoid of their natural abilities in captivity, to examples of multiple
captive dolphin deaths throughout the world and the dangers to dolphin and human
participants during the ever-popular “swim-with” programmes.
Slowly but surely, the public are realising that dolphins belong in their natural habitats and to
confine them to tanks a fraction of the size of their natural range for the entertainment of
humans is a contradiction to conservation and education. Eco-tourism is being adopted by
Tour Operators and tourists alike with whale and dolphin watching becoming a multi-million
dollar industry and captive dolphin and whale facilities becoming taboo and unpopular in
contemporary society.
The Marine Connection is a charity based in the UK committed to working internationally for
the care and protection of dolphins and whales. Through education, campaigning and
research we effectively contribute towards a world that understands and respects all
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
1
cetaceans and their natural habitat. Disseminating the real facts surrounding dolphins and
whales in captivity is a vital part of our work as we seek to prevent the development of new
facilities worldwide and addressing specific cases which come to our attention such as
Dolphinella in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
Dolphinella, a captive dolphin facility in Sharm el Sheikh came to
the attention of Marine Connection when it was discovered that
they were holding two beluga whales, animals genetically
adapted to Arctic conditions, illegally in a tiny holding pen. The
Marine Connection contacted the relevant authorities and after
much hard work from the charity and its supporters, the whales
were confiscated and ordered to be returned to their place of
origin in Russia. The facility still holds three dolphins, one of which
is wild caught. The Marine Connection have spear-headed a
new campaign, of which this report is a part, in opposition to this
facility and Red Sea dolphinariums—the See Red! campaign.
Stickers have been distributed and have been seen from DJ
boxes to taxis in Sharm el Sheikh, proving that the local people are just as much opposed to
the facility as the Marine Connection.
This report looks into the past, present and potential captive dolphin facilities in Sharm el
Sheikh adjacent to the Red Sea in Egypt. Being situated on the Red Sea, this area advertises
itself heavily as a destination where people can readily see a wealth of natural marine life
and the Marine Connection believes that these facilities pose a stark contradiction. The
charity has had many complaints about facilities in Sharm el Sheikh, from the lack of
education to the inappropriate housing facilities for two Arctic beluga whales.
Aiming to show that Egypt is perfectly placed to develop the ever-popular eco-friendly
tourism which it has already created with its diving community, this report investigates the
potential for cost-effective yet ethical and sustainable alternatives in Sharm el Sheikh for the
benefit of the welfare of dolphins as well as for Egypt and Sharm el Sheikh more specifically.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
2
CHAPTER 2
Tourism in Sharm el Sheikh
S harm el Sheikh is situated in Egypt, at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where
the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aquaba.
Location maps
© Emperor Divers
Map of Egypt Map of Egyptian resorts
inc. Sharm el Sheikh
Tourism is a major contributor to the Egyptian economy. Since the attacks of September 11th
2001 in the USA, Egypt’s tourism industry has strived to keep tourists levels elevated. In
addition, there have been attacks within Egypt itself which has kept further tourists from the
area. However, Egyptian tourism is resilient and tourist numbers have still risen significantly
since 1999 despite the various setbacks. The area attracts people from Europe and
elsewhere, particularly Germany, Italy, Russia, the UK and
more recently the Arab nations. Metro article, June 2006
In recent times, Egyptian tourism has struggled due to
worldwide pressures such as terrorism. Previously, Sharm el
Sheikh has been the top destination for Briton’s. However, in
2006, the Metro newspaper of London (26th June 2006)
reported that Marmaris, Turkey has now taken over as
Britain’s most visited destination.
People visit Egypt for a number of reasons. However, Sharm
el Sheikh’s magnetism is fashioned predominantly by its close
proximity to the Red Sea and all its assets from beaches to coral reefs. It is largely referred to
as a “Red Sea resort” which offers tourists accessible marine life, hot weather, guaranteed
sun, beaches and warm water as well as a multitude of activities which are sustained in this
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
3
type of resort. Promotion of Sharm el Sheikh as a tourist resort is focussed on the Red Sea
with its wealth of marine life and coral reefs. Although declared a premier dive site, it is also
possible for anyone to view this impressive marine environment through snorkelling and other
methods such as SNUBA. In addition, tourists are able to take part in the growing trend of
ethical wild dolphin watching as the Red Sea is home to several populations of dolphins
including spinner dolphins, spotted dolphins and many more.
Sharm el Sheikh’s tourism is very much based on its impressive natural environment from
beaches and warm water to coral reefs and marine life. This is certainly how Sharm el Sheikh
is heavily advertised across the world and it is therefore perfectly fitting that this area should
pursue the approach of ethical and sustainable tourism.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
4
CHAPTER 3
Dolphinariums in Sharm el Sheikh
O nly relatively recently has Sharm el Sheikh started to develop captive dolphin
facilities. Despite the promotion of this Red Sea resort as a diver’s paradise and an
area which exhibits an impressive array of marine life, Sharm el Sheikh also has a less ethical
and more artificial side to its tourism which appears in the form of captive dolphin facilities.
3.1 Timeline of dolphinariums in Sharm el Sheikh
2003 2004 Jan - May 2005 Jun-Dec 2005 2006 2007?
Dolphinella
Concorde
Hilton
Others?
No dolphinarium Functioning dolphinarium Potential dolphinarium
3.2 Existing dolphinariums (June 2006)
a. Dolphinella
Sharm el Sheikh currently has one captive dolphin facility, Dolphinella. The facility opened in
early 2004 and has three bottlenose dolphins, one which has been wild caught as detailed
on the CITES import permit (03RU001099), which were imported from Utrish Dolphinarium in
Russia.
Beluga whales at Dolphinella, 2004 The Marine Connection was initially contacted about
Dolphinella when it was discovered that they were holding
two young beluga whales in a tiny holding pool. Beluga
whales are Arctic cetaceans and are specifically adapted to
the ice and extremely cold waters of the Arctic regions. For
these complex animals, which can grow to 5 metres long, to
be kept in such cramped conditions in water 24 degrees too
warm is appalling and flouted international law.
In view of this, Marine Connection contacted the relevant authorities, including the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
5
CITES law states that import permits will only be granted if the receiving facility/destination
can prove they are providing "fit and proper accommodation for the species concerned"
which was quite obviously not being adhered to in the case of the water temperature for
these beluga whales. After many months of correspondence with several relevant parties
including Head of CITES in Egypt, the Manager of Dolphinella and the Egyptian Ambassador
in the UK, Utrish dolphinarium was finally ordered to return the two beluga whales to Russia.
Marine Connection investigation into Dolphinella (2005)
In December 2006, the Marine Connection undertook an investigation
into Dolphinella, its dolphins and facility conditions. Several issues were
raised from this, a summary of the main concerns can be seen below:
• One of the dolphins demonstrated signs of severe psychological stress. The dolphin
was seen laying stationary 'logging' on the surface with its nose pressed against the
side of the pool for 20 minutes before the show began. It was also unable to complete
a majority of the tricks during the show. Failure to complete a trick resulted in a food
reward being withheld. Disturbingly this animal was also used in the swim with dolphin
programmes; this could place any participant at risk, as the trainers do not have full
control over the dolphins' behaviour or actions, plus the animal could be suffering from
an illness which could easily be transferred to human swimmers.
• For the entire duration of the show, loud music was played over a Public Address
system violating European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) requirements
which clearly state that marine mammals should not be subjected to loud noise.
• The dolphins were repeatedly made to beach themselves on the side of the pool, for
sometimes up to 30 seconds at a time. When a dolphin beaches itself a huge amount
a pressure is placed on its internal organs, repeated occurrence of this behaviour can
lead to injury and even death.
• Each dolphin is forced to participate in swim with dolphins programmes, amounting to
four hours a day - DOUBLE the two hour maximum limit set by the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
• APHIS requires "that pools used in swim with dolphin programmes contain an
interactive area, a buffer area, and a sanctuary area. None of these areas shall be
made uninviting to the animals. Movement of cetaceans into the buffer or sanctuary
area shall not be restricted in any way". No such areas exist at Dolphinella, therefore
this facility is in breach of regulations set out for dolphin swim programmes.
• Dolphinella claim that their dolphins are captive bred. However
a copy of the permit provided to us by CITES (the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and
Fauna), clearly states that one of the dolphins was captured
from the wild.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
6
3.3 Closed and prevented dolphinariums
a. Concorde El Salaam Hotel dolphinarium (Closed down in May 2005)
In early 2005 the Concorde El Salaam Hotel situated in Sharm el Sheikh obtained two male
dolphins and a sea lion to perform in daily shows. After much research by the Marine
Connection into the source of the dolphins and conditions of the facility it was discovered
that the animals had been illegally imported into Egypt from Turkey via Syria. The Marine
Connection put pressure on the authorities to return these animals which were held illegally
in very poor conditions, back to their country of origin. In May 2005, the campaign
succeeded and the dolphins were removed from the Hotel and returned to their place of
origin. This Hotel heavily advertises trips to the existing dolphinarium in Sharm el Sheikh,
Dolphinella, see page 5.
b. Aqua Park Dolphin Pool – Hilton Sharm Dreams Vacation Club Complex
(Never built, planned July ‘05, prevented July ‘06)
In 2005 and throughout 2006 there was some concern that Hilton was planning to allow an
aqua park which included a dolphinarium to be built within the new Hilton Vacation Club/
Sharm Dreams complex in Sharm el Sheikh. The brochure for this new development clearly
stated that a dolphinarium was to be built and opened in 2006. However, in July 2006, after
extensive campaigning by Marine Connection and its supporters, Hilton Sharm Dreams
Vacation Club have confirmed the adjacent Aqua Park will not house marine mammals
and have instead opted to turn the proposed dolphin pool into a swimming pool with wave
machine for human visitors. However, given the involvement in this Aqua Park of a
company which owns dolphinariums elsewhere in Europe, the Marine Connection will
continue to monitor the situation very closely.
3.4 Potential dolphinariums?
a. Concorde El Salaam Hotel
Recent reports from Sharm el Sheikh suggest that the Concorde El Salaam Hotel are
refurbishing their pool area. Whether or not this redevelopment is to include dolphins is yet
to be seen but it has been indicated when directly asked that they intend in the future to
have dolphins but will in the meantime heavily promote Dolphinella.
b. Others potential dolphinariums
Despite the proximity of Sharm el Sheikh to the Red Sea and its
wealth of marine life, there is a major concern that further
dolphinariums will be built.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
7CHAPTER 4
Alternative Marine Tourism in Egypt
4.1 Diving in Sharm el Sheikh
T he reason for the impressive popularity of Sharm el Sheikh
can be attributed to the unique and ideal conditions for
divers from beginners to those far more advanced. Although
more recently advertised as a “package-holiday”
destination, Sharm el Sheikh is still frequented by ever more
divers.
These divers and the companies which they travel with are typically adverse to captive
dolphin facilities such as Dolphinella. As well as captive dolphins being a contradiction to
the ethics of the diving community, diving offers an excellent alternative activity and
provides a real opportunity to view the wild dolphin populations of the Red Sea.
The revenue from diving sustains the tourism economy of Sharm el Sheikh and this natural
and accessible way of seeing the ocean is advertised throughout the Egyptian Tourist Board
and by Tour Operators, among others. Even diving is becoming far more accessible with the
emergence of variations on diving with trial dives, snorkelling and SNUBA, each of which
offers an alternative to the more expensive, yet rewarding, process of learning to dive.
It is possible to undertake several different types of dive for
many different levels of experience in Sharm el Sheikh; from
a “Scuba Diver” course which is completed in just two days
(Emperor Divers - €176) and the Standard Open Water Diver
course (Emperor Divers - €293) to a Private Open Water
course (Red Sea College - €545 plus manual and
certification fee) and even advanced technical dives (Red
Sea College & Emperor Divers). It is possible to undertake
liveaboard holidays on luxury yachts (Tony Backhurst Scuba) and also speciality dive courses
for qualified divers such as Deep diving, Night diving, Digital photography diving, Naturalist
Speciality and Wreck speciality (CamelDive, Emperor Divers & Red Sea College). Even
children between 8-11 can experience diving in the form of the PADI Bubblemaker or
between 12 and 15 the Junior Scuba Diver Program is available (Tony Backhurst Scuba).
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
8There are multiple dive companies operating within Sharm el Sheikh which offer a huge
range of diving experiences. From one-off dives, budget and land-based diving to luxury
diving from a lavish yacht, diving in Sharm el Sheikh offers everyone the chance to
experience the Red Sea in its wild and natural splendour. Diving offers many holidaymakers
in Sharm el Sheikh the opportunity to view the wild dolphin population of the Red Sea, as
well as numerous other species, whilst also promoting the message of conservation and
protection of the natural environment.
4.2 Dolphin watching in the Red Sea
Wild dolphin and whale watching is a rapidly growing business which
people are passionate about the world over. To see these animals in
their wild environment, using their remarkable skills, breaching and
travelling in their complex pods, is becoming widely recognised as a
profitable and pleasurable holiday excursion which adheres to the
modern ethical and responsible evolution of tourism.
The Red Sea is an area in which many dolphin populations reside. Spinner dolphins, Red Sea
bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, Risso’s dolphin, even Indo-pacific humpbacked
dolphins have been spotted as have many others (Abu Salama leaflet 2006). There have
even been rare sightings of the short-finned pilot whale (ibid.).
The dolphin and whale watching industry in the Red Sea is currently largely unexploited and
Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are in a perfect position to develop this industry and become a
country committed to eco-tourism. This is a market which has become popular with tourists
worldwide and there is a large amount of money to be earned as discovered by many
other countries.
Wild dolphin watching and dive company, Wild and Free
offer luxury liveaboard accommodation for a week
(www.dolphinswims.co.uk) with daily ethical dolphin
watching but also many other activities from snorkelling in
bays to beach barbecues. With years of experience,
Wild and Free will take clients to areas where they know
dolphins frequent and where people can expect to see
common, spinner and bottlenose dolphins and potentially even whale sharks and manta
rays which are resident in the Red Sea. This experience (exc. flights) costs £670 including
transfers and full board in an en-suite room on a fully equipped luxury vessel and provides
immersion into the diverse wild marine life of the Red Sea.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
9An example of the potential for dolphin watching in Egypt can be seen in Marsa Alam, an
Egyptian village on the coast of the Red Sea. This village is in close proximity to Samadai
Reef, a horseshoe-shaped, protected reef where around 200 spinner dolphins rear their
calves protected from strong ocean currents. Visitors have flocked to this village in order to
be close to the reef and the area is developing fast and gaining economically.
It is possible to take day excursions to see the spinner dolphins at Samadai Reef. Including
hotel transfers, a snorkelling trip to Samadai Reef with Wild and Free, where wild spinner
dolphins regularly reside will cost €95. This is an affordable and accessible trip for anyone
from divers to package holidaymakers who are on holiday near the Red Sea to see dolphins
in their wild environment rather than in a contrived and unnatural performance such as at
Dolphinella. Wild and Free also offers weekly land-based dolphin watching tours where
three days a week a boat is taken to Marsa Alam to see the dolphins (from £393 for seven
nights exc. flights). This week is very much based around the Red Sea with snorkelling and
dolphin watching although other excursions such as desert excursions are available.
Providing advice on the ethics of dolphin watching and
being in the water with dolphins, Wild and Free provides
sustainable and responsible dolphin watching which offers a
model for future developments in this industry.
While the development of this industry must be carefully monitored so as not to harm the
dolphins and their habitat, Egyptian tourism would benefit greatly with the opening up of an
accessible dolphin watching industry. There has been much research done worldwide to
monitor the impact of boat-based dolphin and whale watching which Egypt has the benefit
of using in order to ensure a truly eco-friendly, sustainable and profitable industry. This type
of activity would be accessible to all, from families and divers to animal lovers and Egyptian
residents alike diversifying Egyptian tourism towards the increasingly popular eco-tourism.
4.3 Other marine-based activities available in Sharm el Sheikh
As previously mentioned, the Red Sea “Riviera” is a haven for watersports from diving to kite-
surfing attracting people who dedicatedly return year on year to this area which can
provide a multitude of different activities in warm weather and excellent conditions for a
range of budgets. Divers tend to enjoy many aspects of water-based activities and will
often diversify. They may also bring their friends and families for which a new set of activities
from snorkelling and SNUBA are readily available. The dolphinarium is no longer the only
activity for children to undertake with their parents, a whole new set of activities aimed at
them can now be undertaken, such as “the bubblemaker” and Snuba® diving.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
10a. Snorkelling
Snorkelling can be done throughout the Red Sea from the
beaches to off a boat and is accessible to all. Snorkelling
allows people to see a diverse range of marine life without
having to learn to dive. The equipment needed for
snorkelling is readily available and inexpensive to rent in
Sharm el Sheikh; some hotels even offer free snorkelling
equipment for guests. Trips are also available at particularly
affordable prices. For example, CamelDive in Sharm el Sheikh advertises snorkelling day trips
including equipment, lunch, drinks and fish ID card for just €32. To simply hire snorkel
equipment from CamelDive for the day is just €6.
b. SNUBA®
Snuba diving is a safe and easy shallow water diving system which bridges the gap between
diving and snorkelling. Snuba divers breathe underwater with the assistance of a 20ft air line
and oxygen tank mounted on a floating raft which follows you wherever you swim. This
method of viewing marine life is accessible to all and there is a Snuba Doo programme for
children as young as 4 years old allowing whole families to take part. This method of
underwater exploration is extremely safe and is becoming very popular and more readily
available in Sharm el Sheikh encouraging whole families to dive together.
c. Introductory/Trial Dives
With prices for Sharm el Sheikh holidays becoming
affordable through package holiday companies, there are
now people who visit the Red Sea with no experience of
diving. However, it is possible for holidaymakers to “try out”
diving on an introductory or trial dive which most dive
centres offer. For example, Emperor Divers in Sharm el
Sheikh offer a free introductory dive. They also offer half
day and full day “Discover Scuba” programmes which cost €41 and €77 respectively. Other
trial dives include CamelDive’s Introductory dive and full day on the boat for €63 plus €11 for
drinks and lunch (optional). This is an easy and affordable way for newcomers to try out
diving and may often result in these people taking further dive courses and returning again
to Sharm el Sheikh and Red Sea area for future holidays.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
11d. Wind-surfing, kite-surfing, water skiing and other water sports
These sports are readily available in and around the Red Sea
coast of Sharm el Sheikh. From beginners to advanced,
holidaymakers are able to do a number of different water
sports through hotels and water sports companies. Water-
skiing, from beginners to more advanced skiers can do this with
Aquatic Vibes in Sharm el Sheikh. A beginners course in
windsurfing with Tornado Surf Centre would cost €153 for adults
and €83 for children. The Sinai peninsular also offers excellent
conditions to experience and learn the flourishing sport of kite-
surfing (From €195 for a beginners course with Tommy Friedl).
These are more expensive activities in Egypt but again ones
that are accessible to whole families, beginners and professionals alike and an excellent
way to enjoy the delights that the Red Sea has to offer.
e. Other water based activities
Hotels in Sharm el Sheikh offer a multitude of other water sports. From kayaking to glass-
bottomed pedalos, it is possible for everyone, irrespective of swimming ability or age, to
enjoy the Red Sea and view its diverse marine environment in all its wild and natural glory.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
12CHAPTER 5
Discussion
E gypt and more specifically Sharm el Sheikh, despite the recent worldwide issues of
terrorism, is emerging as a fashionable and popular tourist destination for many different
people, from European divers and package holiday tourists to, more recently, Arabs and
Russians. However, all of these tourists have one thing in common – to enjoy the coastal
“riviera” of the Red Sea and Egyptian culture.
Advertised widely as an extraordinary diving
destination with a diverse marine
environment, Sharm el Sheikh is repeatedly
said to be a divers paradise. These
statements are true, the Red Sea bordering
Sharm el Sheikh offers a diverse and complex
marine environment with the opportunity to
view impressive marine flora and fauna
including 1000 species of fish from manta rays to sharks, 2000km of fringing coral reefs and
other marine life such as turtles and dolphins. It is also possible to see the biggest species of
fish in the world, the whale shark!
With the wealth of marine life present, even by simply wading into the sea from the beach,
Sharm el Sheikh can boast a superb opportunity to see wild marine life in its natural
environment. However, there is one stark deviation featured in the prime location of Sharm
el Sheikh which contradicts all the positive advertising and betrays the diverse wild marine
life of its bordering Sea.
Abhorred by dedicated Sharm el Sheikh divers and Egyptians for its departure from local
culture and unnecessary constraint of wild animals, Dolphinella captive dolphin facility is
frequented predominantly by package holiday tourists who are persuaded by hotel
excursion desks and Tour Operator representatives acquiring commission for each ticket
sold.
Despite the supposed commitment of tour operators to sustainable and responsible tourism,
several companies such as TUI and Thomas Cook still feel that Dolphinella is a “worthwhile
product to sell”. Despite their regulatory body, the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO)
undertaking an investigation which identified many of the same issues and concerns as
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
13raised in the Marine Connection report (see summary, p6), they still feel comfortable that
they can uphold a sustainable and responsible image by selling excursions to this facility.
This is in spite of being aware of the one wild caught dolphin situated at Dolphinella and the
illegally imported beluga whales which were confiscated by CITES.
The Marine Connection strongly disagrees that to promote the
captive dolphin facility Dolphinella (or any other captive dolphin
facility) can ever be considered responsible, especially so when an
ethical, sustainable and responsible alternative can be undertaken
in close proximity. Instead of promoting the captive facility, tour
operators do have an opportunity to simply promote wild dolphin
watching. Therefore, as they are aware of the situation, they are
continuing to actively make the choice to promote a facility which
contains a wild caught dolphin, at one time housed two illegally
imported Russian beluga whales and which flouts several
international regulations relating to the keeping of marine mammals.
As explained in section 4.2 dolphin watching is feasible in the Red Sea and could be
developed into an important part of the tourism economy. However, this type of
development which brings humans into close contact with wildlife implores the question
concerning how far tourism can be increased before it begins to harm the very thing people
are coming to see. Samadai Reef at Marsa Alam has had to take action to ensure both the
reef and the dolphins are not harmed by the increased traffic within the area. Only 100
divers and 100 snorkellers are allowed into the lagoon each day; the reef is open from 9am
to 3pm for divers and from 10am to 2pm for snorkellers. During these hours, rangers
appointed by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency are present at the site to police
activities. In addition, the reef itself has been partitioned into three zones:
A. The shallow lagoon, heart of Samadai Reef: a no-entry zone, restricted for dolphins.
B. Open only for snorkellers, and acts as the interaction area pending that the dolphins
willingly approach the visitors from Zone A.
C. Open for speed boats and serves to drop snorkellers off into the water.
Recent reports indicate that St. Lucia in the Caribbean had earned an estimated US$2.9
million from whale watching. A figure has also been put forward for the potential earning
from a regional whale watching industry of approximately US$24 million annually. It is
therefore possible that areas which have an as yet untapped source for dolphin and whale
watching, such as Egypt, could profit hugely from exploiting this resource provided it is in a
responsible and monitored manner.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
14Although general package holiday tourism has grown steadily in Egypt in recent years
(despite drops in UK visitors in 2006), diving is still the core reason for people to visit the area.
Divers will regularly return to areas which they feel offer good diving and Sharm el Sheikh is
one of these places. Many of the divers that visit Sharm el Sheikh will visit year after year
bringing regular income into the area. As years go by, divers may bring friends and family to
Sharm el Sheikh which is why the diversification of activities from introductory dives to kite
surfing is extremely important.
The diving community also have the potential to tap into the
dolphin watching market. As divers, this community tends to be
eco-friendly, environmentally aware as well as enthused by
marine life in all its forms. Therefore, dolphin watching would be
a perfect complement to diving. For the same reason, divers
are absolutely adverse to captive facilities such as Dolphinella
as they act as a contradiction to divers’ ethics.
Dive boats regularly travel into the Red Sea where dolphins are common and these boats
would be able to carry dolphin watchers too. They could potentially also act as an efficient
communication and monitoring tool for boats which aimed to only undertake dolphin
watching.
As explained in section 2, Egypt has, in 2006, experienced a drop in tourists visiting from
Britain. It is possible that it will be the more “general” tourists – those that search for a cheap
package holiday to any hot destination - who will be less inclined to visit the area if any bad
publicity affecting Egypt is reported. Those people who regularly travel to Sharm el Sheikh,
such as divers, will be more prone to return despite bad publicity because they visit Egypt for
deeper reasons than simply the climate. For that reason, especially within the political
climate of today, it is very important that Egypt ensures it keeps its dedicated visitors, of
which the diving community is a big part, at the forefront of any decisions affecting tourism
in future.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
15CHAPTER 6
Conclusions
E gypt has managed to diversify successfully within the watersports arena and has an
excellent opportunity to further branch out through the development of Red Sea
dolphin watching which will provide well-needed tourist
“Hopefully with more responsible tourist marketing,
dollars and progress into the growing eco-tourism market. especially for the package tourist market which is
increasing rapidly here; people will begin to realise
that they can enjoy the sea life here much better
Money spent at Dolphinella is a one-time payment, there by either snorkelling or diving”
(Dive Club in Sharm el Sheikh, 2006)
is no return appeal, for some it is just a dolphin show but
for many more it is a poorly kept facility with grossly inadequate conditions for their animals.
Either way, the revenue which Dolphinella brings to the Egyptian economy is surely
negligible. Diving and all its variations, on the other hand, are activities which bring in
recurring revenue year on year as divers return to the best areas, of which Sharm el Sheikh is
undoubtedly one. Similarly, dolphin watching is a pursuit to which people will return
repeatedly as seen already in Samadai Reef.
As a captive dolphin facility, those visiting the Red Sea for the marine life will be abhorred by
Dolphinella. Even more general tourists are becoming far more aware of the issues
surrounding captive dolphin facilities and Dolphinella has a particularly poor reputation.
With one wild caught dolphin and having had two belugas’ in frightful conditions, tourists
are reluctant to visit this facility. Many of those who do visit Dolphinella complain to the
Marine Connection and to their Tour Operator, horrified at the conditions the animals are
kept in and angry that this facility is, in spite of everything, sold and therefore condoned by
their Tour Operator.
Dolphinella and any potential dolphinarium developments
can only be detrimental to the reputation of Sharm el
Sheikh and the Red Sea Riviera as one of the world’s
premier dive sites. The facility adds nothing to the
education or cultural and environmental awareness of the
visitors to Egypt. Educationally, captive facilities teach
people about the constraint of wide-ranging animals for the
entertainment of humans, to the point that they are a shadow of their wild counterparts
exhibiting no natural abilities. Environmentally speaking, one of the dolphins is wild caught,
and the animals are kept in a lifeless tank a fraction of the size of the dolphins’ natural
habitat. Culturally, Dolphinella is Americanised and considering the opposition by local
Egyptians to the facility this can bear no relation to Egypt and its diverse culture.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
16It is very important for Egypt and its unique culture not to become lost in the effects of
tourism. People visit Egypt in order to enjoy the climate and idyllic beaches but the proud
Egyptian culture very much shines through in the
people, the environment and the architecture. It is
crucial for Egypt to remember that the Red Sea and
its diversity is inherent in Egypt’s cultural heritage.
People visiting Dolphinella are not learning or
experiencing anything about Egyptian culture or
Egyptian wildlife and conservation. Dolphinella offers
a mis-education about Egypt, its culture, its conservation and animal welfare values. To
learn about captive dolphins in Dolphinella is to learn that Egypt finds it acceptable to keep
a wide-ranging, complex animal in an area a fraction of the size of its natural habitat.
However, Egyptian activities such as diving and dolphin watching inform people about the
diversity and complexity of the Red Sea which is very much a part of Egyptian heritage
culture and values.
Dolphinella, if we were to be very generous is 5040m3 in volume – far below 0.01% of the
volume of the Black Sea at 550,000km3 where Russian dolphins such as those at the
Dolphinella may have been brought from. The paths away from captive dolphin facilities
are numerous for Egypt. From dive activity diversification to dolphin watching, Egypt is in a
far better position than many to pursue and benefit from the route of eco-tourism. Red Sea
dolphin research is currently in very early stages, and advances in this research will help to
put Egypt on the map as whale and dolphin watching and research become ever more
popular.
Humans have a fascination with the sea. There
are however, two different ways of exhibiting this
fascination. There are those who attempt to
dominate nature and marine life, removing it from
its adapted habitat and making it perform for
human entertainment removing all its wild and
natural attributes. Conversely, there is a rapidly
escalating number who choose instead to
respect, protect, admire and learn from the wild marine life of the ocean.
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
17The future of profitable tourism is responsible, ethical and sustainable. Egypt must steer its
tourism down this shrewd path, away from contradictory captive dolphin facilities, and
towards forward-thinking yet lucrative dolphin-watching programmes where education
about dolphins’ natural skills and habits can be carried out via genuine research and
observation of their natural, wide-ranging abilities and conservation can be done in situ.
For the sake of the captive and wild dolphins, and importantly to ensure the long-term future
of the Egyptian tourism industry, Egypt must choose to exhibit its fascination for the marine
environment with reverence and responsibility.
See Red! Boycott Red Sea dolphinariums
See Red! Sharm el Sheikh and marine tourism
18IMAGE COPYRIGHT
Front Page Page 9
© John M Smith Dolphin © James Dorsey
Snorkellers © www.dolphinswims.co.uk
Contents Page
© John M Smith Page 10
© www.dolphinswims.co.uk
Page i
© Cetacean Society International (CSI) Page 11
Starfish © NOAA
Page 1 Turtle © NOAA
© Cetacean Society International (CSI)
Page 12
Page 2 Windsurfer © Ian Britton
© Marine Connection Divers © NOAA
Page 4 Page 13
© Cetacean Society International (CSI) © Mia Tao / Cetacean Society International
Page 5 Page 14
© Marine Connection © Cetacean Society International
Page 6 Page 15
Trainer and dolphin © Marine Connection © James Dorsey
Dolphin “logging” © Marine Connection
Page 16
Page 7 © Marine Connection
© Marine Connection
Page 17
Page 8 Ocean © Ian Britton
Snorkeller © NOAA Dolphins© www.dolphinswims.co.uk
Fish © NOAA
Page 18
© John M Smith
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