Nautical tourism development and its connection with the observation of the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) in the Cananéia region, south coast of São Paulo State

Abstract

The estuarine dolphin (sotalia guianensis) is a big attraction and money maker for the Cananéia estuary region. The increased tourist infrastructure of the region seems to be directly related to the growing interest to observe these animals in loco. Therefore, a survey was done to asses the present boarding and nautical capacity of the region during the summer months of 2007, by means of visits to the establishments and interviews with the people working with nautical tourism. It was evident that the boarding structures and the use of ships on the three islands of the estuary vary according to the different type of tourists that visit the area and their reasons for the trip. Even so, it was possible to note that organized associations and partnerships guaranteed a larger growth and activity of estuarine dolphin observation, which must be carefully followed to ensure proper development and to preserve and maintain the animals in their natural habitat.