Swimming
with the Dolphins - Hawaii
Marine Biologist Crewed Sailing Dolphin swim Adventure
... who
have been interacting and swimming with the resident pod of spinner
dolphins, turtles, 
whales and other marine life on Oahu, Hawaii for over 15 years.
With our experience,and a limited number of passengers per charter,
you can be assured that your swimming with dolphins encounters will
be the best possible. We seek to offer this Oahu adventure to those
seeking a conscious experience, and to part of what very few visitors
to (or even residents of) the Hawaii islands are privilege to.
Guidelines
for Swimming with Wild Dolphins Hawaii
If
the opportunity presents itself, we may be able to get in the water
to swim with the wild dolphins. Please review the complete page in order
to optimize your Hawaii underwater dolphin experience.
~
Swim with the dolphins gently, but efficiently. ..
do not chase or pursue the dolphins. It is best to position yourself
correctly and then parallel in with the pod. This way you shouldn't
be chasing. You run the risk of disturbing important activities such
as feeding, courtship and nursing. It is acceptable to swim alongside
them, but always respect their personal space.
~ If you are swimming and a dolphin approaches you, do notreach
out and try to touch him/her. These dolphins are totally free and wild,
have a very acute sense of touch, and rarely tolerate physical contact
from humans. Trying to touch or grab a dolphin is illegal and is virtually
guaranteed to to scare them away.
~
Swim in as fluid and graceful a style as you can, splash as little as
possible. Try to keep your arms by your sides, adapting the dolphins
style. We even swim with our legs together, mermaid style, we've found
this is a much more efficient and faster way propulsion method . . .
dolphins evolved a tail for a reason!
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Move
your mouse over the woman to start the video (it may take awhile to
load, please be patient, maybe read on and then look back to see if
it loaded yet)
~
Take your cues from their behavior. Dolphins communicate with body language,
distance, and depth. Use your heart and think smart when swimming with
or near them. Honor your own limits and theirs and your experience will
be optimized.
~
*Parallel the dolphins in all aspects of the word,
swim
"To
the dolphin alone, beyond all others, nature has given what the
best philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has
no need of man yet it is the friend to all men and has often given
them great aid."
Plutarch, Greek Philosopher
46-120 A.D. |
alongside,
mimic actions, attitudes and activity levels.* A dolphins interest in
people is frequently based on curiosity. Non-aggresively diving, twisting,
spiraling and making unusual sounds underwater may succeed in attracting
an active dolphin's attention. If the dolphins are low key (prolonged
dives, relaxed and quite state, etc.) it is best to simply share space.
~
Remember, RESPECT is the key to any interaction. Dolphins
must initiate any interaction and they have the right to terminate it.
Enjoy the other ocean life within your view - or even the patterns in
the sand. Let go of expectations.
~
The take home message? Don't splash, and think "swim with rather
than swim at," become a member of the pod. Oftentimes, the
better your swimming (snorkeling) ability and comfort in the water,
the higher the quality of your experience.
"A
dolphin, propelled by a single lazy tail stroke, seems to glide forever.
Although I swam with the dolphins many times, the wonder of their streamlined
motion never left me."
If
you are not a good swimmer, or have fears or other limitations, please
let us know and we can work with you to either remain onboard where
you will have may have a much better view and experience, until you
do feel ready and we (and the dolphins) will help as much as possible
to raise your comfort level!
During
the summer months, our morning wildlife charters also include a reef
snorkel where brilliant fish come right up to the boat, and green
sea turtles frolic and feed. Here you can leisurely swim out and
view the healthy reef system, with its turtles, tropical fish, coral
and other inhabitants.
From
mid-December through April, we can also see humpback
whales. We always have a continental breakfast onboard, and supply
additional refreshments and drinks for your enjoyment. Snorkel equipment
is provided.
Payments
are as follows: 50% down to hold reservations. Balance due the day of
your charter. Click here
for rate information.
Notice:
We cannot guarantee interaction with wild dolphins nor ideal weather
conditions. Trip fees cannot be refunded due to absence of dolphins.
We've been researching and living with these dolphins for almost 15
years. To guarantee interaction may compromise their resting or socializing
periods. If all goes right, you will have the chance tof have a truly
intimate experience swimming alongside and observing the pods behavior
in the wild. We seek to offer this adventure to those seeking a conscious
experience. If we don't see and/or swim with the dolphins, we may go
snorkel the coral reefs, hang out with sea turtles, or, for example,
join offshore marine mammals such as pilot whales.
In
The End We Will Conserve Only What We Love
We Will Love Only What We Understand
We Will Understand Only What We Are Taught
-
Baba Divum
