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| Dusky dolphin |
I’ve always wanted to swim with dolphins and with its
abundance of sea-life Kaikoura seemed like the best place.
Unsure of our plans we weren’t able to book too far in
advance but Dolphin Encounter operate a great waiting-list system
so we managed to get the date and time we wanted.
When our booking was confirmed it was a
crystal clear summer day and we were so excited about our swim with wild
dolphins.
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| Kit |
Waking up on the day of the
swim to sheets of rain and gusts of wind our excitement wavered. Assured that
even with the moderate weather warning we would still be able to swim we made
our way to the Encounters HQ.
A huge array of wetsuits,
flippers, snorkels and even prescription goggles were available and the team
showed great care to make sure everyone was kitted out comfortably.
A short safety video and it
was time to go…
The rain hadn’t subsided as
we reached the port and the dark sky loomed over the choppy water of the
mighty pacific ocean. The waves poured
into the boat as we set sail in search of the dolphins. The waves were
too much for some, with people turning
white from sea-sickness (luckily there were lots of buckets on board..!)
Even in these conditions
catching our first glimpse of the dolphins was incredible as they jumped
gracefully in and out of the water.
As the boat came to a halt we sat on the edge of the deck with the
ferocious waves ready to pull us out to sea – I think my knuckles tuned white
holding on to the rail so tight.
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| Dusky dolphins |
I didn’t even notice the ice
cold water penetrating through my wetsuit as the waves engulfed us. The buoyant wetsuits kept us afloat as we put
our heads under, eager to see the dolphins around us.
We had three opportunities
to swim. On the second swim I had seen a small dolphin right beneath me and
decided I’d end on a high and sit the third swim out. But when our wonderful
guide, Tracy, pointed to the huge pod of dolphins right next to the boat I
couldn’t resist fighting through the waves one more time to get another glimpse
of the beautiful creatures.
What a magical experience!
I’m not sure how many there were but it felt like hundreds of dolphins playing
and swimming around us as we floated just inches above them.
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| Dolphin Encounter boat |
Advised to make noise to encourage
their playfulness we sang songs through our snorkels. It seemed to work and
the more vocal and excited we became more dolphins came out to play and
show off their acrobatic skills.
I mentioned to Tracy later
that my goggles had become a little loose, she smiled and said “that’s because
you were smiling so much under the water.”
Floating back to the boat
the strong waves gave the team a helping hand as they heaved everyone back on
board. Time to warm up with a hot shower (when I say I shower, I mean hosepipe..!)
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| Seals and marine life |
The skipper then sailed us to
calmer waters where we could relax and get changed overlooking a seal colony.
The rain finally stopped as we sailed back to land and I was so excited to see
albatross with their incredible wing spans skimming the water around us.
I feel very privileged to
have entered into the dusky dolphin’s world. It was a completely different
perspective than just watching from afar and I’d love to do it again – although
maybe in slightly calmer waters next time…
