There's something spellbinding about squinting into a Pacific morning sun and spying a pod of wild dolphins spinning like shiny toy tops out of a sun-polished sea. Seemingly carefree, these marine mammals may appear out of the blue and put on a show for you. And when they do, there's an almost irresistible urge to get in the water with them.
A number of Big Island tour boat companies understand that urge and provide the opportunity to do so. Most of them follow self-regulatory guidelines developed to safeguard dolphins as well as humans.
Dolphin Discoveries pioneered Big Island dolphin swims 15 years ago, developing the guidelines currently in use by most companies that offer dolphin tours. The company specializes in small group tours and guides are trained marine mammal naturalists.
Another way to get to know dolphins is to participate in the Dolphin Quest interactive program at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Dolphin Quest, a marine research and education program with centers on the Big Island and O'ahu, offers a variety of fun and educational encounters with dolphins. At Hilton Waikoloa Village, the dolphins reside in a protected area of the resort's four-acre, saltwater lagoon.
SunLight on Water, a tour company with 15 years experience in dolphin encounters, guarantees dolphin sightings—and the opportunity to get in the water with them—on its Kona Coast tours. You can also swim and snorkel with wild dolphins on ocean rafting tours with Adventure X Rafting and Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions. If you do, be mindful of the guidelines developed by local tour boat operators.
Dolphin Swim Guidelines
1. Let the dolphins approach you. Maintain a quiet relaxed manner. Once they approach you, swim quietly alongside them. When they swim off, do not pursue them.
2. Swim with your hands by your side. Remember they may be settling down to rest for the day.
3. Leave toys at home. Dolphins will find leaves, etc. to play with.
4. Trust in nature's food supply. To attempt to feed a wild dolphin would be harmful to their health as well as their social behaviors. They find all the food they need on their own.
5. Be sensitive and respectful to dolphins' behavior. If they are in a state of rest or traveling, please respect that the time is not right for an interaction. Enjoy watching them from the surface.
6. Be considerate of other swimmers.
7. When approaching by boat, be cautious. Always approach at a slow, consistent speed and stay off to the side, letting them approach the boat to bow ride if they choose. Take care not to cut through a pod, disturb or change their course or behavior.
8. Watch for swimmers. If other boats are in the area and have swimmers in the water, approach very slowly.
9. Safety first. If the seas are rough or you are not comfortable in deep open water sea conditions, not feeling well, or are afraid, do not get in the water. Enjoy the dolphins from the boat. Your safety is always the most important consideration.
