Swimming with Dolphins
Trip Start
Feb 07, 2005
1
41
43
Trip End
Aug 24, 2005
Kaikoura,
New Zealand
Friday, July 15, 2005
The storm clouds of the night before ruled out the possibility of going out for the whale watching expedition and so we were left up in the air whether or not we would be able to go out looking for the dolphins.
Eventually by 12.30pm, the all clear was sent through from the skipper on his boat. The swell was dying down and the sun was by now out in full force, a hell of a transition from earlier that morning. We headed off to the changing rooms to get kitted out, a full wet suit, including a hood, socks and gloves. After a briefing video which bored us all to tears, we boarded the bus and were driven to South Bay where two boats were waiting for us.
Once on board, the boats were then lowered down the ramp and into the water and we were on our way. The swell was still having an effect and the ride over was somewhat turbulent. Eventually we saw them, just a couple, diving in and out of the water. The excitement intensified and the eagerness to enter the water diminished any apprehension previously built up with regards the water's freezing temperature. We were given the all clear as loads more of the Dusky dolphins emerged to ride the waves produces by the boat. The water was ice cold on my face and I was beginning to wish I opted for the watching only ticket. As instructed, we all were making ridiculous noises to attract the dolphins inquisitive attentions. The first time we entered the water, the dolphins took a wide berth around us and on southwards, we scrambled back on board and headed after them. The second time we were met with a much friendlier welcome, within minutes, there were loads of them swimming just centimetres away from me, I managed to get one to circle around me in the way a dog would chase its tail. It was an increbile feeling to have eye contact with these beautiful creatures only half a metre away from me and knowing that they wanted to be there on their own curious terms. The pod in general was heading southwards and so we were in and out of the water another 3 times after that before getting out of our gear and into warm clothes to view them from the deck. Rob was suffering sea sickness by the last time in the water and so stayed out of the water nursing a bucket!! On my last entrance to the water, I was still adjusting my mask and snorkel when 2 dolphins came from nowhere right at me and at the very last second, dived beneath me. At suface level, you can only see maybe a quarter or a third of the entire pod which is an incredible fact seeing as there were easily 150 dolphins swimming around and beneath our boat and that of the others. I saw a mother and calf swimming side by side and many acrobatic dolphins summersaulting out of the water. But before we knew it, we were back on dry land having had the best experience of my life!!!
