Everybody loves dolphins! One sighting of these majestic, aquatic mammals swimming in their natural habitat can literally take your breath away, but our relationship with these graceful creatures is made even more special because they are extremely social animals, and their rapport with humans is well documented and well understood by both species. What’s more, dolphins are known to be a highly intelligent species, and swimming with these gentle animals can actually teach us about community, love and communication.

 

Dolphins love to swim with people, and you, too, can enjoy swimming with the dolphins in the warm, calm and clear blue waters of the Big Island of Hawaii. Many people say they feel changed after the experience, and it is certainly one you will not soon forget.

 

Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are the most common to the waters just off the Big Island.  Between seven hundred and a thousand Spinner Dolphins reside year round along the Kona coastline. The shallow sandy bottom and protected bays provide a perfect natural  habitat  for  dolphins. At night they can be found a bit further offshore, but during the day they move nearer to shore where they play all day long in sheltered coves.

 

Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are the smallest dolphin in Hawaii – about the size of an adult human.  These creatures are very predictable, so it is not dangerous to swim with them, especially in the company of an experienced guide.

 

A typical Big Island Wild Dolphin Swim begins in the morning. Heading up the scenic Kona coastline  with a warm, gentle sea breeze at your back, the search for the Spinner Dolphins parallels the white sand beaches of the Big Island.  The location of where the dolphins  can  be  found  varies  from  day to day,  but they can almost always be found at Makalawena, Kiholo Bay, or Hoona Bay. Whatever the location of your swim with the dolphins, the mystique of these amazing creatures promises an unequalled experience.

 

Once a pod has been located you can enter the water and snorkel with as many as three hundred dolphins.  Allow the dolphins to approach you.  Swim gently – do not chase or pursue them.  Keep splashing to a minimum.  It is best to swim with your hands at your sides. Respect the dolphins and be considerate. Do not touch or feed them. Remain alert.  Dolphins may swim underneath you or approach you from behind, but do not dive with them.  Avoid sudden actions or noise that may startle the dolphins, and always respect their personal space. Remember, you are a guest in their home, and they must determine the nature and length of an encounter with you.

 

Swimming with wild dolphins is not only great fun, but it also offers many a profound spiritual experience.  Dolphins are creative, playful and unconditionally loving.  These magical creatures can awaken your soul, so be sure to take advantage of this amazing experience when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

David Ross is an author, publisher and co-editor of Big Island Quarterly Online Magazine – http://www.bigislandquarterly.com

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