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Where can I go swimming with dolphin, whale watching, swimming with turtles in Hawaii? |
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Questions? Click here to browse the FAQ
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Dolphin Tours and Whale WatchingIs there some way I could swim with the dolphins outside of a "Sea World" type environment (not captive!)? Ah, nature at her best, wild and free. The spinners dolphins often swim right up to the boat and display their aerial skills, being quite the show-offs. They also like to catch a "free ride" on the bow, often spraying your dangling toes with their blows or splashes. We believe this is the best experience, the free swimming dolphins join us because they want to, not because they are fed or coerced in any manner. It may also be possible to slip into the water and swim in the midst of them. There is really an art to this (respect for the animals being vital), keeping in mind that we are now on their terms. << Back to FAQ page How long will I be able to swim with the dolphins and for how long will they stay near me? Because the dolphins encountered are wild animals, no predictions about their behavior can be made. They may disappear within a few minutes of entering the water, or they may swim in close proximity for more time then we have. Please trust our judgment on the best encounters for all. << Back to FAQ page Can we SCUBA dive? While we do use snorkel equipment, SCUBA diving is not conducted. Bubbles may act as a deterrent, and horizontal swimming with the added equipment becomes slow and cumbersome in the presence of agile dolphins. << Back to FAQ page Will I be in danger? Your safety is paramount. Only limited numbers of people are allowed in the water at any time, and there is always someone on the boat (if not also in the water with you) watching those in the water. All participants are given a full orientation session, to become familiar and comfortable with snorkel equipment and the art of dolphin interactions. It is vital that you inform us of any medical conditions that you or members of your party may have. Spinner dolphins are smaller dolphins, so if something upsets them or they do not want to be with us, they they can move at free will. However, we do not want to create such a cause, and will err on the side of precaution at all times. We will also not let you in the water if we feel the dolphins behavior is at all "sketchy." This may mean that they sense threat from a predator. We have learned to follow their advice on this. Other reasons we will stay onboard are if the dolphins are traveling (you cant beat the boat for this!) rather than "milling", or in a deep rest. Can I feed the dolphins? No, absolutely not. To do so would be to directly interfere with their natural food intake (wild dolphins never eat dead fish), hunting instincts/behavior and their naturally balanced diet. << Back to FAQ page Are there any legal restrictions or considerations involved in swimming with dolphins? Different countries have different rules and regulations surrounding cetacean encounters, invariably with the animals’ welfare in mind. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States, it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture (where do those captive dolphins come from?), or kill any marine mammal. We strictly adhere to self-regulating our trips (over and above locally-imposed regulations) with additional guidelines that have been designed to protect our guests, the animals and their habitat. << Back to FAQ page What about taking underwater photographs? There is a very wide choice of underwater cameras, and it’s surprisingly easy to take a good picture with even the cheapest disposable camera if the sun, water visibility and animals all come together at the right moment! Always take shots near to the surface (where the light is brightest), as near to the subject as possible, but don’t let the 'need' to get good photographs take over or detract from the experience of actually enjoying your encounter. << Back to FAQ page Can I touch or "ride" the dolphins? Riding or touching dolphins in any manner is unnatural. Touching the animals is not encouraged nor permitted. The dolphin's sense of touch is much more acute than ours and moreover, the act of reaching out is considered threatening. Attempting to touch the animals will probably frighten them away, bringing to an end the possibility of a wonderful encounter. << Back to FAQ page When is the best time of year to see the humpback whales? Here's the scoop. The humpbacks begin to arrive as early as late October. The population rises as the season progresses as different whales leave Alaska at different times (i.e. lactating females leave last). So although there are many whales in January, the peak population comes a little later (closer to Feb. - March) likewise, the most action/behavior viewing also comes later in the season (the season being mid Dec.- April). Similar to closing time at some bars, males will be giving a last ditch effort to "catch the gals" (no offense guys)! << Back to FAQ page Do you guarantee whale and/or dolphin sightings, etc.? As we interact with the marine mammals in their wild state, encounters are not 100% certain. We do have sighting rates of 95% of the time. We feel if we guarantee something (especially something we have no control over like weather or wildlife sightings), then the pressure to make it happen becomes foremost. When meeting the guarantee becomes priority, then safety and providing a quality experience slips out the window. We also feel this is what makes our company unique. Our motto is “Tours with Integrity”, and we do our utmost to uphold that motto, while providing a quality experience. << Back to FAQ page "We cannot approach any real inquiry into truth, with any assumption or belief what so ever. We must be willing to see things as they are, rather as we hope, wish, or expect them to be." ~ Buddha Can I swim with whales? In most locations including the Hawaiian Islands, swimming with whales is not allowed or encouraged, as whales are not accustomed to people in the water. It is also possible for swimmers to be unintentionally harmed swimmers through sudden movements or flicks of huge whale tails or fins. << Back to FAQ page
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