Guidelines for Swimming with Wild Dolphins - Hawaii
Dolphin Wetiquette
Please review the complete page before your Hawaii cruise. We reserve the right to not facilitate any in-water OR above water encounters which may compromise wildlife or human safety.
"The ocean is not our home. . . we are guests and should act accordingly." Kathleen Dudzinski
~ Swim with the dolphins gently, but efficiently - calm and strong. .. do not chase or pursue the dolphins. Be responsible for your actions and stay within your own limits. Please parallel the pod, staying in "your lane". This way you aren't "chasing" (changing the dolphins speed or course) or running the risk of disturbing important activities such as feeding, courtship and nursing. It is acceptable to swim alongside them, but always respect their personal space.
" If you wanted to befriend a human, would you run down the street, chase him or her and expect that person to greet you in ease? I don't know anyone who wants to be aggressively chased." Dr. Laurie Moore
~ If you a dolphin approaches you, do not reach out to touch. Wild dolphins have a very acute sense of touch, and grabbing at a dolphin is guaranteed to to push them away. Take nothing but pictures - touch nothing but hearts.
~ Swim effectively in a style as fluid and graceful as you can, splash as little as possible. Keep your arms by your sides, or behind your back, not reaching out in front or swimming freestyle.
~ Take your cues from their behavior. Dolphins communicate with body language, distance, and depth. Use your heart and think smart when swimming with or near them. Honor your own limits and theirs, your experience swimming with dolphins will be optimized.
~ Parallel the dolphins in all aspects of the word, swim alongside (video), mimic actions, attitudes and activity levels. A dolphins interest in people is frequently based on curiosity. Non-aggressively twisting, spiraling or making unusual sounds underwater may succeed in attracting an active dolphin's attention. If the dolphins are low key (relaxed and quite state) it is best to simply share space and observe as a "fly on the wall".
~ Remember, RESPECT is the key to any interaction. Dolphins must initiate any interaction and have the right to terminate it. Enjoy other ocean life within your view - or even the patterns in the sand. Let go of expectations.
~ LOOK under the water and through the water column. The dolphins may swim right underneath or behind, while you are looking above the water for their location.
~BE AWARE of the boat's position when you are in the water and don't swim too far away. Be ready to enter and to quickly exit the water when told to do so, timing is often critical.
~ LISTEN to your crew. They have many years of experience around these dolphins. HOWEVER if they ask you to do something beyond your comfort level (for example you are tired and don't want to get in the water, or feel you would be "chasing" the dolphins), you have the right to stop and to say NO. You are ultimately responsible for your actions.
~ SACRIFICE Be sensitive to the number of dolphins versus the potential over-crowdedness or over-eagerness of us two-leggeds.
~ The main message? Don't splash, and think "swim with - not swim at" = blend, blend, blend into the pod.
~ REMEMBER We are visitors to the dolphins ocean home and should not abuse their welcome. Reciprocate with respect, and by not polluting the oceans. Under no circumstances allow money to dictate disrespectful behaviors towards the wildlife or Hawaiian communities.
If you are not a good swimmer, have fears or other limitations, please let us know and we can work with you to either remain onboard where you may have a much better view and experience, or we will help as much as possible to raise your comfort level! Are YOU ready to swim with dolphins?
