Taking a swim with dolphins is a once in a lifetime activity not to be missed. These playful and intelligent creatures are fun to watch and there are so many opportunities to get a little closer!
Get started meeting dolphins…
You don’t have to swim with dolphins to interact with them. Why not go dolphin spotting instead?
If you’re not quite ready to jump in the water with a mammal similar in size and shape to a shark, you could start out with a dolphin spotting boat tour.
Or, check out a dolphin sanctuary like the Pet Porpoise Pool in Coffs Harbour, Australia (pictured below – I played ball with a dolphin named Bertie for a while, and he gave me a kiss!).
A little more interaction with dolphins…
If you’re ready to jump straight in, you can arrange to swim with dolphins in a pool.
Dolphins in captivity are used to being close to humans and don’t seem to mind hanging out with us. Booking a swim with dolphins in a pool is a good way to guarantee an interaction with them.
Just make sure you check out the place first and make sure they are acting ethically.
Swim with dolphins maximum adventure!
Did you know that you can swim with dolphins in the wild? Dolphins are wild animals and it’s possible to take a swim with a pod or two in their own habitat – the ocean!
Tours run in places like the Bay of Islands and the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. I took this one a few years ago and loved it. They’ll have you singing through your snorkel to intrigue the dolphins. It’s awesome, slightly scary, and exhilarating.
You’ll need to be confident swimming in open water, as once you’ve found a group you’ll be hopping off the boat with just a mask and snorkel.
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