I thought swimming with dolphins was a kind of romantic myth that only actually happened in movies. But no. I actually did it. Sunlight on Water - a specialist company based in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii - made this dream a reality. I met the boat at the harbour, 15 minutes drive north of the town, where the crew Steve, Gary and Captain Josh efficiently signed in and welcomed everyone. There were about 20 of us on the open boat and I got to sit near the front. After a safety briefing, which included a strong emphasis on keeping the sea life safe, we bounced off over the beautiful blue ocean.
We slowed to a stop as the crew had spotted something. A huge dark shape just below the surface of the water. It was a manta ray. I knew all about these 12 feet wide creatures from my previous night’s activity scuba diving with these majestic beings. Not long later we slowed again. Someone had spotted a whale in the distance. We were too slow to see it though, whales come to the surface to breathe but can dive for up to an hour on one breath.
We slowed to a stop as the crew had spotted something. A huge dark shape just below the surface of the water. It was a manta ray. I knew all about these 12 feet wide creatures from my previous night’s activity scuba diving with these majestic beings. Not long later we slowed again. Someone had spotted a whale in the distance. We were too slow to see it though, whales come to the surface to breathe but can dive for up to an hour on one breath.
The next time we start to slow there’s a rush as people hurry to put on their snorkel gear. It’s spinner dolphins up ahead. Shuffling to the back of the boat in my fins, mask and snorkel I’m nervous and excited. I’ve never really snorkelled before without wearing scuba equipment. I slide in gracelessly at the back of the boat and splash after Steve our guide. The water is amazingly clear, I could see small fish diving in and out of the coral below. Brightly coloured bigger fish were nibbling seriously and darting around. Then ahead of me and below I see the first of a pod of 12 spinners. They were less than 10 metres below me and this pod had a baby dolphin sticking close to its mother. Wow! But that wasn’t it. The same pod circled around to have another look at us. As I tried to calmly float at the surface they came nearer and nearer until they were within touching distance
(never touch sea creatures guys, it’s harmful to them and bloody rude really).
Just as we thought they’d moved on, another group came over, some jumping out of the water and giving us a close inspection. Climbing back aboard the boat we all chattered excitedly about what we’d seen as we ate the ample snacks provided by Sunlight on water. But we had time to track down more dolphins and get in the water again. Passing close to the boat we didn’t have to swim far before we were surrounded. It was truly exhilarating to be that close to such beautiful and intelligent beings.
(never touch sea creatures guys, it’s harmful to them and bloody rude really).
Just as we thought they’d moved on, another group came over, some jumping out of the water and giving us a close inspection. Climbing back aboard the boat we all chattered excitedly about what we’d seen as we ate the ample snacks provided by Sunlight on water. But we had time to track down more dolphins and get in the water again. Passing close to the boat we didn’t have to swim far before we were surrounded. It was truly exhilarating to be that close to such beautiful and intelligent beings.
On the boat ride back, whilst munching on fresh pineapple, I chatted with Jemma Prittie, a fellow Brit and dolphin enthusiast who organises retreats to the Big Island. “What I love is the unique experience that everyone has with the dolphins. Each day is different - the colour of the sea, the behaviour of the dolphins. But also each person on the same trip has their own special experience.” And she’s right. Her guests Steph and Tom were on their second trip in as many days and were equally thrilled after their second trip.
Chatting to the crew I learnt what had brought them to be dolphin guides. In the case of both Steve and Gary it had been the island’s scientific interest, both for its unique environments and for its telescopes. Gary said, “I used to work in that building right there. I could look out of the wind and see the boats going by looking for dolphins. When the grant period ended on my project I knew I wanted to get out on those boats.”
Chatting to the crew I learnt what had brought them to be dolphin guides. In the case of both Steve and Gary it had been the island’s scientific interest, both for its unique environments and for its telescopes. Gary said, “I used to work in that building right there. I could look out of the wind and see the boats going by looking for dolphins. When the grant period ended on my project I knew I wanted to get out on those boats.”
I jumped ashore in the blazing sunshine with my heart and mind still racing from the experience. Seeing the spinners dolphins in their own environment, on their terms, is very humbling. It puts the place of humans into perspective as well as acting as a reminder of the damage we are continuing to do to the oceans of our planet and the impact that can have. There are many rules and regulations which protect Hawaii’s unique flora and fauna but there are still problems with litter in the ocean.
I can’t thank Sunlight on water enough for this life affirming experience. They were professional, friendly, helpful, had great snacks and drinks and provided much needed sunscreen! They also take amazing underwater photos and post them on their Facebook page free of charge - the photos here are theirs. But above all had the safety of the animals as top priority allowing a respectful relationship with the playful dolphins to flourish. I wholeheartedly recommend their services for any marine adventure in Kona. Contact them directly via sunlightonwater.com and mention Hannah the traveller when you do!
I can’t thank Sunlight on water enough for this life affirming experience. They were professional, friendly, helpful, had great snacks and drinks and provided much needed sunscreen! They also take amazing underwater photos and post them on their Facebook page free of charge - the photos here are theirs. But above all had the safety of the animals as top priority allowing a respectful relationship with the playful dolphins to flourish. I wholeheartedly recommend their services for any marine adventure in Kona. Contact them directly via sunlightonwater.com and mention Hannah the traveller when you do!
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