Swimming with dolphins - Oct 13, 2008

It is a highly contentious issue in some circles, one argument being that humans should not try to interact with other species because of the risk of habituating them to human contact.

While I’m ready to respect any other point of view, both Braam and I had swum with dolphins before and we were both excited at the idea of repeating the experience at Dolphin Encountours in Ponta do Ouro, which describes itself as Africa’s premier wild dolphin swim facility.

Experiences like this help us to understand and feel the interconnectedness of all things in the Universe and to appreciate that the role of humans isn’t to dominate or control our environment, but simply to live in grateful harmony with it, respecting and valuing other life forms.

This swim was to be part of our celebration at completing the epic 100-day Coastal Challenge and it was with huge excitement that we attended a preparatory talk by Angie Gullan, agreeing to abide by a strict code of conduct that precludes any attempt to actually touch these intelligent mammals.

Touring the coast on a twin-engined rubber duck we searched in vain for more than an hour, the craft braving big swells and a rough sea. I loved this alternate view of the coastline but felt increasingly sea-sick, eventually parting company with last night’s supper.

Just when it seemed that we’d have to return without a sighting, a pod of more than a dozen inshore bottlenose dolphins were all around us, playfully performing the most astonishing acrobatics. Apparently they do share human emotions like joy and sorrow and this was an aquatic dance of pure delight.

Sliding into the water we were surrounded by them and it was apparent that they were curious about us, one turning upside down and eyeing me with obvious interest. Some people are moved to tears by an encounter like this, which can be life-changing. My overriding emotion was of deep gratitude and joy to share in such a magnificent spectacle with such beautiful creatures. I felt blessed and will never forget those magical moments, which lasted a couple of minutes or more.

If ever you have the opportunity, I’d recommend it.

Visit www.dolphin-encountours.co.za