Habitat
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are nocturnal offshore feeders and use our
sheltered bays and shorelines as daytime resting, mating, and playing
areas. Please honor their use of this protected habitat and behave as
a respectful guest visiting the dolphin's home.
Regulation and Protection
Dolphins, and all marine mammals, are protected from harassment by
federal law; the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Harassment means "any
act of pursuit or annoyance which has the potential to disturb the
dolphins in the wild by causing disruption of their behavioral patterns
of migration, nursing, breeding, sheltering or resting/sleeping."
Guidelines
If you should encounter the wild Dolphins whilst swimming or kayaking,
please observe the following guidelines for being a respectful visitor
in their home.
 Allow the pod to approach you.
They will initiate interaction if they want to.
Be aware and sensitive to Dolphins behavior.
Dolphins have moods like we do. Sometimes they are sociable and sometimes not.
Take your cue from their behavior. Respect their habitat. Honor their space
and behavioral mode. If they are resting or traveling, please respect that
they may choose not to interact with you.
Consider your own timing.
Many times there are too few dolphins and too many people in the water.
It may be better to enter the water at a later time when the water
is less crowded. If the dolphins have given you quality time and
have turned somewhere else, honor that and thank them for the time
you have had. Avoid pursuing them.
Swim with your arms at your side.
Sudden arm movements, chasing after, or reaching toward them will
frighten or startle them and they will move away. Don't try to touch
them. Allow them to be wild and free.
Be mindful of other swimmers.
Watch where you are going. Try not to cut in front of others in your eagerness
to get close. If you see someone swimming alone in an intimate communication
with the dolphins, don't interrupt. It is as rude in the water as it is on
land.
Leave foreign objects ashore.
This includes things such as string leis, plastics, bags, rope, and
play toys which can be harmful to marine mammals and sea life.
Trust in nature's food supply.
To attempt to feed wild dolphins is detrimental to their health as well as
their social behavior.
Honor your limits.
If the water is too rough or too deep, or the dolphins are too far
out, don't go swimming. If you are worried or afraid about going
out, don't go. Your safety is the number one priority.
Be slow and cautious when approaching by boat or kayak.
Go slowly and quietly, and watch for swimmers. Use focused attention
so is not to disturb or change the course of the dolphins behavior.
"How
To Swim With Dolphins: A Guide To Being"
by Terry
Walker
For more info please contact us.
Our Seminars, Workshops & Retreats
Dolphin and Whale Retreats
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