I have spent the last ten years observing and swimming with the dolphin pods off the West Coast of the Big Island; swimming from shore at Kealakekua, Honaunau, and Hookena beaches in South Kona, and from boats all along the coast. I am certified as a naturalist by the Pacific Whale Foundation, and have worked on several of the local whale watch boats during the winter season.
My intention in serving as a guide is to share in a way that will enhance and deepen the experience for others, and to provide for their comfort and safety in the water; however, the protection of the dolphins is always the first order. When encountering dolphins in the wild, it is impossible to guarantee that clients will see or swim with dolphins (actually it is the dolphins who choose to swim with people), or if they do, the quality or closeness of contact. Each day on the ocean is unique, another adventure.
Safety is my foremost priority when putting people in the water, and I am able to assist novice snorkelers in becoming comfortable, regardless of their ability as they start out. When working in larger groups, I provide additional safety swimmers.
Sharing the Dolphins:
At the present time, there are two methods of encountering the dolphins, either by boat or by swimming from shore in either Kealakekua Bay or Hookena Bay. In the many years of living in the village of Napoopoo, I have enjoyed many swims there; however, at the present time, my preference is to introduce clients to the dolphins by boat due to the following considerations:Kealakekua Bay has been designated a critical habitat for the Hawaiian spinner dolphins, and over the past ten years, there has been a marked increase in the exposure of dolphins to swimmers, snorkelers and people in kayaks. As a result the dolphins are found there less frequently. Success in locating pods of dolphins in a 3-4 hour period is nearly 100% by boat, and less than 50% by driving between the two southern bays.
Entering the water and snorkeling from boats offers less risk to swimmers, compared to negotiating the shore breaks and swimming the distances required in the bays. This is particularly important when swimming and snorkeling skills and endurance levels are in question.
Finally, comfort and all the amenities make spending the morning on the boat a delight. Refreshments are always offered, as well as fresh water showers when done with the swim. Snorkel gear and flotation devices are available, if needed. The trips are very worthwhile as a snorkeling/boating experience alone, and the sea creatures that show up are the bonus. In addition to dolphins (bottlenose, spinner and spotted), we often see humpbacks (in winter), pilot whales, turtles and many other species of wildlife.
Boat trips:
All work done on boats is either private charter (exclusive use of the boat for your group), or open charter (tour is open to the public and charges are per person)Private charters: (beverages, snack, and snorkel gear included)
Group size 1-6 people $900
Group size 1-2 people $175 per person
Group size 3-6 people $150 per personOpen charter: (snacks and beverages included)
Group size 1-2 people $240
Group size 3-6 people $110 each person
Group size 7-12 people $100 each personShore Swims (early mornings only)
One person $100
2-4 people $100 plus $50 for each additional personPrices quoted include my fees as your personal guide and cost of additional safety swimmers if needed, but do not include gratuities to the captain, or crew. While tips are optional for individuals or small groups, an 15% gratuity will be added to charters of 7 or more people. There are no guarantees that dolphins will be encountered!
Once a group of 5 or more participants is established, it is advisable to reserve the charter as private so as to have exclusive use of the boat. The only instance where this might not be advisable is if there is a high expectancy that some participants might cancel. A private charter reservation can always be opened up to the public if that should become necessary. All boats have at least a 48-hour cancellation policy, and with larger groups, the policies vary from 3-30 days.
Advance bookings for private charters are very important, as the qualified boats tend to book up fast during the busiest months. Clients must be encouraged to make reservations well ahead of their arrival, as last minute bookings, particularly for individuals and small groups, can be difficult in obtaining. Better to hold a spot and cancel if plans change than not to be able to find a space in the time allotted on the island.
Open charters are not always available, especially during peak seasons. There are only a couple boat operators offering this option. It is advisable to make plans well in advance, and be flexible as to which days you can be available to join a group.
Swim Alternative:
In some instances, swimming out to meet the dolphins from the shoreline is an alternative, particularly with 1-2 individuals who are comfortable snorkeling in the ocean. Participants will provide their own transportation and snorkel equipment, and must understand there is no guarantee of encountering dolphins during these guided snorkel experiences. We will visit both local bays (if necessary) to locate dolphins, and stay to enjoy snorkeling and swimming at the second if the dolphins are not to be found.Shore Swims: (early mornings only)
Cost - one person $75
2-4 people $75 plus $50 each additional personGroups of more than 4 will only be considered if participants are strong swimmers and experienced snorkelers, and agree to use the "buddy system" while in the water.
There are no guarantees that dolphins will be encountered! Participants will be given an orientation to dolphin encounter etiquette, and safe entry point and procedure in order to be able to return on their own if they choose.
