Fear and excitement battle it out in my stomach,as I arise early to the slow lightening of a day that would transform my world. Gazing out to sea above the crashing surf below, I wonder about the captivating creatures I hope to encounter today. At sunrise, we arrive at the marina in Kona to board our dive boat, where the captain and crew greet us warmly. We begin to prepare ourselves and our snorkle gear, for on this sparkling Hawaiian morning, we journey out to sea in search of wild Dolphins.
Our Captain, China, and his crew express a deep reverence and respect for the Dolphin world and their environment. China blows his horn to the four directions. His deep, rich voice speaks a traditional Hawaiian prayer in honour of the earth, the sea and all her inhabitants. This simple ceremony adds to the calm purpose I feel, as I begin what is for me, an exciting, though possibly daunting visit to an alien world.
Dolphins spend the night feeding, miles out at sea. In the morning, they swim in to more shallow bays to rest, socialize and play. They are conscious breathers, so must always move and can never sleep. Instead, they have the ability to shut down half their brain at a time and then switch. A resting Dolphin can be spotted swimming slowly with one eye closed. The Spinner Dolphins we seek are about human size and live a similar life span to us. They are known for their playful leap out of the water, spinning and splashing down. Today, as we glide across the sunlit water, all eyes search the gently rolling waves.
Photo by Sunlight on Water
Suddenly, the boat slows. “This is going to be an epic day.” shouts China. We are in the path of a school of Manta Rays. “Everyone in the water!” Gulp. I knew I would be getting into deep water, just not this minute. What! You mean now? After a bit of coaxing, I agree to swim with crew member, Dusty. Quivering with fear, but determined, I cling to the back of his wetsuit as we enter the deep, blue sea. Arms around each other, I focus on slowing my breath. We watch a few of these magnificent creatures pass by at a distance. Then, straight in front and heading our direction is an enormous, twelve foot wide, “butterfly of the sea”. Mouth gaping open to feed, and with gracefully fluid wings, he changes course and swims just below us a few feet, and up again behind. In that tingling moment, I realize that fear has vanished, and my world just became sharper, brighter and more vivid.
Photo by Sunlight on Water
With smiles like cheshire cats, we continue heading across the bay. China and the crew remind us of the protocol we must follow as visitors to their world. We are asked to swim with our hands close to our body and never touch a Dolphin or any sea life. We do not want to scare them, nor pass on any potentially harmful germs. Shortly, a pod is spotted and we stop ahead of them in the direction they are swimming. Baby shampoo in the mask for everyone as a defog agent and we act upon that irresistible urge to get in the water with wild Dolphins. We enter in a shallow bay about fifty feet deep. The water is so clear, it looks as though I could reach down and touch the bottom. Breathing calmly now, flippers gently propelling, I swim slowly into the vast blue expanse. I hear them coming! Their chirps, squeaks and whistles get closer and they are here! The whole pod of about 200 family and friends, all on their way somewhere, have decided to swim with us. My delight is boundless. Giggles gurgle out of me as I learn to laugh with a snorkle. Enveloped in this warm, blue world, I chuckle and swim along with them. After awhile, the pod passes, and we are called back to the boat. I think our swim is finished, and I am content. But the best is yet to come.
We enjoy an escort of bow surfing Dolphins as we continue on our way. They leap into the air beside us like shiny toys. Soon we arrive at the place they will rest for the day, and we gently enter the water off the dive platform and this time the water is deep. Very deep. And very blue.
Photo by Sunlight on Water
Hands behind back, breath slow and comfortable, I glide off in a direction of my own, and wait. The early morning sunlight turns the water a shimmering, irridescent turquoise. I am shrouded in shafts of dazzling light, which pierce deeply into the abyss, like portals from heaven. My body, mind and soul hover effortlessly, embraced by a salty, silken tranquility.
Dolphin speech echos cats, chickens, crows and sweet song birds. It mimics tree frogs, squeak toys and rambling, rude raspberries. Sounds that announce they have come to play. Babies hang on to their mothers fin for a tow ride. Others swim in graceful tandem, choreographed to perfection. Some leap and spin right in front of me, then splash down like bullets, disappearing into the deep. Others swim close and look me in the eye. They want to make sure I am watching before they perform their next trick. Many are close enough to touch, but I keep my hands crossed over my heart and savour the joy of being in their company. Utterly fascinated, I watch them frolic in their delight, a sense of humour evident as one swims by completely upside down. These alluring creatures are jubilant with life. My mermaid nature is seduced into sharing their glee. I have no choice but to be charmed, as I eavesdrop on their antics and amusing, verbal expressions. I thought I knew happiness, until I met joy.
Photo by Sunlight on Water
Having lost all sense of time, I continue to drift in serenity, when another pod appears, surrounding me. I don’t know where we are going, so I just follow along. Those on the boat observe a sea of Dolphin fins with one odd looking one in the center. Me. Just one of the pod.
Feeling dreamily tired, I reluctantly return to the boat. Hanging spellbound and quivering on the edge of the platform, I am tempted out by a warm water shower. Legs like jelly, with a far away look in my eye, they declare me in Dolphin bliss, where I contentedly remain.
Back at home, gratitude motivates me as I savour the memory of my personal connection to these divine creatures. The colour and texture of a sun polished sea helps anchor a sense of calm and peace throughout my busy days. Joy, bliss, wonder and delight remain as daily gifts. Each is wrapped in a rich, deep, delicious blue.
Marcella Andrews
Marcella Andrews is a naturalist at heart with a tremendous love of the outdoors. She respectfully asks that you consider not supporting captive Dolphin shows. These animals have been kidnapped from their wild families and forced to learn tricks for dead fish. Dolphins in the wild generally swim two hundred miles a day and hunt their food live. Their pods stay together for a lifetime.
See all articles by Guest Author
Wow, Marcella, what an incredible experience!
‘A sea of Dolphin fins with one odd one in the centre’ – amazing – they are so readily inclusive.
Thank you for sharing.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free !!
What an awesome article Marcella. You truly captured the essence of being in the water with some of the worlds most awesome creatures. There is so much more for you to explore and experience. I look forward to reading more of you adventures.
Beautifully written. What a fantastic experience.
Beautifully written Marcella… your words captured this experience so eloquently…. I felt moved while reading. Thank you for sharing.
Amazing piece. So deep,detailed And tranquil. By reading this I can see how people explain to you how they can feel as If they were there. It was such a pleasure to have you on our boat and be able to show you the joy we experience daily. You did an amazing job in the water. Hope to see you again. Aloha. Dusty
Thank you Dusty, for reading my story and for your kind comment. I hope you all realize just how life transforming this adventure is for your guests. Many probably feel as I did, and still do. I remain contentedly tangled up in that lovely blue thread of my memories of those few hours with you. I feel grateful to have been able to find the right words to describe it. Yes, I would love to come again. Wishing you joy…
Dear Marcella
This is captivating. I am currently on a 3 hour train journey on a bleak spring afternoon in the UK. You helped take me back to July last year when I too was privileged to encounter the dolphins
near Kona. It was everything I’d hoped and more. A very spiritual and humbling experience. I was in awe of the dolphins and China and his crew. I would never consider seeing the magnificent dolphins in captivity. I wanted them to choose to be there! I hope one day to return. Hawaii is a magical place; the dolphins are just magnificent creatures – human society could learn from them. Regards Julie
Thank you so much Julie. I am so glad my story lifted a dull day for you. I know you understand the pull to this stunning blue world. I think they swim in to seek us out every bit as much as we seek them. I also plan to go again this year. Blessings and safe travel…
Thank you for this wonderful article. I have just posted it on our facebook page as well.
Thank you so much for sharing my story Merrilee. I still feel the pull of the blue world, and would love to come back again this year,,,
Such a wonderful story of magical connection.
Thank you for reading Deirdre. I will enjoy talking to you sometime soon…
Dear Marcella, Thank you for sharing this story – I can almost feel the fear and excitement! It has been wonderful to observe you hold onto a bit of the Hawaiian “Island Time” and a treat to view your beautiful photos. xo Dini
Thank you Dini. Sometimes my lifeline to the blue world feels a bit stretched, so I watch underwater videos. That helps, but perhaps another trip is in order?
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing the story of your inspiring adventure. Imagine all the wonderful experiences we would miss out on if we allowed fear to stop us. I admire you for recognizing your fright, but not allowing it to stop you. I also greatly appreciate your love and respect for the planet and all those inhabitants who cannot advocate for themselves. Happy trails!
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yep. I can think of a few things that I would have missed had I let fear reign. I suspect we are kindred spirits Michelle…
I really appreciated the detail in this story. You are a captivating writer! What I relate to here is that you made up your mind to do something, and by golly you did it. Felt the fear, you said, but did it anyway.
Wonder if there are other Island Women who could be encouraged by you and this story to get out their ballpoints and tell all!
Thank you so much Janet. Often the most rich and rewarding experiences, are accompanied by the greatest fear. You may have just given me my next story idea. That was a trip to Cambodia, where I spent time in an orphanage there. Talk about fear! Hope to meet you one day, Janet…
Marcella, this is a beautiful artical, I felt truly there, good for you taking on this new experience. you are an inspiration. shows we are never too old
to learn something new. Not that you are old,LOL just not 16 any more!
Thank you Jacquie. Honestly, at 60 next month, I feel better, more fit and happier than ever. Sixty is the new forty, right?
Such an amazing story!
Your explicit words have made your unique experience mine.
Thank you.
Thank you for reading MaryAnn. I am so glad you enjoyed it…
What a wonderful immersion into the dolphin’s world, Marcella. All my senses came alive again with your description. I’m so glad Greg and I could share that experience with you.
Ah, Lindsay. We had so much fun. Thank you for inviting me to share this grand adventure with you…
Marcella – very well written and so descriptive. I feel your peace.
Thanks so much for stopping by Lerisa. I feel so blessed to have maintained this lifeline of peace. I wish everyone could feel this way about something in their life…
Marcella,
Hunkered down in my rain forest sanctuary, your story transported me to another world. I felt as if I were with you surrounded by the joy-filled comradery of your new found friends. Thank-you for bringing your experience with these wonderful beings home to share.
You are so welcome Amy. I loved taking the time to hang out there as the story came to life…
Thank you for sharing this beautiful encounter with us Ma Bella!! I felt like I was there while reading your words, and the photography is spectacular!!! The Dolphins blessed you with a once in a lifetime experience!
Thank you Norma. I certainly was blessed and continue to be every day. The first time is a once in a lifetime, and I plan to repeat it again and again…
Wonderful story Marcella! Great experience you had with these alien creatures!
Thank you Barry. How often does one get to interact with an intelligent, fun, wild species in an alien, blue world/ Priceless…
Delightful article Marcella. It inspires me to visit that beautiful dolphin paradise soon. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I know you will get there soon Kim. And, like me, you will want a real underwater camera…