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Alex Thompson
In Kaikoura, you can slide off the back of a boat, look down into the ocean and be surrounded by inquisitive, friendly, dusky dolphins.
1. In Kaikoura, you can slide off the back of a boat, look down into the ocean and be surrounded by inquisitive, friendly, dusky dolphins.
2. Along the Kaikoura coast, pod sizes range from 10 to 1000 Dolphin Encounter has an impressive success rate and takes visitors to swim with the dusky dolphins in their natural environment, or watch their acrobatic displays from the comfort of the boat.
3. The Kaikoura Canyon is a deep underwater trench that brings lots of deep-water nutrients close to shore. These nutrients start a very productive food chain, which means Kaikoura can support large numbers of dusky dolphins.
4. On a Dolphin Encounter tour the dolphins are not enticed to the swimmers in any way; instead, it is up to the swimmers to ‘entertain’ the wild dolphins. This can involve making dolphin noises, singing your favourite song or even just squealing with excitement.
5. The dusky dolphin is one of the most acrobatic dolphins in the world (no one is quite sure why!)
6. Dolphins love surfing at the front of the boat, giving passengers the perfect photo opportunity.
7. Dusky Dolphins are found in Kaikoura all year round.
8. A newly born dusky dolphin calf is about the size of a rugby ball, they are very cute.
9. When passengers are swimming with the dolphins, Dolphin Encounter provide a wetsuit, hood, flippers and a mask and snorkel.
10. Whether you are on the boat or in the water, the experience of being on the open ocean with wild dusky dolphins is one you will remember.
For more information visit www.encounterkaikoura.co.nz
Swimming with or watching the dusky dolphins in their open ocean environment is for many, a dream come true.
