Dolphin swimmers get new winter suits
24 Jul 2008
New Zealand tourists keen to swim with dolphins but put off by cool water temperatures, especially in winter, can breathe a sigh of relief.
Black Cat Cruises based in Akaroa on Banks Peninsular in the South Island, have launched what is believed to be a world first - dry suits for customers who want to swim with dolphins, all year round.
007 style
In true James Bond style you can pull the lightweight dry suit over existing clothing and stay warm and comfortable while you frolic in icy cold waters. When you re-emerge and pull the suit off, you’re not only dry but can walk away in your existing clothing as though you’ve just got dressed.
The Mustang waterproof suits are made from breathable gore-tex fabric and have adjustable and wrist seals. They’re the same as the suits used by New Zealand Armed Forces, the US coast guard and the NASA space programme.
Appeciative audience
Paul Bingham of Black Cat Cruises says his company has invested in dry suits to improve customer experience, but the dolphins are also showing appreciation.
"They really seem to love it," says Bingham who recently took to the water to test the new suit. "It’s the first time I’ve been in Lyttelton Harbour in the middle of winter but after half and hour in water that was just 10 deg C, I stayed 100 percent dry wearing normal winter clothes under the dry suit.
"The added benefit is the fact that the suits are nice and buoyant. You can lie flat in the water and almost go to sleep; the weightlessness is very relaxing. Another advantage is customers will not need a shower afterwards which saves water and energy," says Bingham.
Black Cat offers customers dry suits free-of-charge from mid May to September which makes swimming with dolphins a realistic year-round experience, providing swimmers wear warm, sensible clothing underneath.
Hector's dolphins
The company runs daily cruises on the scenic harbours of Akaroa and Lyttelton concentrating on Hector’s dolphins, local wildlife and historic features of the region.
Hector’s dolphins are the smallest oceanic dolphin and are renowned for their playful, friendly nature. About 900 of the dolphins make their home around Banks Peninsular and regularly come into Akaroa and Lyttelton harbours.
Paul Bingham says that in the past 12 months they’ve seen dolphins on 98 percent of their cruises, with successful swims on 81 percent.
More information
New Zealand dolphins
New Zealand's dolphin tales
Saving Hector's dolphins
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