SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS AND SEALS IN NZ
"Through experiencing how other operators do their whale- and wildlife tours, we get new ideas which might develop our business. You learn a lot about yourself through seeing others" I wrote in an article when Daniel and I had been on a great whale watching tour in Madeira. This time it was GG guides Peter and Sarah's turn to encounter marine mammals in another part of the world. Here is their story:
Since there is no whale watching season in Iceland right now and our eagerness for travelling led us to the other side of the world - New Zealand - we decided to find out what whale watching is like there. We participated in a slightly different trip at Diveworks Dolphin and Seal Encounters in Whakatane.
Excited about the chance to see some common dolphins and, as far as possible, snorkel next to them in the open sea, we were heading for Moutohora (which means “Whale Island” in Maori), a small island nearby the coast. After watching a group of about hundred dolphins for quite a long while, we got the chance to leave the boat and swim at that place where these dolphins had jumped and swum before.
As curious they had been just minutes earlier, as soon they also lost interest in our boat when we entered the water. It took several tries until we were able to watch them for a few great moments under the surface. Not only could we finally see them, additionally, we were able to hear their noises really clear.
Even though these happenings were just for a few minutes (New Zealand’s law is strict saying that tourists are not allowed to swim with dolphins for more than 30 minutes) it was an indescribable and impressing moment for everyone on board.
As if that was not enough, we went on and came closer to the coast of the island when suddenly a group of seals appeared in a short distance. They were enjoying the sun or swimming and diving next to the rocks. The skipper was able to bring us really close to the animals and offered us a swim, surrounded by these seals.
In contrast to the dolphins, the seals were quite playful and interested in our doings. We had the chance to snorkel really close to them - literally just a few centimetres away - while they were diving around us, always swimming towards our faces.
Further animals we could see up close were sea gannets, stingrays and thousands of colourful fish.
To put it short it was an absolutely unforgettable time and we conclude that this tour is a must for every marine wildlife fan.
Sarah and Peter
Here follow some photos from their tour:
(LIA)