UPDATED FEB 2020. Dolphins are intelligent, social, and playfully curious creatures that capture our attention in a big way. They remind us that there is magic in this world. We watch in awe as they glide through the water and fly through the air. They are simply incredible. We are so lucky that Hawaii is home to these awe-inspiring creatures. This means that swimming with them is a dream that can become a reality. In today’s post, I’m sharing a practical guide on how to swim with wild dolphins in Hawaii.
How To Swim With Wild Dolphins In Hawaii – A Practical Guide
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I have been asked many times about how to swim with wild dolphins so I wanted to share some tips on the subject to help make the experience one to remember.
These are tips that I have learned along the way and I am sure that by following them, you will be able to interact with the dolphins safely and make the most of this magical once in a lifetime opportunity.
FAQ for swimming with wild dolphins in Hawaii
Where can you find them?
Usually along the west coast or north shore.
When is the best time to swim with dolphins?
In those areas, never in winter due to the rough surf conditions. For the time of day, morning is usually best.
What skill is needed?
Advanced if you are not on a tour.
What should you bring with you?
- Underwater camera
and a floaty selfie stick (this is the one I use) - Snacks or energy gels (I always have these with me)
- Snorkel gear
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Lightweight towel
- Snorkel gear
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My favorite places to swim with wild dolphins on Oahu
- Electric Beach
- Waimea Bay
- Yokohama Bay
Should you take a tour?
I recommend taking a tour to swim with dolphins in the wild before you try it yourself.
The main reason is safety.
On a tour, you have a team of people to do the thinking for you. They keep an eye on the dolphin’s behavior (and teach you about it) and keep you safe in the strong ocean currents (you are in the deep blue remember).
You can imagine how excited you will be when you first see wild dolphins right?
I bet all your thinking just went out the window.
That’s normal because it is such an exciting rush. However, the last thing you want is to be out in the ocean and not paying attention to the weather or how far you are drifting. This is why I suggest going on a paid tour first.
Personally, I went with Dolphin Excursions Hawaii and I highly recommend them. I recommend the wild tours as oppose to swimming with captive dolphins because it is about one million times better.
You are not spending your money to support the dolphin slaughters that occur around the world to capture dolphins that are used in those parks.
Instead, your money goes to local businesses who are passionate about conservation and education.
Understand Dolphin behavior
We often tend to think of dolphins with Flipper colored glasses. We think that they are so happy-go-lucky that they will be our BFF’s as soon as we meet them.
Ahh, if only!
It is good to remember that while they are a social, curious, and friendly animal they do, like any animal, have the potential to hurt you.
Dolphins have been known to take on sharks, so if it came down to it they could easily take on one of us two-legged creatures.
Like with any animal, it is important to be able to read body language and understand different behaviors to allow for peaceful interaction.
Earlier in the week, I swam with a large pod who were swimming casually for the most part but then a couple of them started to behave aggressively with each other and began to fight.
As soon as I noticed this we moved slowly away and gave them space. If we hadn’t picked up on those behaviors, we could’ve found ourselves in a scary situation.
I suggest researching dolphin behaviors, including the difference between play and aggression, as well as sleeping and mating behaviors before attempting a swim with them.
Ensure you are a strong swimmer
Doing these open water swims with dolphins is for people who are confident and experienced swimming in the ocean.
Some areas around here have lifeguards while others don’t, but lifeguards or not, you do need to be able to hold your own in the water. The ocean and particularly deep ocean swimming is not something to be taken lightly.
If in doubt, don’t go out.
I would suggest building up to a bigger swim by starting where you are comfortable and building distance/time little by little just to be safe.
Don’t be annoying
Remember you are entering their home.
If you see them, get excited then race over to them with a lot of noise and splashing you will probably just scare them off. Even worse, your actions could be seen as a display of aggression.
Be respectful while in their home.
Don’t chase them, get in their pod, or cut them off – that’s disrespectful and unsafe.
That’s why I suggest going on the tour first because when you first see them it is such an exciting thrill that it is hard to keep yourself in check. The team on the tour will help you with that.
The best thing you can do is chill out and let them swim around you.
Quite often if you act calmer, they will get curious and be more inclined to swim near you. Sometimes this will be for a fleeting moment, other times it might be for a good amount of time. They will decide that.
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Be prepared when you swim with wild dolphins in Hawaii
It’s usually a big swim so remember your own preparations.
Make sure you are well hydrated and have had good meals prior to swimming.
It is hard to feel the effects of sun and dehydration while in the water so maybe even take a watch so you can set yourself a time to leave the water for a rest break.
If you start feeling tired, thirsty or cramping up, make sure you get out of the water.
It’s also good to only do this kind of swim if your skills are up to it. Ocean currents are no match for you and you need to know how to swim in them.
Be aware of the dangers of swimming with wild dolphins
These are not intended to scare you out of it.
Instead, these are some things to be aware of. Sometimes get such tunnel vision for dolphins that we miss other factors.
You will be swimming in open ocean currents so keep an eye on how far you are drifting and how strong the currents are. You are also sharing the space with boats and these boats may have a hard time seeing your low profile.
Be aware of this and keep a safe distance from them.
Sharks may be just as interested in the pod as you but for a different reason so just remember that as with any ocean experience you are sharing the space with them also.
Dehydration and heat-related illness are very real dangers of these bigger swims so keep track of yourself and take a break when needed.
Don’t forget your GoPro
And charge it because when you swim with wild dolphins in Hawaii, you’re going to want some photos.
It’s best to use it on a longer selfie stick so you can get closer photos of them without being too close to them.
If you had been wondering how to swim with wild dolphins in Hawaii, I hope these tips can help prepare you for the experience.
If you found it useful, return the favor by sharing it or following me on Instagram!
Amazing as always! I’d love to do this…but I’m a horrible swimmer. XD
You definitely still could if you went on a tour because then you get a lifejacket and can just float along with the dolphins instead of swim. It is the most wonderful experience, especially listening to them talk!
Swimming with dolphins are my favorite and truly one of the best experiences of my life! Your pictures are amazing!
Thank you! Definitely the best experience!
How did you return to the spots on your own without a boat?
I swim, but it’s a pretty long swim and I’m usually out in the water for a few hours so I would not do that unless you are a strong swimmer and knowledgeable about the ocean conditions. If in doubt, just jump on a boat tour. Good luck!
If you love dolphins, you should never take one of these tours! You have to remember that they are wild animals and they come close to shore for very specific reasons. Often feeding or mating. Boats and people put these animals on edge. Currently the Hawaiian government is begging people NOT TO APPROACH pods of dolphins. This actually violates the Marine mamal protection which states that you should never approach these animals. A “professional tour” may love dolphins, but we all gotta eat, and any good tour guide knows that if you want to make the big bucks on ticket price and tips, give the people what they want even if it’s not the right thing to do.
Mahalo
Unfortunately I have seen some of these dodgy tours in action and I hope people know to do their research before booking and act responsibly when in the water.