Spinner Dolphins of Hawaii
It was a Tuesday on July 16th that I went snorkeling on the SW region of the Big Island. As I walked with a friend towards the shore that early afternoon, some spectators were cheering at spinner dolphins playing with an individual swimmer. Although tempting to join them, it was obvious there was a beautiful connection going on. So we decided not to interrupt and went about our fantastic snorkeling journey on the opposite side of the bay.
When we came to shore my friend (with better vision), recognized the swimmer and spoke to her. She was a lovely lady, perhaps in her 50's, who said she was a regular with a routine to ask for their permission to play. She explained that they sleep with one eye open, which is the norm that time of day.
Her method is to sing the same tune as she swims to their resting area, then watch for the parents to grant permission for interaction. "You know they are telepathic," she said. And went on about the euphoric experience.
I've read and heard about swimming with dolphins. It's always described as a healing and spiritual experience. Three years ago I camped further south on the island for several days. I met a charming young woman who was new to the island and going through major changes in her life. As my friends and I were packing early morning to leave, she pointed to the spinner dolphins and asked me if I wanted to join her. I declined due to the timing, yet we had not left when she returned to shore. Excited I was still there to ask about the experience, I greeted her on the beach and shall never forget her look and words.
It was a distance swim, so she had to catch her breath. She wanted to share, but had to regain her composure first. It was a challenge for her to describe; like a pleasant near-death experience. She said there was a mother dolphin in the group with a baby resting under her belly. The baby wanted to play and asked the mother for permission, but behaved like hide-and-seek. Swim out a bit, then back under the belly. Each time the swim was further out and closer to the woman, and so it became a game. During the beginning of the game she had direct eye contact with the mother. She attempted to explain her emotions, how that dolphin reached her heart and soul. It was an experience she would never forget, obviously in a euphoric state.
Many people seem to embrace the dolphin connection through pets. Dolphins like to kiss! Check out the YouTube videos:
Why don't I share where the dolphins hang out? Well, come to Big Island to find out!
The locals (and visitors also) don't want the media to cause disturbance to these precious creatures who deserve our human respect.
The Wild Dolphin Foundation is a good source of facts.
