Dolphins in the Wild

On the Big Island, near the town of Captain Cook, is a magical place called Kealakekua Bay. It’s one of the few areas in the world where wild dolphins live year round and you can go and swim with them in their natural habitat.

In the Hawaiian language the word Nai’a refers to all the species of dolphin that reside in the ocean near the islands. Four species are known to live in the Pacific around Hawaii: the Hawaiian spinner, the Pacific bottlenose, the rough-toothed dolphin, and the spotted dolphin. Spinner dolphins, frequently seen off the Big Island’s Kona coast, are known for their acrobatic displays where they leap through the air and pirouette. Their larger cousins, the bottlenose dolphins, usually live in pods of two to fifteen and are also permanent residents off the coast of the Big Island.

Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Hawaii

It’s best to go searching for dolphins early in the morning. You can book a tour with one of the many services available near Honokohau Harbor or you can go looking for the dolphins on your own. If you plan on going without a guide, you can rent a kayak from the locals in Captain Cook and set out to explore Kealakekua Bay. Hopefully, it won’t take too much paddling before you come across a pod of spinners.

When you slid into the clear blue water, remember to treat the dolphins with respect.  Don’t chase, or harass them. Let them come to you and before long you’ll be playing together and having what can only be described as a life-changing experience

So, don’t forget. Post a comment below and be automatically entered to win an Amazon Kindle! Contest Rules.