Why do we love swimming with dolphins?
Swimming with dolphins has always been on the top of my wishlist. Gliding through the water with the spectacular marine mammal by your side seems like fantastic fun. To swim with dolphins is not only said to be an unforgettable experience but extremely therapeutic, and is even used to treat depression in humans.
Dolphins are incredibly sociable creatures, so as well as getting to learn about the marine world, you will personally connect with them, which is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. We often get asked where the best place to swim with dolphins is, so we’ve put together a list of the top spots to get your dolphin fix from around the world.
Where can you swim with dolphins?
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
If you are looking for one of the best places to swim with dolphins in the world, then Raja Ampat is the place for you. It is not only home to dolphins but also 600 species of hard corals, whales, orcas, and a diverse bird population. Raja Ampat is the perfect insight into the biodiversity of marine life.
When you swim with the dolphins there, you’ll be lucky enough to encounter spinner, spotted, common, and bottlenose varieties. There are around 1500 islands for you to explore so take your pick, but we recommend going between October and April for the best weather. The easiest way to get there is to fly to Sorong via Jakarta.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Situated on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is one of the best places to swim with dolphins in the world. The proliferation of the stunning Dusky dolphin in the area means you can find multiple pods ranging from 100 to 800 in size scattered off the coast, making the area perfect for swimming with dolphins. You also have the option to simply observe them, or snorkel and dive with them, depending on the tour operator you choose. The best thing about swimming with the dolphins in Kaikoura is that they are entirely in the wild.
The nearest big city is Christchurch which is 2.5 hours south. I recommend driving up and spending a night or two relaxing in Kaikoura before taking an unforgettable tour.
The Galapagos Islands, South America
Situated off the west coast of South America, The Galapagos Islands may not be the easiest to travel to, but the journey is worth it. To get there, take a flight from either Quito, Ecuador’s capital city in the Andean foothills, or the country’s port city Guayaquil on the mainland, direct flights aren’t possible.
If you are asking yourself, where can I swim with dolphins? Then this UNESCO World Heritage Site should be one of the top spots. You will be treated to bottlenose, spinner, spotted and risso’s dolphins, as well as an endless array of whales, mantas, penguins and even sharks. The climate means that you’ll be able to swim with dolphins all year round.
Bimini, Bahamas
Finding where to swim with dolphins can seem like a daunting task. But Bimini, which is around 77 km off the coast of Miami, takes all the stress away. The clear shallow waters that surround Alice Town, the centre of Bimini, make it a perfect spot to swim with the dolphins that inhabit the area.
The Atlantic spotted dolphins which call Bimini home are friendly, playful, and intelligent. They are also well socialised so you can interact with them for hours. I recommend hiring some snorkelling gear and taking the plunge or trying a spot of freediving to get close to them.
Fernando De Noronha Island, Brazil
Located 320km off the coast of Brazil, you’ll have to get a flight from Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, or other major mainland cities to visit this tropical paradise. Due to its wide range of marine life, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
While the area is renowned for the spinner dolphins that inhabit the waters, by taking a tour to swim with the dolphins you may also come across a humpback and melon-headed whales. You may also be lucky enough to encounter sea turtles and reef sharks in the pristine waters. I recommend visiting between August and November to avoid the rain and then take a diving trip to explore the ocean with up to 50m of visibility.
Oahu, Hawaii
The 13 species of Dolphin that live off the coast of Oahu, coupled with an amazing climate make it perfect for swimming with dolphins. Regardless of the time of year that you visit, you see the spinner, bottlenose, and spotted dolphins all in their natural habitat.
If you want to swim with the dolphins, make sure the tour company you go with operates under the Dolphin SMART program, which seeks to minimize harassment of the animals. Getting to Oahu is simple, with most international carriers serving the main airport on the island.
Should you swim with dolphins?
If you are continually asking yourself, where can I swim with dolphins? Then it’s time to take the plunge and treat yourself to a once in a lifetime experience. Swimming with dolphins is an enriching experience that will give you a better appreciation of marine life. Just make sure to go with a reputable company that seeks to disrupt the animals as little as possible.
