Dolphin Experience

Contributed by KAZ

Long before I even started diving, I had a strange fascination with the dolphin. I think it started with a visit to a place called "Atlantis Marine Park" which used be up in Yanchep, but closed down many years ago. They used to have a dolphin show and from the first time I saw it, I knew these creatures were something special. After that, I just went dolphin crazy - I read everything I could get my hands on, watched documentaries, collected artworks, anything to do with the creatures ( A little obsessed, huh!). I have yet to encounter dolphins while scuba diving ( I have been told various reasons why they avoid scuba), but have encountered them several times while free diving.

The first experience I had was 5 years ago at Koombana Bay in Bunbury with the Discovery Centre on a charter, where I was lucky enough to be within touching distance ( look, but don't touch these beautiful creatures!!) and had the most amazing feeling run through me. I was energised completely. I felt as though I could fly - as if I had taken some incredible mood enhancing drug. The impression was long lasting. When I got home, my eyes were the most vibrant blue I have ever seen, and have never seen since - such was the effect these amazing, intelligent creatures had on me. I will never forget the sounds of their sonar - the clicks and whistles that they use to communicate.I have since returned to the Bay and had some not so close encounters, but rewarding all the same.

Then came Easter 2005. I was holidaying down at Rockingham and free diving, when out of nowhere came this beautiful dolphin swimming beside me. I stopped immediately and started to tread water. The dolphin swam around me and checked me out, turning on his side as they do to look at you. He hung around for quite a while as I stayed in the water and played games, duck-diving and somersaulting under the water. It was so hard to pull myself away, but had no choice as bad weather was rolling in. I climbed onto my fathers boat and the cheeky dolphin came right up to the side, out of the water, as if he too was going to climb aboard! Sad as it was to say goodbye, I departed, but was intent on returning the next day in the hope of another play session.

My hopes were fulfilled. Around the same time the next day, I was again in the water, and the next thing you know the same dolphin had returned. How do I know it was the same? Well, the previous day, I had made note of the scars on his skin along his body and also of the damage to his dorsal fin. When he arrived this time, he had also brought along another playmate. How lucky can I be?I thought. Two dolphins at the same time! A dream come true. Again we played and dived and somersaulted - and again it was heartbreaking to have to leave. This time for a while as my holiday had come to an end and it would be a while before I could return.

I will never forget this experience, and I feel privileged to have been able to spend this quality time with such fantastic creatures and look forward to being able to do so again.

Happy Diving!