These friendly mammals don’t mind us joining them for surf and that’s why the NSW Marine Parks Authority has given Dolphin Swim Australia a special three year permit to run these one of a kind encounters.

Frank Future from Dolphin swim Australia says “trials of the in-water dolphin encounters have shown that these types of dolphins just love to ride the waves with us and come right alongside our guests in the water”.

This experience is the first of its kind in all of Australia. Upon arrival at Nelson Bay Marina in Port Stephens, you’ll be thoroughly briefed before they let you into the water. Once on the boat, four people at a time will be donned in protective wetsuits, snorkel gear and safety harnesses before entering the pristine waters to swim with those wonderful and highly intelligent creatures.

While in the water you’ll be securely attached on a cable between the twin bows of your catamaran, which will glide along at a pleasant 5 kilometers an hour to ensure an uninterrupted in-water interaction.

These friendly common dolphins get excited when they see humans, especially when we swim along at the same speed as them. This gives you the opportunity to have a more in-depth experience than any other way.

While in the water you’ll be securely attached on a cable between the twin bows of your catamaran, which will glide along at a pleasant 5 kilometers an hour to ensure an uninterrupted in-water interaction.
 

“It’s an intense and moving experience that takes you right into the dolphins’ world, where you can hear and feel their vocalizations,” Future says.

If however, you aren't that keen on the refreshing waters of the pacific ocean, you can also enjoy the dolphin experience from a safe distance on the catamaran as an observer.

Apart from having a great time and seeing dolphins up close, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about them. On each trip, staff conducts scientific research to find out more about the movement and numbers of common dolphins and they also want to make sure that this interactive activity doesn’t have a negative impact on the species.

So, make sure you don’t miss out, because tours are limited to 20 swimmers and 20 observers at a time. The Ride with the Dolphin Pod experience launches every Saturday and Sunday at 7.15am from the Nelson Bay marina.

Details //  Ride with the dolphin pod experience
Where //  Nelson Bay marina, 2.5 hours north of Sydney
When //  Every Saturday and Sunday from 7.15am (4 hours duration)
How much //  $AUD 229 for swimmers (including wetsuit and snorkel hire) $AUD60 for observers
Contact //  www.dolphinswimaustralia.com.au