A common question we hear in Hilton Head is "Can I swim with the dolphin?"
The answer is both "Yes" and "No"...
Some resort destinations are offering programs for people to swim with dolphin in a controlled environment. The Hilton Head Island area does not offer any such programs for "artificial" interaction and swimming with dolphin. While we understand the need and value for rehabilitation of sick or injured animals, some of these "swim with dolphin" programs seem to push the line of exploitation. It can be said, however, that there is a value in creating close interactive experiences between humans and dolphin, or any other intelligent species, for that matter. If operated in a safe and limited manner with the ultimate respect and concern for the well-being of the dolphin, perhaps these "swim with dolphin" programs are beneficial.
The answer is both "Yes" and "No"...
Some resort destinations are offering programs for people to swim with dolphin in a controlled environment. The Hilton Head Island area does not offer any such programs for "artificial" interaction and swimming with dolphin. While we understand the need and value for rehabilitation of sick or injured animals, some of these "swim with dolphin" programs seem to push the line of exploitation. It can be said, however, that there is a value in creating close interactive experiences between humans and dolphin, or any other intelligent species, for that matter. If operated in a safe and limited manner with the ultimate respect and concern for the well-being of the dolphin, perhaps these "swim with dolphin" programs are beneficial.
At Live Oac, we focus on watching dolphin in their natural environment, and educating people about these fascinating creatures. From a scientific perspective, we realize that the "observer influences the observed" in every situation. Even by boating amongst dolphin, we are creating an interaction between the dolphin and ourselves that otherwise would not exist. We feel this level of interaction with natural, wild dolphin is completely acceptable, outweighed by the education and experience for the observer. In years of guiding dolphin tours in Hilton Head Island, it is obvious that people are positively affected by such interaction, and this increases a respect for dolphin and their environment which likely leads to positive behavioral changes in the future which ultimately benefit the dolphin.
If you're thinking of swimming with wild dolphin, you'll need to get some practice. They're much faster than a human! But actually, we very often find ourselves swimming when dolphin appear near us. These wonderful moments are always a surprise. Imagine floating in the water, getting ready to take off on waterskis when a dolphin breaks the surface beside you. It seems these intelligent creatures are as curious of us as we are of them, and they'll often come close to investigate this strange thing (you) they see in their creek.
Perhaps you'll have this special opportunity!
If you're thinking of swimming with wild dolphin, you'll need to get some practice. They're much faster than a human! But actually, we very often find ourselves swimming when dolphin appear near us. These wonderful moments are always a surprise. Imagine floating in the water, getting ready to take off on waterskis when a dolphin breaks the surface beside you. It seems these intelligent creatures are as curious of us as we are of them, and they'll often come close to investigate this strange thing (you) they see in their creek.
Perhaps you'll have this special opportunity!