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.
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 unique opportunity.
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.
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 unique opportunity.