ACK!� What was that?
That was a dusky dolphin.� On September 24, 2000 I traveled by bus from from Christchurch, New Zealand to Kaikoura.� Kaikoura is a small town located on the northern shore of the country's South Island.� Dusky dolphins are a southern hemisphere dolphin who reside in the waters off Kaikoura all year around.� The dusky dolphins are reputed to be among the most acrobatic of the dolphin species, and their spectacular leaps and jumps bring shouts of joy to most who go out to witness their wild and free behavior.� I was fortunate enough to be able to witness that behavior.� Dolphin Encounter has been operating in Kaikoura since 1989.� They specialize in offering daily trips into the waters of the Pacific Ocean for the purpose of offering tourists a chance to swim with dusky dolphins in their natural environment.� The day was amazing.� I learned a long time ago that the sea is unpredictable.� I've now learned through personal experience that it's even more unpredictable when a person is trying to take pictures of animals living in the sea.
Come back!� I just want a picture!
That's better.� :)� We left the office at Dolphin Encounter around 1 PM.� Ten people were on the cruise and all of us were exchange students from various countries around the globe.� It was a good group.� We were all dressed in wetsuits and ready to brave the cold winter waters of the Pacific.� It took about 20 minutes sailing on VERY choppy water to reach the dolphins.� We spend the time getting used to wearing flippers, masks, and snorkels.� The boat stopped and the crew told us to line up.� We were told to jump and the swim began.