How to Swim with Dolphins and Join the Pod

Approach the pod calmly. If you charge up to them, flailing your arms, splashing a lot, chances are they will move away and stay away. If you are so excited you can't stand it, focus on your breathing as you swim out. Center yourself; get calm. I recommend that as you swim out, make a humming, singing, or clicking noise (your best imitation of a dolphin sound) and let them approach you. Then you can really know they want your company or at least find out who is making the noises in the water.

Watch your arm movements. The dolphins don't seem to mind movements that are not directed at them. When they are really playful, using your arms to keep up seems okay. When they are resting though, sudden arm movements seem to startle them.

Splash as little as possible. Splashing seems to annoy them unless the game of the moment includes some form of splashing. Many times, answering back with hand or fin claps on the water seems to encourage the game. People who splash a lot when they swim are usually playing catch-up to the dolphins rather than swimming alongside them.

Be aware of the pods' behavior. Are they diving deep when you approach them? Are they snuggling up to you as if they can't get close enough? It's very obvious what kind of interaction they want. If you are in doubt, swim along with them calmly and see what they do.

Take your cues from their behavior. If they've been playful for a while and suddenly have moved into rest mode, respect that; it's time to go in or change your own swim style to rest mode. There's nothing more relaxing than swimming along with a pod of sleepy dolphins. It could also be the reverse. They may have been keeping their distance all morning and suddenly you can't get rid of them. Go with the flow; they will let you know.

If they want to touch you, they will. Many people brag that they've touched a dolphin. Watching these people swimming after dolphins, arms outstretched and hands grasping, desperately trying to touch dolphin skin, is disheartening. When a dolphin or two swims alongside you making deep eye contact, your heart melts and you feel as if you're being physically embraced. The other isn't even a close second.

Be polite to other swimmers. Watch out for other people in the water. Be as polite to them as you would be to the dolphins. Look where you're going and try not to cut off others in your eagerness to get close to the dolphins. In addition, if you see someone swimming along obviously in an intimate conversation with some dolphins, don't interrupt. It's as rude in the water as it is on land. You won't want it happening to your intimate moments, so don't do it to anyone else.

Lighten up, have fun. Dolphins like to play and have a great sense of humor. You just have to watch them playing with each other to see it. Many times they will include you in their games. Go with the intention to have fun! Dolphins affect people on all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. However, if you go out expecting a heavy spiritual experience, it might happen, but chances are you'll probably be disappointed. So, go out for fun, and you'll probably leave the water feeling more joyful and centered than you've ever been.

Honor you own timing. When you know it is time to go in, go in. When our turn is over, listen. Get out of the way for someone else's turn, Many times there are a few dolphins and a lot of people who want their attention. If they've given you quality time and have turned to someone else, honor that and thank them for the time you had.

Honor your own limits. If the water is too rough, too deep, or the dolphins are too far out, don't go out. If you are worried or scared about going out, DON'T GO! Your safety is the number one priority.