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Blown Away- My No Go Dolphin SwimBy Lynda Joy Smith
I didn’t have to travel far, or pay heaps to go overseas, this experience is available in my own backyard. Around two hours south from Melbourne, Australia. Bus, train or automobile will get you to the seaside town of Sorrento. Part of the Mornington Peninsulas bay and play area, complete with national park. (Free except for the interesting bit on the end, where years ago our then current Prime Minister made the fatal decision, a quick swim at Cheviot beach. He just vanished). Eco-tourism cruises depart daily from October through to May (weather permitting). This as it turned out is the important fact. I chose Moonraker Cruises because they were the only operator working that day. A gray sky and whitecaps whisked up by a brisk southerly breeze didn’t bode well, but being intrepid adventures we sailed ahead. (It’s a good idea to call ahead if conditions are windy, especially if a dolphin swim is your main interest). For $90.00 AUD you get called a swimmer. Wetsuit, flippers, goggles, snorkel and one free coffee, tea or hot chocolate plus a safety talk are included in the price. Comforting was the fact that they haven’t lost a swimmer yet, but do observe the two metre no-go zone around the seal buoy, the person who was dive bombed last year was apparently shaken, not stirred. Seals are heavy. Positive thinking, experience of a lifetime, I still remember my adventurous spirit and I might learn something, hopefully the correct way to breathe through a snorkel. Of course I wasn’t giving any credence to all whom had mentioned pre-trip that sharks eat seals and wetsuits make you look like a seal. Mine had aqua blue on the arms. If you don’t feel up to being outfitted in a wetsuit, though personally I think it feels terrific, or you cant’ bring yourself to fill out a medical indemnity form, you can take the cruise for half the price, less again for the ankle-biters. Observers get one included drink, plus they get to watch you. Light snacks and drinks are available on board at extra cost. We headed towards the Heads (entrance to Port Phillip Bay) but the wind blew. Two metre swells saw the quickest U-turn that I didn’t know a twenty-five-metre cruiser was capable of. Captain Martin sure knew his craft and we rode the swells back to the Rye pier where a small pod of dolphins often hang out.
Why do this? If fun is your middle name or you need to find it again, or believe that solar pinging should be at the top of the charts, then this is for you. Personally ( apart from feeling really cool hanging out in a wetsuit), I was ticking off one more item on my life’s to do list. And being born and bred an Aussie, overcoming my fear of a shark mistaking me for a seal. My trip was booked through the Bayplay Lodge And Adventure Centre. Based at Blairgowrie in a quiet, natural environment it offers a complete accommodation and activity centre for heaps of activities on the Peninsula. Scuba dive training and dives being a specialty as the centre has it’s own dive training pool on site. Contact Alison or Penny At the Bayplay Lodge. or Contact Moonraker Cruises direct. Images By: Lynda Joy Smith |
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With
the other half away for a few days I’d had in mind a spa stay. Pampering, a
mandatory three Kilo weight loss. Tempting, but alas my fiscal position
wasn’t up to the job. Swim or sightsee with dolphins and seals.
Environmentally responsible dolphin interactions. The blurb was so inviting
that I thought why not? Also heard that wetsuits give you a tight, toned
look.
Mick
the spotter dog was vigilant, keeping a nose out on each side of the boat
and amazing all with his ladder climbing routine to the top deck. But we
heard none of his trademark “dolphin ahoy” woofs that afternoon. My day turned out to be a no-go swim. Moonraker
generously offered a trip the next day or full refund.