Overview
The high dolphin population is a huge drawcard for visitors to Port Stephens, and there are plenty of companies offering the opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. But this experience takes things to the next level by letting you jump in the ocean and splash around with them.
Dolphin Swim Australia has offered this up close and personal experience — the only one of its kind in NSW — since 2010. The four-hour tour takes place on a 52-foot catamaran and sets off from Nelson Bay's d'Albora Marina at 5am (if ever there were a reason to get up before sunrise, this is it). When the crew comes across a pod, six guests at a time will don masks and snorkels and be attached to a rope strung between to the bows of the catamaran. As the boat moves through the water, the dolphins will glide alongside the group, occasionally darting in between people. They respond positively to sound, so you're encouraged to sing out to get them to show off a little. The species most commonly seen is the patterned common dolphin, though you may also get to see common bottlenose dolphins.
Images: Destination NSW