We have uploaded the photos for swimming with dolphins on Jan 3, 2012. Please have a look and help yourself to your favorite clips.

Check out the new photo stream for Jan 2 2012

Dolphin Swim Australia’s is ready to go, the first week of January 2012 looks like the best weather yet, so book your wild dolphin swim in Port Stephens today. Dolphin swimming and dolphin watching is available daily just click BOOK NOW

The brain child of Andrew Parker, The AMVE, or aquatic marine viewing experience, is a world first for dolphin swimming. This swim is designed to support the natural behavior of dolphins to bow ride. From the moment a baby dolphin is born, it takes up a position along its mothers side, to be carried along in her slip stream. From this position, the energy expenditure if far less. The baby dolphin is carried along in the bow wave created by the movement of the mothers body. As the young dolphin grows it learns to master this art of bow riding. It moves from its mother, on to other types of bow riding, including riding the waves of the ocean, boats, and other larger animals, such as whales. Throughout history, stories foretold of the great bonds between man and dolphin. Now with this innovative swim, dolphin lovers can experience the dolphins doing something they are not only born to do, but something they love to do. play on the bow of a friendly vessel while experiencing inquisitive humans. Come experience the dolphins with us as they play amongst the waves, in their natural environment, happy and free!

Dolphins fall under a scientific order called cetaceans. Cetaceans are mammals, and like all mammals, they breathe air, give birth to live young which feed off of mothers milk, and yes….they have hair. Well, only when they are first born. On the rostrum, or beak, they are born with whiskers. These whiskers soon fall out and the animal is left only with the hair follicles that held the hair. If you look closely you will see these small hair follicles on both sides of the rostrum. So now you know that dolphins actually have hair, or for a brief time, have hair, in the form of whiskers.

Swimming with wild dolphins in the Port Stephens Marine Park is always exciting, and this time of year is no exception. From our last trip out it would appear that these are exciting times. The dolphins are getting all geared up to begin a new dance of life. They seem to be feeling quite frisky with lots of belly to belly action. For all of you lay people, this means its mating time. Dolphins are one of the few animals that do not only have sex to reproduce, they also have sex for the pure enjoyment. We see a lot of sexual behavior year round, but these displays seems to be more important. In these encounters, the females are usually found at the top of the water column, with the assertive male found just below and presenting his belly to the female. Often seen in these displays are gentle pec fin rubs, which can be seen as full body rubs, fin to fin rubs, and tender face rubs. It is also possible to catch a glimpse of the more sensual rubs, but don’t blink, you just might miss it. When the breeding gets serious, we know it will be approx. 11 months till we see the next generation of beautiful little common dolphins. In the images below, you can see how things really start unfold.

First the male will follow the female and wait for physical or chemical cues. Next begins the tactile behavior, which is the touchy feely stuff, then the mating begins. The funny thing about all this exotic behavior is that the dolphins don’t seem to be the least bit bothered by humans. In fact they seem to be more than happy to share their displays with on-lookers. Talk about your exhibitionists.

Are you in Sydney and just need a break? Well, only 2.5 hours outside of Sydney lies a blue water wonder land. Nelson Bay is located just along the coast at Port Stephens, and is known as the dolphin capital of Australia. Its time for a wonderful weekend getaway, and Port Stephens is your answer. To top it off, found only at Port Stephens, is swimming with wild dolphins with Dolphin Swim Australia. This swim is the only one of its kind, as it was designed to interact with dolphins on their own terms, doing what they love to do best, bow riding. Imagine yourself gliding through the water, as you are surrounded by friendly dolphins. Their songs will echo through your heart, as the rhythmic pulses of their sonar sooth your soul. It is an experience of a life time. This friendly group of dolphins is there of their own free will, because they choose to interact with our vessel and play amongst the swimmers. Dolphin Swim Australia also offers one of the best dolphin watching cruises which also includes a light breakfast. This one if perfect for those that just wish to observe. The cruise is 4 hours and includes a light breakfast on board. Participants must be on the dock at 5:30am to collect wetsuit, then board the vessel to depart at 6:00am. Vessel arrives back at the dock at 10:00am.

 Look into the many beautiful accommodations that are offered such as, Bali at the Bay, which offers a romantic Bali-style getaway, or try the Nelson, which is perfectly located across the street from D’albora Marina,  The Nelson Resort, For a Spa experience, try Shoal Bay Resort and Spa,  or  O’Carrollyns, for more of a nature-type feel. If you are a  back packer, Melaleuca Backpackers is your paradise. You can’t miss with any of these suggestions, as they cater to a range of budgets. With all that awaits you in Port Stephens, get your perfect weekend getaway planned immediately. With under a 3 hour drive, Book your dolphin swim now, and get ready for some fun!

Swimming with wild dolphins has never been easier. All you have to do is go to our calendar page, find a date that suits you, and book on. Our next trips out are Sat and Sun Dec 3rd and 4th. We still have some room on these cruises and would love to see some new faces take the plunge. The waters around Port Stephens are warming up and the dolphins are keyed for action. If you live in NSW and want to experience “in water” encounters with wild dolphins, you no longer have to travel out of the state. Dolphin Swim Australia is ready to help you experience the wild dolphins of the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park. BOOK NOW to get your spot our with us this weekend to meet the dolphins.