Thursday, 19 August
The weather is starting to settle down, not as windy and about 23 degrees – very nice in a sheltered spot out of the wind.
One of us was ready at 7.30 am for dolphin spotting at the beach, along with about 500 other tourists! It was all very well organised by the Department of Conservation staff (they have obviously had plenty of practice), we were all lined up along the boardwalk and not allowed on the beach until given permission, then we were allowed into the water (still in a long line) to a depth of about 30 cms only. Well before this, there were at least 10 dolphins in the water, waiting. The ranger walked up and down along the line, being closely followed by one or two dolphins, and explained how the feeding had to be regulated in order for the dolphins to remain wild. Fifteen lucky people (not us) were chosen at random to feed five of the dolphins one fish each. Before the feeding was regulated, anyone could feed the dolphins at any time, as well as interact with them (not considered in the dolphins’ best interests). It was still a lovely experience, even without actually hand feeding a dolphin.
This really is a lovely place to stay for a few days, the beach is good, and there are boat tours one can undertake to view (hopefully) more dolphins, turtles and dugong. There is also a pearl farm here (see The Farmer Wants a Wife) with tours available to the workshop and pearl shop just off the shore.
The weather is starting to settle down, not as windy and about 23 degrees – very nice in a sheltered spot out of the wind.
One of us was ready at 7.30 am for dolphin spotting at the beach, along with about 500 other tourists! It was all very well organised by the Department of Conservation staff (they have obviously had plenty of practice), we were all lined up along the boardwalk and not allowed on the beach until given permission, then we were allowed into the water (still in a long line) to a depth of about 30 cms only. Well before this, there were at least 10 dolphins in the water, waiting. The ranger walked up and down along the line, being closely followed by one or two dolphins, and explained how the feeding had to be regulated in order for the dolphins to remain wild. Fifteen lucky people (not us) were chosen at random to feed five of the dolphins one fish each. Before the feeding was regulated, anyone could feed the dolphins at any time, as well as interact with them (not considered in the dolphins’ best interests). It was still a lovely experience, even without actually hand feeding a dolphin.
This really is a lovely place to stay for a few days, the beach is good, and there are boat tours one can undertake to view (hopefully) more dolphins, turtles and dugong. There is also a pearl farm here (see The Farmer Wants a Wife) with tours available to the workshop and pearl shop just off the shore.
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