Can You Swim With Dolphins in Hawaii
Dolphins are among the favorite animals of many people around the world, and swimming with dolphins is a highly desired activity to do. When in Hawaii, you have the opportunity to join dolphin watching tours, such as Dolphins and You, and experience dolphins firsthand in the wild. But is this allowed in Hawaii, or are there repercussions for doing so? Here is all the information you will need to know about swimming with dolphins in Hawaii!
Rules and Regulations
In Hawaii, specific local marine wildlife is protected under state laws by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These regulations were out into place in order to help protect the local marine life, intending to protect certain marine life. In general, any of these animals shouldn’t be touched, disturbed, sleeping or awake, chased, fed, swam with, etc.
Swimming With Dolphins
In regard to dolphin rules and regulations, recommended viewing distance starts at a minimum of 50 yards (46 meters) away. On top of this, by law, you are NOT allowed to swim, approach, or remain within 50 yards of spinner dolphins in Hawaii. Doing so will result in a penalty fine ranging from $100 to $4,500.
These regulations were put into place because local Hawaiian spinner dolphins tend to hunt for food at night. While during the day, they sleep in the day. But when dolphins sleep, they are actually partially awake, as they come to the surface to breathe. This might intrigue certain individuals as it doesn’t seem like the dolphins are sleeping at first sight. This would cause local dolphins to be disturbed from their sleep and lose their own natural habitat. This regulation, which was put into place, helps allow the dolphins to sleep better!
Other Protected Sea Animals
There are also three other marine life that are protected under the NOAA: Hawaiian green sea turtles, Hawaiian Monk Seals, and Humpback whales. Not following the points below, plus what has been mentioned above, will result in a hefty fine. Each rule and regulation was set in place for its own specific reasons, with the end goal of trying to protect the local marine life.
Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are one of the other protected animals. Any sort of interactions, such as using a bright light, disturbing nesting areas, and interacting or going near sea turtles, could lead to negative consequences. On top of this, sea turtles often warm up in the sun on shorelines, as they are cold-blooded animals. Going up to them on shores can disturb them and make them feel threatened. This forces them to run away, not getting sufficient time to warm up. There is also a link between people touching turtles and the formation of fibropapilloma tumors, which can lead to the debilitation and death of the sea turtle. The viewing distance for sea turtles should be at least 10 feet (around 3 meters) away.
Hawaiian Monk Seals
Hawaiian monk seals are another animal that is protected. The Hawaiian monk seal is the most endangered seal species in the United States. It is believed that the cause of this was overhunting after the Polynesians arrived in Hawaii. The viewing distance for Hawaiian monk seals should be at least 50 feet (around 15 meters) away. On the other hand, viewing distance for Hawaiian monk seal mothers and their pups should be at least 150 feet (around 45 meters) away.
Humpback Whales
One last animal that is protected under the NOAA are humpback whale. Humpback whales treat Hawaii as a safe and warm natural habitat, where they mate, give birth, and raise their young. This occurs from around November to April, when they travel around 6,000 miles annually from Alaska. The viewing distance for humpback whales should be at least 100 yards (around 91 meters) away. Additionally, the viewing distance for small whales should be at least 50 yards (around 46 meters) away.
On top of all this, they are wild animals. Wild animals’ behavior and actions are inconsistent, leading to possible dangers for people near them. Not following the rules and regulations that are set in place will lead to hefty fines that can range from 100s of dollars to even thousands of dollars.
Ethical Dolphin Watching and the Benefits of Observing
Tours all over Hawaii practice these rules and regulations, especially on our dolphin watching and snorkeling tour. We respectfully observe Hawaiian spinner dolphins from a distance, creating a safe space for them.
You can easily see dolphins, whether it be a solo dolphin or a pod of dolphins, from our boat! Sometimes, when the captain stops the boat in the middle of the ocean, the dolphins get excited and swim towards our vessel, leaping out of the water and spinning from a range of 1-6 times! It is still definitely possible to experience such memorable and unique experiences when it comes to dolphin watching during your vacation in Hawaii!
Dolphin Watching in Hawaii
In the end, swimming with dolphins in Hawaii is an act that is no longer a possibility under the protection of the NOAA, which is a good thing! It helps give local Hawaiian spinner dolphins a safe space to rest, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitat.
If you are interested in more local dolphin information, visit our Ultimate Guide to Dolphins in Oahu page, where you can find a plethora of other interesting and informative topics! You can also check out our Ocean Safety guide to learn more information about how to stay safe in the water and protect the natural environment!