Dolphin and Diver

There was one baby dolphin already in this pod of spinner dolphins. My friend Nate was checking this dolphin out closely to see if there was perhaps another baby on the way.

Spinner Dolphin Close Encounter

A close swim by from a pod of spinner dolphins. I liked this picture because it seems all four dolphins are looking right at me. It is incredible to be in the water with such beautiful and intelligent animals.

Spinner Dolphins Diving

 Hawaiian spinner dolphins off the coast of the Big Island dive down after coming to the surface for a group breath. These majestic mammals often swim very close to shore giving snorkelers and scuba divers a great chance to see them in the water.
 In some places around the Hawaiian islands this activity of swimming with the dolphins is promoted, in other places it is looked down upon. There is a lot of grey area concerning the legalities of swimming with dolphins. They are protected under the marine mammal protection act which states it is unlawful to 'harass' them. Interpreting what 'harass' means is where the grey area intensifies.
  Some day in the future it may be totally illegal to swim with dolphins but for me I think as long as you respect them and don't try to change their behavior then you aren't harassing them.

www.daimarsphotos.com

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin, Stenella attenuata

The Pantropical Spotted Dolphin is a very cosmopolitan species of marine mammal. It can be found all around the world in warm tropical locals as well as up to 40degrees N and S from the equator. They can be one of the most entertaining species of dolphin to encounter because of their incredible breaches, sometimes leaping 15ft out of the water. They can also be very boat friendly. Bowriding, racing alongside, and surfing in the wake are all common activities.