Hawaii - dolphin excursions vs ko olina ocean adventures

has anyone been on both and can attest to one over the other?

or any comments on either companies? would appreciate it lots! :)

Here is a thread from TripAdvisor worth reading.

Kayaking_and_Swimming_with_Dolphins_What_s_the_Iss ue (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g29217-i268-k1382886-o110-Kayaking_and_Swimming_with_Dolphins_What_s_the_Iss ue-Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html)

Dolphin excursions are not a popular topic in Hawaii and lots of people think these tour operators are violating federal and state laws.

I would recommend Wild Side Specialty Tours (http://sailhawaii.com) as the most sensitive wild dolphin swim, small groups, not rushed, awarded the Hawaii Ecotourism Assoc. Silver Certificate. Otherwise Dolphin Excursions (under Capt. Jenna) is heads above Ko Olina Ocean Adventures.

Are you only going to O'ahu? Dolphin swims on O'ahu are not as 'successful' as you'll find on the Big Island where the population of spinners is much higher. I generally do swims from the shore into some of the bays along the Kona coast very early in the morning before the dolphins settle down to rest and can refer you to a friend/guide to take you if that fits in your schedule.

I swam with Wild Side many years ago (at least 7) - the trip was ok, but we only found one pod, were in the water for mere minutes before they swam off, and the rest of the trip was just cruising around and watching dolphins from the boat. They take 20+ people which is just too big of a group - there is no way a pod will be OK with that many people hopping in the water with them - they will swim away for sure. 5-6 people maximum or less is better.

I read through Wild Side's new website - the info on how to swim with dolphins is not all correct, and some of it probably qualifies as harassment. As a veteran of many hours in the water with dolphins and having some incredible experiences, I can offer the following pointers:

1) enter the water silently
2) never splash
3) always keep your arms at your sides or folded in front of you
4) never, ever reach out with your arm or hand - that will guarantee the entire pod puts you on their 'blacklist'
5) never "swim" with the dolphins - that's basically chasing them. You can swim on your own around them (as just another creature they are sharing space with), diving down, surfacing, etc. as a dolphin would to get their curiosity - but don't follow them or try to swim alongside because they will always outswim you and generally don't like to be followed around

My best experiences and interactions occurred when I did no more than float along the surface quietly, pushing myself slowly with my fins without splashing, hands folded in front of me (unless taking photos). There were always dolphins who would swim up to me for a quick look or try to surprise me from behind or let me play the leaf game a couple times. I also try to wear a bright shirt with an interesting pattern or design print as sometimes that gets their curiosity and certainly helps reduce sunburn risk in the water.

Think of dolphins like other people - because they basically are. If you were walking at the mall and some stranger came up beside you and tried to touch you, waved their hands in front of you, or followed you around, how would you react? The dolphins are really no different, which is why so many of these big commercial swims end up with a few minutes in the water with a pod of dolphins who can't wait to get away as quickly as possible.