Just keep swimming.

MOST AMAZING DAY EVER!

Today was definitely the highlight of our trip so far. We got up bright and early at 6:15 so we would make it for sure under the big tree to wait for a car to pick us up for the Dolphin Safari. We were told that chances would probably be high of seeing the dolphins, but swimming with them would be a very low chance. With high hopes, we headed to Kizimkazi, which is about an hour drive to the south of tip of the island. Since we only got a couple hours of sleep last night, most of the ride there was dozing in and out.

Once we arrived, we were given flippers and snorkeling masks and ordered food for lunch. We were brought down to the beach where many local fishermen were coming in from fishing earlier in the morning. We met the captain of our boat on the beach and continued 5 minutes down the beach until we reach a wooden boat with a motor. Off we went into the amazing blue water.

 Fishing boats on shore

 So pretty this island, can't get over it

 We were on the boat for approximately 30 minutes until we saw maybe 5-6 other similar boats in a concentrated area and we knew we had reached the spot where we would wait for the dolphins. It didn’t take long before they made an appearance. The dolphins definitely weren’t shy, they came very close to the boats! It was hard to tell whether we were seeing the same pod of dolphins over and over again or if they were different ones. People from the other boats were already jumping into the water to snorkel with them but Chels and I were a bit hesitant at first. I’m not too confident with my swimming abilities and the water seemed pretty deep. But after some persuasion from our guide, we both decided it was something we had to do or the trip wouldn’t be worth it!

Quick, spot the dolphin!

Ready to get in the water!

Oh my god, it was the most amazing thing!! The dolphins were so close and they’re so used to humans that they carry on doing their thing like we didn’t exist. They were swimming under and around us, it was so cool because this is their natural habitat and they weren't in captivity. They were playing with each other and jumping in the air. I really really wanted to be able touch one of them but it was hard to keep up with them cause they swim so fast and a lot of times they were further down in the water. Once they swim away we get back on the boat and move around and then jump in again when we find them. We went in about three times, it’s the most crazy feeling when you’re a couple meters away from them, they’re the cutest animals and so graceful. One of them was SO FREAKING CLOSE, like literally a meter away from me. I tried to touch it, but it swam away, I was so excited!

 So close! Near the top of the water.

 Pod of dolphins playing near the bottom of the water.

 I shall call him Flipper. No zoom, actually a meter away from me. Poor thing, has a bite mark on it's fin.

 Cutest!!

After swimming with the dolphins we went snorkeling in water that was closer to the shore and more shallow. There were some corals and some tropical fish. It was a lot more calm and relaxing than swimming with the dolphins. When we were with the dolphins it was very rushed cause you’re trying to catch up with them and there are so many people around; the waves were also much stronger since we were further out. But here the water was calm so we were swimming fairly slowly and got to see the fish pretty closely. Our guide was awesome, he was very enthusiastic and pointed out new fish for me to take pictures of. I am so glad I got an underwater camera for the trip! It was worth it just for the dolphins. The tour was way better than I expected, Chels and I were so happy with the way it went and how close we got to the dolphins! Can’t wait to go snorkeling again!!

There must have been hundreds of these in one spot.

Pretty colourful fish.

Oh hey, thanks for reading!

We’re considering going up to Kendwa tonight to party with the Italian dentists before they leave, but we haven’t decided yet. It’s been the most surreal morning, but tiring so we’ll see where the day goes!