It’s the eyes of the dolphin I remember most from my first close encounter with this marine mammal. His eyes appear rather small, especially when compared to the rest of him, - and oddly placed, the way they are tucked into his face far behind his nose and a mouth full of rather large white teeth lined up around the perimeter like little soldiers. The trainer had introduced us just moments before and now I find myself floating in a pool with a Bottlenose dolphin swimming nearby and no barrier between us, other than a few gallons of water.
I can see him looking me over, sizing me up, if you will, and I wonder what might be going through his mind; there is no doubt he is thinking something – dolphins are very bright - and it shows in his eyes as they sparkle with alertness. He portrays true confidence; I am the intruder here while he enjoys the full advantage…and he knows it.
The trainer gives a hand signal and with a quick flick of the tail fin, the animal begins to glide effortlessly and silently around me. Is that fear I am feeling - me, the world traveler who has scuba dived around the globe and yet never before encountered such magnificent creature in such intimate proximity. The thought crosses my mind whether dolphins are carnivores and whether Max – that was his name – has had his morning fill. Of course they are carnivores, they eat fish, but are humans ever on their menu, I wonder just for a moment.
Another hand signal follows and Max inches closer until all of his 8 feet line up right next to my 68 inches. The trainer encourages me to pet his belly, dolphins love being touched, so I am told. He lies still while I stretch out my hand to feel his skin, a skin that is very rubbery and unlike any other I have ever felt before; rubbery and smooth as glass. His face is close enough for me to feel his breath on my own skin and as we are floating tête-à-tête, I get the sense that he is enjoying the moment and certainly my attention. No, he doesn’t want to hurt me. I can clearly see his eyes now, and they seem to dance with curiosity and delight. My initial hesitation evaporates as I am truly enjoying this encounter with my newly found fellow mammal friend. What a beautiful experience it was - I will never forget it!
Check www.dolphinquest.org for more information. It’s best to reserve your spot for a dolphin encounter before you get to Bermuda. Call 441-234-4464 or, toll free 800-248-3316 or email dqbermuda@dolphinquest.org.
