Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana- By Frank Lazzaro

The first all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has opened in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This sprawling resort takes the Hard Rock concept to an all new level, featuring unlimited meals and drinks, and the largest casino in the  Caribbean. The resort boasts over 1700 rooms, 15 swimming pools, an enormous hydrotherapy spa,  over 10 restaurants and several bars and lounges on a stunning beachfront location.

Stocked with a wide array of  rock star memorabilia, including oversized pieces such as Madonna’s silver prism  sequined limo and Sammy Hagar’s roadster, the décor offers plenty of eye candy. The resort is showing to be popular with singles, couples, families and groups, and was at almost full capacity during my recent stay. Nighttime entertainment included their house band “Revolver” nailing classic rock covers 3 nights a week, as well as DJs, karaoke, and the ever present casino. Plans are underway to launch an ultra hip disco night club on site, ‘Oro’ within the next 6 months. While pricier than most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, the uniqueness of the property and the luxurious rooms and suites are making it a popular  choice. Guests traveling this year also receive a $1500 resort credit to be used on tours, spa, casino, room upgrades and other amenities.

For more information on booking the Hard Rock and other hotels in Punta Cana and the Caribbean, contact Singles Getaways at http://www.singles-getaways.com

2 Weeks in the Cook Islands- By Frank Lazzaro

Those travelers looking for an authentic Polynesian south seas experience without the exorbitant price tag
should look no further than the alluring Cook Islands. A nine hour flight from  LAX (1 weekly nonstop) mkje the main island of Rarotonga fairly easy to reach and well worth the trip. Once a New Zealand territory, the main language is English, and the exchange rate is quite a bit better than their cousins in
Tahiti. Popular itineraries are 6 day or 13 day, limited by the flight schedules. We opted for the long stay, since it was our anniversary, and spent 7 nights on Rarotonga, and 5 nights on its sister atoll, the amazing Aitutaki.
The Muri Beach Club was a great choice for us: adults only, only 24 rooms, and right on Muri beach, the best on the island. From here you have easy access to the tiny offshore islands ( motus) perfect for a kayak picnic, snorkeling, and swimming in crystal clear water. Other activities on Raro include nature hikes
with the intrepid guide Pa, visits to the waterfall, a myriad of water sports, diving, boating, fishing, and surfing to name a few. An inexpensive and reliable bus service makes transportation a breeze around the island. It is virtually impossible to get lost sinve the island is round ( the bus has only 2 routes- clockwise or “anti”clockwise!). There are so many great dining choices on Rarotonga, with restaurants for all tastes and budgets, and they even have decent nightlife on the weekends. “Island
Nights” also feature traditional Polynesian food and dance almost every night at a different location.

Landing on Aitutaki is like literally stepping back in time to a simpler way of life in a true island paradise setting. Here we opted for Tamanu Beach resort, another amazing little all bungalow hideaway on a stunning palm fringed beach, with top notch snorkeling  just steps from the sand . Home to one of the most beautiful lagoons on the South Pacific, the best way to see this tiny group of islands is by booking a lagoon cruise. Here you will have a chance to snorkel, see giant clams, visit the ubiquitous One Foot Island (one of the most photographed beaches in the world) and have an authentic Polynesian barbecue lunch on an idyllic little island. We lovesd the cruise so  much, we did it twice with 2 different tour companies. Both had something different
to offer, so we were never bored with the locations or activities served. Aitutaki also has some great places to eat, our favorites were Koro Café for
lunch and the Boat Shed for an amazing seafood dinner and drinks. After our 2 weeks in the Cook Islands, we came home feeling so refreshed, relaxed and
renewed in our love that we will always hold that place very close to our hearts. Cook Islands are a great choice for a honeymoon, romantic getaway or
destination wedding. For more information on booking your trip to the Cook Islands, please visit http://www.southpacific-vacations.com/cook-islands

CANCUN- Beyond Spring Break by Frank Lazzaro

Cancun is notorious for its sizzling beaches and wild party scene. We have all heard about Coco Bongo, Daddy O’s, Senor Frogs, the wet T-shirt contests, blaring discos and packed multi-level dance floors…been there, done that. Not that there is anything wrong with any of these places, and a stroll down the main Cancun nightlife strip after midnight can be a mind boggling and entertaining experience in itself. But where do the over 30 folks hang out in Cancun, besides the aforementioned places and many more like it? That is a question I often receive, as well as which Cancun resorts are best for singles. That can be a difficult question to answer, as while Cancun and Riviera Maya have many adults only resorts, most really cater more towards couples then singles. So where do the singles stay? A few all-inclusive resorts I recommend for those past the spring breaker age are: ME Cancun- this ultra-hip. modern upscale and chic resort attracts an international crowd of beautiful people, with its beach cabanas,  sexy lounge scene and disco. Another fun spot is Temptation Resort & Spa, for those even less inhibited. A topless optional beach and pools, along with a hedonistic streak makes Temptation a unique spot for those adults (21 and up) looking for something on the wilder side. You will find a mix of singles and couples here, but very few honeymooners.

Golden Parnassus is another budget adults only on Cancun, though more couple oriented. I stayed recently at Cancun Palace, and found it to be a great mix with excellent food and bars, a lively pool scene, and great beach. It is a little more pricey, so that does weed out the spring breakers. RIU Palace and Fiesta Americana also offer something for everyone.

For a different style of nightlife, I recommend riding the bus from the hotel zone to downtown Cancun, where you will find smaller local type bars and clubs, and lively plazas with food vendors and street performers, making for great people watching and interacting.

For those looking for a more mellow scene than what Cancun has to offer, I recommend Play del Carmen. Just 45 minutes south of Cancun airport, here you will find a wide range of hotels, including some nice all-inclusive resorts in the Playacar area, all with easy access to 5^th ave, the trendy pedestrian street where all of the shops, restaurants and nightclubs can be found. Playa also has some beach front open air night clubs and discos on the sand that our quite popular.

Cancun and Playa del Carmen offer something for everyone, including us that are over 30, or even more mature! For more information on booking Cancun resorts, visit http://www.singles-getaways.com/mexico/

Magical Maui

As a longtime return visitor and former part time resident, I feel compelled to visit Maui on an annual basis. It gives me a chance to see old friends, make new ones, and bask in the beautiful sea and beaches that Maui is best known for. I usually stay in the Kihei area, where my old condo was located, and this time was no different, opting for the budget yet comfortable accommodations at the Aston Maui Banyan, just across from Kamaole Beach Park II. Kihei has a nice blend of locals and tourists, with plenty of shops and good restaurants, decent nightlife, and easy access to  sunny South Maui’s golden sand beaches. From here it is just a short drive to Wailea and Makena, where the island’s best beaches and resorts are waiting for you. I usually head past all of the luxury hotels, down to Makena Beach, my favorite on the island (if not anywhere). Both Big and Little Beach (the clothing optional side) beckon on any given day, and Makena delivers with one of the longest stretches of golden sand and bright blue waters of any Hawaiian island.

It is Sunday afternoon, so I cross over the short but steep lava cliff trail to Little Beach. Sunday sunsets are an institution there, complete with a drum circle, fire dancers and large gatherings of people from all walks of life, but bordering on the bohemian side. I have no problem feeling at home there, and enjoying the body surfing is always a great way to spend the afternoon. After sunset we head over to the Four Seasons Hotel (what a contrast) to enjoy the gypsy violin and guitar duo playing in the outdoor restaurant there. Besides the amazing beaches, Maui is known for its verdant valleys and numerous waterfalls along the North coast to Hana. I always enjoy the short hike and swim at Twin Falls, the first stop on there Hana Hawaii. We are visiting friends in Haiku that live in a temple like hexagonal wooden palace overlooking the Pacific. There is an impromptu party with belly dancers (not hula dancers), musicians, great home cooked food and drinks. Mirayah,  a local belly dance instructor is our host and gives us a chance to reconnect with old friends.

Snorkeling is always great on Maui, and we find an amazing spot just before the lava studded south road ends at La Perouse Bay. Here I have swam with spinner dolphins on many occasions, but the wind is coming up, and no dolphins are to be found, so we go out at one of the lava rock turnoffs that are part of the Ahihi-Kinau Marine Preserve. The area is uncrowded, sheltered from the wind, so the is water crystal clear, with multitudes of tropical fish, and the occasional sea turtle. We see whales spouting in the distance.

Maui has a vibrant music and dance scene, as well as a great Cultural & Arts Center, showcasing all sorts of performances.  One evening we take in the show Ula’lena which has been running in Lahaina for over 10 years. A cross between Cirque du Soleil and the Polynesian Cultural Center, the cast of Ula’lena present the myths, history and magic of Maui in a way never before seen or heard. The show features thundering drummers and live musicians, aerialists, dancers, acrobatics, comedy and performance art, all in the theme of Hawaiian mythology and culture. I highly recommend taking in this show during your visit for something unique.

It is height of whale watching season, so we book a trip with Pacific Whale Foundation, the conservation and research company that I used to volunteer with. Humpbacks are everywhere. We see multiple breaches, whales swimming under our boat, mom and calves frolicking. It is a rare treat, and  I give it an 11 on a scale of 1-10 for whale watches. Every time I go back to Maui, there is always something new to discover, and Maui never disappoints. As the saying goes, “ Maui No Ka Oi” (Maui is the best!) To find more information on Maui, or to book your Hawaii vacation, please visit http://www.southpacific-vacations.com/hawaii

Diving with Manta Rays in Kona

As a frequent visitor to Hawaii, I am always looking for a new experience to expand my appreciation for the islands. A friend recommended I try the Manta Ray night snorkel, and at first I was hesitant with the idea of going underwater at night. But once I learned more about it, I was eager to get wet. We set out just before sunset with a group run by the local dive tour operator Neptune Charlie’s . The trip is open to both snorkelers and scuba divers, so there is no experience necessary, with the exception of knowing how to swim, and being fairly comfortable in the water as a snorkeler. On the way out to the dive site we were greeted by a gorgeous sunset and a playful group of spinner dolphins splashing on the surface. In about 20 minutes we were at the site, along with several other dive boats preparing to enter the water. We were briefed, and each entered the water with a bright flashlight to increase visibility and attract the vast hordes of plankton, that the mantas feed upon. Within a few minutes we were joined by a few graceful mantas circling below. With the multiple lights coming from the bottom and from our own lights, the scene was eerie and visually stunning at the same time. The manta rays have wing spans up to 15 feet wide, and beholding such a large sea creature in our midst is humbling. The are totally docile animals, and lacking teeth or stingers, totally safe to be with. As we spent more time stirring up more plankton to the surface with our lights. The mantas became even more engaging, at times circling and looping within a few feet of our masks.. The tour guides have names for each of the rays, and over 250 have been identified. Rays with names like “ Jackie Robinson, and ” Lefty” became our new acquaintances, and the 40 minutes we spent in the water with them flew by. This is one water experience I will never forget, and would highly recommend.  To see a short video of our encounter see: http://www.youtube.com/user/sopacvax#p/a/u/0/T7-xFZ2GVS8 For more information on planning a trip to Kona,  please visit : http://www.southpacific-vacations.com/hawaii

Frank Lazzaro

All-Inclusive Cozumel

Cozumel has been one of those places I have only experienced as a day tripper, either from a cruise ship, or off the ferry from Playa del Carmen. And while it seems to be most popular with those brief visitors, I decided it would be worth it to spend a week there, to get a better feel for the place and what it offers. We opted for all-inclusive resorts, as it was an unbeatable value, and we always loved the convenience of having our meals and drinks available and unlimited at  the resort.  We spent the first few nights at Cozumel Palace, a luxury resort close to downtown. The accommodations, dining, and service here were top- notch, with marble everywhere, and a highly attentive staff, it felt like 5 star quality. A Jacuzzi in every room and stunning ocean views made for a romantic setting. While the resort lacks a beach, it does offer decent snorkeling with easy ocean entry just off the vast pool deck. Here we were walking distance to the downtown plaza, and had easy access to all of the nightlife that town offers. The most popular places for the younger set were Carlos & Charlie’s and Senor Frog’s, as well as a few Latin style clubs offering live music, where we gravitated.

Cozumel is known as a scuba diving Mecca, but there are still enough things to keep non-divers entertained for a week. We love to snorkel, so we did a little research and got a taxi to nearby Dzul-Ha beach or the ‘Money Bar‘, as the beach’s restaurant/ bar establishment is known. The snorkeling was fine here, and within swimming just 50-100 feet offshore we were surrounded by a multitude of tropical fish, and some small but interesting coral formations. We found out that this is the first stop on the “3 reef tours” being booked from the ferry dock. This just whetted our appetite for more and we were eager to see what lied below in deeper waters. For a new experience, we booked a trip on Atlantis Submarines, an actual submarine that submerges to cruise over 100 feet deep along the ocean floor. Atlantis runs these trips throughout many islands in the Caribbean and Hawaii, and I had always been intrigued. The tour was fun and quite memorable, as we got to see reefs and marine life at depths usually reserved for advanced scuba divers, and stayed dry the entire time! Definitely one of those once in a lifetime experiences but well worth the trip. We spent the remainder of the week at the Allegro Cozumel, about 15 minutes down the coast on the famed Playa San Francisco. The setting here was much more rustic than the Palace, but it did have one thing that the Palace lacked: an amazing white sand beach with safe swimming and snorkeling. Water sports included kayaks, Hobie cats and wind surfing, also complimentary. The resort paled in comparison to the luxury of Cozumel Palace, but the location made up for it, on Cozumel’s best beach. While the shoreline snorkeling is okay, the only real way to see what Cozumel has to offer for divers and snorkelers is to book one of the many boat tours offered everywhere. We went for a tour to the 2 most popular and legendary reefs, Columbia and Palancar. Here we drifted effortlessly over the reefs while viewing amazing coral formations, and a variety of marine life, including a few sea turtles, barracudas, and a spotted eagle ray. The reef snorkel trip was definitely one of the highlights, along with relaxing for a week on beautiful beach resorts, in what is one of the most laid back resort destinations in Mexico.  Sharing Mexican hospitality with the best of Caribbean waters, Cozumel is a great choice of destination for divers and non- divers alike, and far from the hustle and bustle of Cancun.  For more information in booking your next trip to Cozumel, please contact me, or visit http://www.singles-getaways.com/mexico/

Frank Lazzaro

Punta Cana, DR- Something for Everyone

Just returned from another trip to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, my third time visiting there. Punta Cana boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and as a growing all-inclusive resort destination, offers just about the best value in the Caribbean. There are resorts to suit all tastes. Singles will enjoy lively Bavaro Beach, where the party never ends.  Home to the Merengue, Punta Cana is a great place to dance the night away. Occidental Grand Punta Cana is a great choice, with its Mangu Disco, popular with locals and tourists alike. Other choices  for those travelling on a budget and looking for best bang are Grand Paradise Bavaro, Barcelo Resorts and Majestic Colonial. There is not a whole lot to do outside of the resorts in Punta Cana, so having all the meals, drinks, watersports and entertainment options included is the way to go.

Couples looking for more romantic and luxurious settings should look no further than Excellence Punta Cana. This adults only property on a breathtakingly beautiful private beach has it all: horseback riding,  massages, body boarding in their wavy surf and great dining options. Excellence is a little far from the center of Punta Cana, so those wanting to be closer to everything and willing to pay a little more will love Paradisus Palma Real This resort is top of the top, in my opinion. Amazing beach, upscale rooms and amenities, and a sexy chic atmosphere with beach cabanas, fire dancers and an eclectic vibe.

There is plenty for families too here, Dreams Punta Cana seems to have the most families for all ages, including the sometimes hard to please teens, with archery, a rock climbing wall, batting cage, even a mechanical bull, not to mention all of the great beach and watersports.

So if you are looking for a stress free, all-inclusive Caribbean vacation for a great price, Punta Cana will be a great choice. PLease contact me if you would like to find more about rates and packages to this exotic destination.

Frank Lazzaro

http://www.singles-getaways.com/caribbean/

Touring New Zealand

What can you say about a country that boasts only 4 million people and over 40 million sheep? Well, a heck of a lot of sheep for one thing, but better yet lots and lots of wild and open spaces just beckoning the avid adventurer. New Zealand offers so much in the way of outdoor activity, and attracts those looking for everything from soft adventure to adrenalin pumping extreme sports. Hiking, biking, skiing, jet boating, sailing, fishing, hot air ballooning, and of course bungee jumping, just to name a few.
We started our trip landing in Auckland, on the North Island, and passed through to Rotorua, one of the main seats of traditional Maori culture, and also known for its thermal springs. Her e we were treated to a cultural performance at Te Puia, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imbC1g3bofk  followed by a tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and its spouting hot geysers. An obligatory visit to the Agridome and its entertaining sheep show was next, as well as a stroll through Rainbow Springs Nature Park. A morning soak in the natural Polynesian Spa, and its sulfuric hot pools, worked out the kinks from the previous day’s ventures. Now it was on the South Island, where we would be spending most of the trip. Following a visit to the garden city of Christchurch, we embarked on a scenic train ride on the TranzAlpine railway through snow covered peaks and mountain passes. The Southern Alps, which dominate mu7ch of the scenery of the South Island, were just starting to reveal themselves. The train terminates in Greymouth on the West Coast, where we caught a coach up to Punakaiki, known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The Punakaiki Resort offered a nice respite from the stormy weather we had on the West Coast. Next stop was Franz Josef and its stunning glacier. Heli-hiking is the most popular activity here, however unpredictable and changing weather conditions prevented us from partaking in that activity. Instead we did an easy hike to view the glacier, and later in the day as the weather cleared, we were treated to a scenic helicopter sighting flight up and over the glacier. I have posted a short video of this trip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0HN_HaAkio    Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are a year round attraction, and easy to access as part of any South Island itinerary. Camper vans are a popular way to go. The remainder of our trip would be spent in Queenstown, the picturesque town built around the lake and surrounded by snow filled alpine peaks. Although only late May, winter had already hit with a vengeance, so there was a lot of snow in the mountains and surrounding valleys. Queenstown is pure escapism, where the limits stop and people take over. Adventurers of every sort flock to this small city, which operates in all seasons, but is most popular during the winter ski season. There are so many activities and excursions to choose from when using Queenstown as a base, that it is hard to cram it all in. I went with a couple of must-dos: Milford Sound and the Shotover Jet. The scenery at Milford Sound (actually a fiord we are told) from the cruise boat is simple awe-inspiring. Alpine peaks, chasms, countless waterfalls, marine wildlife (seals, dolphins, and penguins) provide a stunning backdrop to the pristine waters. We opted for a scenic plane flight back to Queenstown, which was actually a highlight in itself. Here is a short video from the cruise http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQvo7cC7HLo 
Adrenaline junkies will love the Shotover Jet, the original NZ jet boat excursion, speeding up the scenic Shotover River, narrowly avoiding boulders, rock walls, and spinning 360s the entire way. It’s a rollicking good time and a great way to wrap up a short stay in the Queenstown area.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfsPfreO01E   I found New Zealand to be a wonderful destination. The people are humble and friendly; the scenery breathtakingly gorgeous and extremely diverse. From scenic coastline and beaches, low lying rainforests to alpine peaks, there is something for everyone in New Zealand. Oh, and did I mentioned all of the great ales they brew? Speights Gold Medal was one of my personal favorites. For more information on travel to New Zealand, please contact me at http://www.southpacific-vacations.com
Frank Lazzaro

Castaway on Fiji

 

Fiji was our chosen honeymoon destination, so this year for our anniversary we decided it was time to go back to one of our favorite places. There are so many islands and resort choices in Fiji, so rather than return to the same places, we opted for a new itinerary. The Outrigger on the Lagoon (on the Coral Coast), and Castaway Island Resort, being sister properties are offering a great deal: Split your stay between the two and they throw in a free helicopter transfer between the resorts. We spent the first 3 nights at the Outrigger, one of the few 5 star resorts on the main island Viti Levu. This extensive resort is modeled after a Fijian village with traditional thatch roofed bures (bungalows), as well as resort and ocean view rooms. We opted for an ocean view room, since we would have a beach bure at Castaway. The rooms are very tastefully appointed in modern Fijian style, with large verandahs overlooking the lush property and the clear blue lagoon. The beaches in this area are prone to extreme tidal fluctuations, so swimming and snorkeling can only be done at certain times of day. The resort makes up for it however, with a very large swimming pool and 4 great restaurants and bars. The food at Outrigger was top notch, ranging from simple lunches at the pool bar, to fine dining at their award winning Ivi restaurant. We celebrated our anniversary there and were warmly serenaded by the restaurant staff, and presented with a beautiful and delicious custom made dessert. The Fijians our famous for their beautiful singing voices and harmonies. Even the breakfast buffet was accompanied by guitars and Fijian songs. The Outrigger’s hillside spa and is sweeping views seduced us into splurging for a couple’s massage, which was worth every penny, especially with the current exchange rate The helicopter transfer was one of the highlights of the trip. It takes off from Outriggers onsite helipad, and after traversing lush forests, rolling hills, azure seas, and tiny islets, touches down directly on remote Castaway Island.
Here is a short video of the flight  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhoY12pSb3E&feature=channel_page Castaway is a private island resort in the Mamanucas island group, the closest and most popular chain to the main island. By private island, I mean it is the only resort on the island-actually the only facility of any kind on the island. I know, sounds expensive right? Not necessarily- island resorts are the norm in this region, so there are offerings for every budget. Castaway is a mid- range property, and popular with families. It has around 65 bures on its lush tropical grounds, with 2 large amazing beaches, a myriad of water sports, and 2 restaurants. The staff are very friendly and by the second day many would address us by first names. Our days were spent swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling (there is an amazing reef system, just 50 yards off the beach) kayaking, sailing and just relaxing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pmTwrwVtgI&feature=related  We kayaked around the entire island in less than one hour, and the waters around the island are crystal clear, revealing their colorful coral reefs below.. We spent 5 days on Castaway, so one day decided to venture off on a little island hopping tour. They take small groups on their stayed of the art speedboat to visit neighboring islands and have a lobster and champagne lunch on a deserted beach. We visited Plantation Island, Musket Cove and Malolo Island, also whisking by the newer overwater bungalows at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, now popular with honeymooners. Evenings at Castaway are mellow affairs, listening to the serenadors, drinking kava, the national herbal drink with is mild sedative qualities, enjoying great meals, and just taking it easy. For excitement they have the hermit crab and frog races, on which you can bet. Our last night was graced by the Meke (traditional dances) and Lovo feast, with its underground oven, similar to a Hawaiian luau.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoSp1ZnLiI4  During our romantic dinner, the staff came out and sang their anniversary song to us, which almost brought us to tears. Upon departing Castaway, we were again serenaded, this time to the tune of their well known farewell song, “Isa Lei”. We returned to Nadi on South Sea Cruises, the high speed catamaran that ferries guests between these islands. The return transfer was about one and a half hours to Port Denarau where we saw a beautiful sunset wishing is farewell. But we know we will always return to our beautiful Fiji. For more information on travel to Fiji, visit  http://www.southpacific-vacations.com

Swimming with Dolphins in Kona

I am a frequent visitor to Hawaii -usually at least twice a year, and Kona on the Big Island has always been a favorite spot of mine. On a recent trip, and as I do on every trip there, I set out with a friend to kayak Kealakekua Bay, in hopes to spot and maybe even swim with wild Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins.

I love marine mammals. And because of the many experiences I have had with wild whales and dolphins in Hawaii , California and Mexico, I have developed a keen appreciation for them in their natural environment. I have disdain for captive dolphin swim programs, and although they serve as a popular attraction for their ease and guarantee of interaction, it is really at the animals’ expense. Seeking whales and dolphins in the wild, although unpredictable, has been one of my personal most exciting and rewarding wildlife experiences. And Kealakekua Bay, near Captain Cook, south of Kona on the Big Island, is one of those magical places where you do stand a good chance of interacting.

This particular day was like any other. We tried to set out bright and early, lagged as usual, and after picking up our kayaks form a local vendor, got down to the bay by 1030am. There are several choices for renting kayaks in and around Captain Cook, or there are a few local residents who are now renting kayaks at the bay. This option saves you the trouble of loading and returning the kayaks with your car, and also helps support the locals. Most people will tell you that very early in the morning is the best time to see the dolphins, but I have encounter3ed them at many different times of day here. It was not too long after heading out into the bay in our double kayaks that we spotted a pod of spinner dolphins, who come into the calm and protected bay waters to rest and play. Within minutes I slipped into the clear blue water with my mask, snorkel and fins to survey the situation. Much to my delight, the pod of around 10-15 dolphins was visible below and swimming alongside our kayak. That day I spent around one hour in the water with this group, playing and cavorting. The group had expanded by combining smaller congregations to up to about 4o dolphins. The spinner dolphins are so named for their tendency to jump out of the water and pirouette, I behavior which they exhibited repeatedly this day.

Closer sitting and watching showed the dolphins apparently playing a game of pass with a soggy leaf, a behavior that I have witnessed before. They key to enjoying wild dolphins is meeting them on their terms in their environment. It is important not to chase, swim after or harass the dolphins. Looking eye to eye with wild dolphins in Hawaii can be described by some as a life changing experience. I would have to agree.

Here is a video I made of this swim: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-htZQmmDdpw

If you go to Kealakekua Bay, and you don’t see dolphins, you will still have an amazing experience snorkeling the pristine reefs inside the bay, and learning about the history of this sacred place.

For more information on visiting Hawaii go to http://www.southpacific-vacations.com