The 24th of December 2007 was another beautifull, sunny, West Coast afternoon in Shelley Point when suddenly, a car with a boat pulled up outside our house. It was none other than Pieter (Swanepoel) with an invitation to go out to sea.
We did not need to be asked twice, so we grabbed towels, refreshments, hats, cameras, sun block, and kids and bundled into the car.
Pieter launched the boat effortlessly into the windless, calm waters of Britannia Bay and with hearts racing and nervous smiles we climbed into the boat.
As soon as the engines took us into the open water with salt water spraying onto us, our nervous smiles changed into giggles while we held on for dear life.
Just being on the water on such a beautifull day would have been more than enough but then it happened…the first dolphin appeared on the horizon and soon they were everywhere! Swimming with us next to boat, in front of the boat, jumping, diving, literally hundreds of them. It was like they were performing especially for us, showing off their skills and even somersaulting over and over above the water line. At times leaning over the boat you felt like you were actually touching them.
Pieter stopped the boat and we sat there listening to the sounds of these incredible sea creatures changing the calm water into a moving mass of white foam.
It was then that I had this sudden need to be there with them, next to them, in the water. I asked Pieter for a life jacket, strapped it on and jumped.
I drifted in the water and waited and looked. Again they started swimming and jumping this time all around me and underneath me. The anticipation of where and how close they would swim to me were indescribable.
I could have stayed in that cold Atlantic water forever, but unfortunately we had to get back.
Back on the boat everyone decided that next time, they are also getting into the water with Shelley Point’s dolphins.
Mozambique, eat your heart out!
It was the most perfect Christmas gift our family could receive. It is a gift that will last a lifetime.
From the Bierman family we would like to say again, Thank you Pieter!
For more pictures of dolphins at Shelley Point please visit: www.shelleypoint.co.za
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