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There aren't many places in the world where you can interact with wild dolphins that show a genuine interest in you. The south west is one such place, through the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Koombana Bay in Bunbury.

The centre offers a unique experience that many would argue is not available anywhere else in the world. Because of the centre's strict ecological standards and it's focus on minimising disruption to the dolphin's natural environment, it has ensured that the wild dolphin experience at Bunbury is one of the most natural and rewarding you'll find anywhere.

One example of why this the case, is the centre's approach to feeding the dolphins. Restrictions have been placed on feeding the dolphins, which means that the dolphins that visit the bay and the center, show up because they want to, unlike other places where they often show up because they know they will get food. This kind of approach means a more genuine interaction with the local dolphins.

Perhaps one of the most popular attractions at the centre is the Interaction Zone. This is a part of the bay, close to shore, where wild dolphins often come in close to visit. When a dolphin arrives, people are encouraged to enter the water while the dolphins swim around you. Simply standing in the water around waist deep will usually encourage the dolphins to come and see who you are, sometimes even swimming in tight circles around you to get a good look.

Although the volunteers at the centre are quick to point out that dolphin visits can't be guaranteed, they do come on most days during the warmer summer months. I went there myself one Saturday morning 9:00am, and I had barely sat down I heard the unmistakable sound and sight of a dolphin surfacing for air just meters from the shore.

I thought that all the people entering the water would scare the dolphin away, but instead he seemed very interested and proceeded to weave in and out of everyone, saying hello to adults and kids alike. Sometimes he got so close to the shore I thought he was going to beach himself.

Iruka (the name of this particular dolphin) continued to swim around all the people, seemingly enjoying all of the attention he was getting. He came very close to everyone, and as he passed me he turned on his side to get a good look at me and glided past - with his cheeky dolphin "grin".

If you're ever in the south west of Western Australia, I would encourage you to visit Bunbury and the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Set aside a morning, relax on the beach, and you may get to interact with a wild dolphin who really wants to meet you.

Author's Resource:

Graeme Olsen is a contributor at South West Life, an email magazine about south west Australia.

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