We always conduct the cruises in the morning as this is when the seas are usually calmest and the Dolphins at their playful best.

There is only one person at a time allowed in the water with the Dolphins. This person keeps close contact with the boat by holding onto a rope alongside whilst the Dolphins swim under, beside and around them.

People considering Swimming with the Dolphins are advised to practice snorkelling prior to undertaking this adventure.

It is possible to practice your snorkelling skills opposite our dive centre, in the lake. The day before your cruise and on the high tide is the best for this. We will lend you the necessary equipment to practice and can assist you with a few helpful tips. There is no charge for this service.

Whilst we are normally able to assess whether conditions will be favourable one or two days in advance, we reserve the right to cancel cruises if the seas are not calm enough to undertake the cruise.

Even in the calmest of oceans, boats will rock and passengers will experience movement. If you are prone to motion sickness, preventative medications can greatly assist in ensuring your enjoyment of the cruise. "Travacalm", available only from chemists, is in our experience the most effective product for this available.

There are a number of medical and health problems that may make Swimming with the Dolphins unsuitable for someone. These could include epilepsy, heart or stress problems, history of dizziness, history of fainting spells, insulin dependant diabetes and aquaphobia; if you are unsure or suffer from any of these or any similar conditions you should consult your doctor before undertaking this adventure.

Dive Forster at Fisherman's Wharf has provided truly wonderful experiences for thousands of customers in our local open ocean and lake environment, offering a fantastic opportunity for in-water Dolphin interaction.

Our Swimming with Dolphins cruises are conducted in the open ocean, north of the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park boundary; it is out here in the current line that sweeps into the relatively sheltered bay formed by Cape Hawke, that we often encounter the pods of playful Common Dolphins.

In 1994 the Commercial Vessel's Manager of NSW Maritime (then Waterways), Mr John Howard came to Forster to assess our Swimming with Dolphins cruises, in particular the safety aspect of our operation. Mr Howard undertook a cruise with us and following this said: "We cannot deny the public the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful activity. You have obviously thought thoroughly about how to conduct these in water activities safely. We will be issuing you with a permit as part of your Certificate of Survey to put people over the age of fifteen years into the water on a trailing rope whilst you motor along slowly, and as demonstrated to me this morning"