CHASING DOLPHINS

by ESTHER OPIYO (Kenya)

I didn't expect to find Kenya

"Rather travel to a place once than hear about it a thousand times." My travel mantra. Whenever I travel, I purpose to make the best memories out of an experience; either by learning a new skill, a new language or creating a bond with fellow travelers that would be hard to break when we get back home. My trip to Wasini had been long overdue. I had been yearning for this excursion for close to five years. Anyone who asked me what activity topped my bucket list received this response: Spotting and swimming with dolphins at the coastal region of Kenya. By far, it is the highlight of my local travels. The day of the travel had me wake up earlier than usual. I could not hold back the excitement that was within me. My mind raced with thoughts of snorkeling and capturing beautiful shots of myself and the dolphins as I swam with them. I could not wait. When my driver delayed my pickup, I got impatient and almost lashed at him, following information that spotting the dolphins is done between 0600hrs and 0700hrs. It was 0730hrs. My years of travelling have taught me that in this industry, you need several banks. Patience is one. It must be bottomless. Positivity is another. Always make room for unforeseen circumstances. The drive was rather smooth; thanks to improved infrastructure. We passed through the quaint villages of South Coast. They were deserted, save for the tourists in the area who were enjoying cycling. I came to learn that the villages come to life up from 1000hrs. Such a shock. The city life always has me up before the crack of dawn and running like a headless chicken. Nothing conjures the idea of an island escape like palm trees. They were beautifully lined up beside the road that led to the Marine National Park. My heart skipped a beat. A joyous one. It was unbelievable that I was finally going to have a shot at chasing dolphins. However, a moment felt as though I was the only tourist who had arrived. ‘’We are late.’’ I said as a clasped my hands around my waist in disappointment. I was pretty sure I would be sent back home for missing the boat that ferries visitors to the park. Alas! Getting to the ticketing office, a number of visitors like myself were waiting to be assigned a captain and a boat. Minutes later, we began the excursion. I have always loved boat rides. I love the palpitation of the ocean’s waves. One could totally harmonize a tune to it. The entire time I had my eyes fixated in the water. An hour into navigating the ocean, the dolphins did not come out play. Not with us at least. The locals explained that spotting the dolphins was based on luck. I however kept the faith that we would spot them on our way back to the mainland. The excursion also included a snorkeling session at the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. It was my first time snorkeling, so here was my opportunity to learn a new skill. Initially, I thought snorkeling required mastery in swimming. On the contrary, all you need to do is float, keep your head in the water, face down and feet on the surface. Floaters are provided as well. If you have ever been held back from experiencing crystal waters of the ocean and spotting the schools of fish under water because of this, here to tell you there is nothing complex in snorkeling. I spotted different species of fish, a turtle and coral reefs. Life under water is beautiful and precious. Heading out for lunch, the most unexpected happened. The dolphins came out to play! We followed them around the ocean as they put up a show for us; jumping in and out of water, tapping their tail fins hard on the surface of the water and doing back flips. It was marvelous in my eyes. My heart was full. It was impossible to swim with the dolphins because the tides were high at that time. Also, the dolphins at Wasini are wild and you require skill to hack that.