We checked into our place (the PepperTree Lodge- highly recommend it) at the Bay and decided to just walk around and check out the area. A nice walk along the beach and some drinks. :)
Day two we went sailing on the Carino, which is one of the only companies licensed to swim with the dolphins. First and foremost, the Carino was amazing- it wasn’t one of those tours that packs on 90 people so that you’re jockeying for seats and elbowing your neighbors- there were only 12 people on the boat and the crew was really fantastic. Vanessa, the captain, is probably one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met; we had a great time talking to her. (Especially about pig hunting and rabbit hunting, which are both very much encouraged here- especially the big bunny hunt every Easter. How funny is that? There’s also a monthly magazine called Pig Hunter.) If you find yourself in the Bay of Islands, definitely check this out.
Anyway, first up was finding the dolphins and it was AMAZING! There were about 40 in the pod and they were all swimming and playing happily around us. It was really cool to see them in their natural habitat. We didn’t get to swim with them because there were babies in the pod (New Zealand law), but it was really great just watching them.
That's one of the babies on the left in the top picture there! After that we sailed to one of the (144) islands with a lovely beach and a nice little hike. Then lunch on the boat, more sailing and back to port! It really was a perfect day. Kinda thinking about buying a boat and just doing that every day too...
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