The operators decided to chance the weather, and we managed to get past an overly-stressed German lady who took our tickets and urged us to race to the boat before they left. We did our best impression of a race (more an up-beat saunter really), and amazingly made it in time. Upon our arrival, we realised there was not much danger of them leaving - we took the total of passengers from 3 to 8... The operator cheerfully advised that the lifejackets were not stowed under our seats as illustrated on the safety signs, rather sat conveniently on the roof of the boat.
We set off on the hunt for a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins, with the weather improving by the minute. Our initial searches proved fruitless, which was nice, as we got to see some stunning islands. Jen took on a greenish caste, but stayed strong for the entire journey (most impressive).
At the last, the operator got a radio call about a pod being spotted. Once there, we were encouraged to get up on the bow of the boat, lie face down and slide out until our heads were over-hanging the front of the boat. Aside from over-engorged noggins, it made for an awesome sight as the dolphins overtook us directly beneath the boat. As they passed, they would cock an eye in our direction just beneath the surface and then exhale a small plume of salty water in our faces. From dolphins, charming, from a fellow passenger on a bus - not so much.
On the way back, it became fairly choppy indeed, with Josh and I possibly having the most cast-iron constitions amongst the Martin clan (not a major achievement). After Jen kissed the ground upon our return, we freshened up and went next door for dinner. Lily commented on how strange the New Zealand accent was, which is understandable as the staff she was referring to were from France and Ireland...
