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A selection of comments from our
website's guestbook
From: The Clancy Family, 16 February 2008 Thanks for an amazing experience, guys. We are definitely coming back and doing it again, as Shahni and Perri keep telling us. For someone who isn't great with large bodies of water, you made it easy for me to get in and see those gorgeous creatures - and that's no mean feat! We are even showing as many friends as possible the newspaper article from 9th Feb and telling them they're mad if they don't take the opportunity to do something as truly amazing as swimming with the dolphins and seals. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you all, you'll be seeing us again sometime soon.
From: Teresa, 12 February 2008 I had the pleasure of swimming with the Port Phillip Bay Dolphins on the morning of Tuesday 29th January 2008, a truly breathtaking experience. As a poor swimmer, I had my concerns and was nervous about entering the water. However, with reassurance from Ben and my first close up sighting of a truly wild dolphin, these fears were soon forgotten. I cannot put clearly into words the feelings of awe, respect, peacefulness and of course excitement that came over me. You can only truly understand it when you experience it for yourself.
From: Sally Fostineo, 31 January 2008 Thank you so much for the wonderful morning. It was the most brilliant experience I have ever had. The seals were fantastic and my fiance and I would have not been disappointed if we had not seen any dolphins. They were so playful and curious. We did see dolphins though and they were amazing also. You were such wonderful hosts. We will definitely be back again one day and have been recommending you to everyone. Thanks for the hot chocolate and the fruit scones. They topped off a wonderful morning.
From: Robyn, 28 January 2008 A number of years ago, I went on a Polperro Dolphin Swim. It was one of the most memorable and magical experiences of my life. With a dolphin less than an arm's reach on either side and one beneath me rolling onto its back and looking into my mask, I laughed out loud with pleasure (not a real clever thing to do while under water, but it was worth it). I went home on a high, the variety of which would be near impossible to describe to a non-dolphin swimmer.
From: Sharyn & Andrew, 24 January 2008 Andrew and I, along with three other members of our family, swan with the dolphins and seals on Tuesday 8th January 2007. Despite my initial reservations, and with the encouragement of Lisa and Ben, I got back into the water. Very shortly afterwards, I was holding on to the boats duckboard when Lisa shouted that dolphins were directly below me. With my head submerged, I saw the most wonderful sight, three dolphins within touching distance of me, an adult and two younger ones directly to my left. It appeared they were looking at me and then as suddenly as they appeared they had gone. What truly magnificent creatures they are! Andrew also experienced a close encounter and that experience combined with the visit to the seal colony was definitely a highlight of our holiday in Australia. We have told anyone and everyone who will listen about the visit and would recommend Polperro to others. A hugh thank you must go to Lisa and Ben, without whom it is likely I I would have missed out on this truly spiritual experience, and to the skipper who found the dolphins for us.
From: Jessica and Shane Birch, 21 January 2008 We would just like to thank you so much for the most amazing day ever. Both of us thought that the swim was the best thing we have ever done and will definitely be back! The dolphins and seals were just gorgeous and it was life changing to be underwater with them. Thank you for letting us into your family and sharing all your environmental knowledge and facts. Thanks.
From: The Liberatore Family, 2 December 2007 Many thanks for the lovely afternoon we had. Despite not seeing any dolphins, we did see many seals. The crew all made sure we were all looked after...with hot chocolates, coffee and scones, as well as informing us of the many spots we saw. With the marvelous day and gorgeous scenery, my family and I didn't want to leave the Polperro after having spent such an interesting, relaxing and enjoyable day.
From: Tanya, 27 June 2007 I swam with the dolphins with you about 10 years ago and absolutely loved it! I tell everyone about it and always recommend it for a great gift. I'm really looking forward to when my little girls are old enough to also enjoy the experience (they're only 8 months, and 3 years, so I have to wait a while!).
From: Mark and Theresa Whapshott, 2 April 2007 We can't thankyou enough for a fantastic swim with the dolphins experience. We came with you on March 21st, and to see so many dolphins and seals was amazing. Thankyou for the homemade scones and hot choc - a lovely end to a perfect morning. Best wishes to you all.
From: Toni, Paul and Dana, 26 March 2007 We just want to say thanks to you all for the way you welcomed us last Saturday. The afternoon was fantastic and something that we will never forget. We look forward to seeing you again, when we come back later in the year.
From: Stephan, 26 February 2007 (email message) Now that I have a moment, I must write and say a huge thank you for the four trips we managed to take over the last few weeks. They were absolutely fantastic! Every student and staff who went were blown away with the opportunities which presented themselves each trip. The snorkeling and swimming with dolphins and seals was incredible. Probably one of the best parts of your operation is your brilliant staff! It would be reserved of me to say they are so professional because they are so much more than that. They are so warm and friendly, but best of all they are so enthusiastic about the marine life - even after so many trips. They were all great! Thanks once again for accommodating us. It was a wonderful experience.
From: Krissy, 23 February 2007
Just a little message to say a BIG thank you to Judy and all the team at Polperro for our swim on Thursday the 22nd February. It exceeded all expectations, you're staff and customer service were excellent!
From: Emma, 21 February 2007
Only just returned home from our swim with Polperro and just had to thank you one more time, THANK-YOU!.Such an amazing experience it truly cannot be described. It was fantastic to see how enthusiastic the crew members were and made everybody feel relaxed and ready for a great day, it was definitely one I wont forget.
From: Lyndal, 5 February 2007
It was an amazing experience. No doubt i will be down again in the near future to give the dolphins another go. That family with the baby dolphins were gorgeous.
From: Vicki, 21 January 2007
From: 'Laura's Mum' , 11 December 2006
On the 10th of December 2006, for Laura's 8th birthday we decided to take her on a trip to swim with the dolphins & seals. She had the time of her life (not to mention that we also enjoyed the day). Just the look on her face said it all. 24 hours later we are still hearing her version of the day, the dolphins this the seals that. And poor Jess, your ears must be burning. Your name has been said approx 1000000 times. She wants to know if she can do the swim again. I said 'sure', maybe for your 12th birthday."Oh no, I want to go next year", so guys, looks like you will see us all again next year. Many thanks to the cook, the skipper and the guides. The trip will not be forgotten for a long time.
From: Jason, 7 December 2006
I have just got back from my trip on the Polperro, and I would just like to say that I loved it! It is an experience that I will have for ever. It would have to be one of the best days of my life.
From: Markus, 17 November 2006
I went on the dolphin swim trip this week and although the water was freezing cold, it was a great experience to see the dolphins come close and look at me. What I appreciate most is the way the Polperro crew does these trips in order not to disturb the wild dolphins in their natural environment. Please continue like this!!! It's absolutely not necessary to touch or feed a dolphin, it's much better to experience the dolphins coming to you because they are curious and interested, and not because they are trained to do so.
From: Camelia and Peter, 19 April 2006
I wanted to thank you for a very memorable day. I swam with the dolphins and my husband observed on Sunday 16th April 2006. We loved the Polperro and the crew were very supportive and caring and enthusiastic. All the crew went that extra bit to make our day enjoyable and rewarding. We saw a lot of dolphins and those wonderful wetsuits kept me warm. The whole experience was memorable and everyone I have told about my magical adventure wants to do it as well. We will be back again.
From: Cheriee and Mark, 16 April 2006
Thanks for the time and experience. Thanks for the hospitality and we would like to let you know we will be telling lots of people to go swim with you if they want the dolphin swim experience and a great place to propose a marriage. Thank you once again and we hope to come and further our experience. Looking forward to seeing you again. THANK YOU.
From: Janne and Lise, 1 April 2006
We had an amazing time both swimming with seals and dolphins! Thank you very much for an experience we have been dreaming about for years. The enthusiastic crew made it even better! Thank you!
From: Sarah and Steve, 30 March 2006
My husband and myself decided to have a quiet weekend break in Sorrento, and came across a pamphlet to swim with the dolphins. We booked this tour I was petrified) and it was one of the most memorable times of my life, it was amazing. We are now 10 years on and decided to have a weekend Easter break down at Sorrento, but this time we are taking the kids, to let them have one of their most memorable times. Our kids have been so jealous of their parents swimming with the dolphins that we have to give them their turn. I have been basking in my glory for long enough. Polperro, I'm so glad you guys are still around, for my kids to enjoy their first experience of swimming with the dolphins.
From: Rach and Guy, 12 March 2006
We had one of the best days of our lives with you on Sunday. The weather was kind to us and the dolphins even kinder, not to mention the big fat seal showing us his huge catch of snapper - what a sight to see. The service on board the Polperro was fantastic, with yummy scones and hot chocolate and the company was very friendly and educational. You should get an award in customer service. It was great to catch up with Ben (old school buddy). Great to see some things haven’t changed even though Sorrento has changed so much. Looking forward to our next adventure with you all. Thanks again for a fantastic experience.
From: Lee-at, 2 March 2006
My father has always had a strong connection with the sea and especially dolphins, so not surprisingly he has always dreamed of swimming with dolphins. He has tried a few times without any success but that all changed last weekend when him, mum and I went on your boat. Dad had an absolute blast and was grinning from ear to ear for hours afterwards. Thank you to the fantastic crew of Stephan, Ben and Troy - you guys made the day all that more special.
From: Lawson, 22 February 2006
In spite of the fact that the day was cold and wet, my wife and I really enjoyed our trip. Our friend with whom we were staying actually went in the water, and while she admitted to being terrified, she wouldn't have missed it! We all thought the crew were excellent, and their enthusiasm was obvious.
From: Tony, 26 January 2006
A fantastic trip. At 65, and with only partial sight, my expectations were not high. Thanks to the care and consideration of the crew of the Polperro. I did it all and saw it all. Sincere thanks!
From: Ann, Sara, Stu, Karen, Paul, Bernie and Sam, 18th November 2005
I brought my brother and sister-in-law on the Polperro last Sunday along with 5 of us to watch them. You guys are brilliant ... not only did you make every effort to ensure what a great day we all had, you also smiled at this whinging POM!!! I was concerned with the boat ... nowhere for us to sit for 4 hours!! What about food??!! Who wanted to sit and who wanted to eat with such an amazing day!.Your homemade scones Judy were fabulous, but your attention and love for the dolphins outweighed everything else. You, Jess and Troy shone with your love for those creatures and for wanting us to enjoy them too. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou ... I will make sure I do the swim next time and I promise no whinging!!! Anyone out there looking to swim with the dolphins, you cannot go wrong with this crew. Goodluck to you all and hopefully see you soon
From: Viv, Dai, Gareth and Angharad, 10th October 2005 Just wanting to thank the Polperro crew - Judy, Ben and Troy - for our fabulous swim trip (4 October 2005). We are raving about it to everyone and recommending they head down south for their next holiday and do the same.
Angharad (10) is still so excited and proud that she swam with the seals (what show-offs), and is wistful that her brother saw more dolphins from the bow than she did from the stern. Gareth (12), was so thrilled to see the dolphins that he forgot to count them (and for anyone on the Autistic Spectrum, that's super-thrilldom!). He's a little regretful that he was unable to get his snorkel mask comfortable so that he could swim with us, so I have a feeling that we'll just have to come back in a few years, maybe when the water's just a little warmer for him (although the rest of us were fine in our lovely winter-thickness neoprene).
Dai and I particularly enjoyed the kelp beds, seeing the weedy dragons, the fish, the rays, urchins and octopus eggs. To think that even rarer and more diverse habitats further offshore are being ruined by the trial channel-dredging and even more will be lost if the dredging goes full-scale is so sad - what a waste, for a so-called economic opportunity where the figures don't even seem to add up.
The roosting Australasian gannets at the Pope's Eye were an unexpected delight. We saw many more flying and diving along the coast over the next few days, particularly during our walk around Port Nepean that Judy recommended. Such lovely birds. And of course, our gorgeous dolphin that swam right under us as we hung on to the duckboard - upside down so she could look at us looking at her - what magic!
Thank you all again for your enthusiasm, warmth and expertise. You are such fine ambassadors for conservation generally and the Port Phillip/Bass Strait areas in particular. Keep up the good work.
From: Ira, Peter, Marie and Tristan, 13th February 2005
From: Janette Rosengrave, 31st October 2004
I finally did it!!! I got to see the dolphins!! It was every bit as magical as I imagined and then some. They were absolutely beautiful and I am even more in love with them than before!!!
From: Liz, Kath, Sam & Michael, 19th
April 2004 The Fab
Four (my mum, nephew, his mate and myself!) had the most glorious time as
guests on the Polperro last Thursday (April 15), and you now have four
absolutely dedicated roving ambassadors spreading the word about just how
wonderful and unique it is to spend the afternoon with the Polperro's
sensational crew (a huge thankyou to Ben, Troy & Jess) and our hosts -
the absolutely delightful and captivating dolphins and those lazy seals! From:
Stephy, 10th April 2004 I just
wanted to say that you guys have a really good site and I really love the
fact that you guys want to protect dolphins from capture, because there’s
nothing like a beautiful species like the dolphin in its natural habitat. I
hope to go on your trip, because I have never seen an actual dolphin in real
life before and I love them already. I hope to get a website up on capture of
dolphins, Orcas and great white sharks, because it’s really cruel to put them
in captivity. From:
BJ, 8th April 2004 I just
wanted to thank you all, Jess, Jess and Lisa for an awesome time. Sorry you
couldn’t be there Judy but fighting for the dolphins is a better place to be
yesterday. I wanted to thank you all for letting my dream come true, for not
letting my spirits go. It was everything I ever wanted to do and was so
special to me and I'll see you all very soon. From:
Emma, 6th April 2004 I would
just like to thank Lisa, Jess and Troy for making my dolphin trip fabulous.
You were all so friendly and helpful - it made the dolphin experience even
better. You all kept my spirits up when we didn’t see any dolphins (Lisa:
NEVER SAY NEVER!) and then suddenly out of the blue there they were, two
males. It was truly amazing! Thank you so much for my trip today. When I am
older, I hope to come back to Australia and I will make sure I visit Polperro
Dolphins again. Lovely to meet you and thanks. From:
Stewart and Karen, 4th April 2004 Thank you
for sharing the dolphin experience with us. We are already planning next
seasons swim. See you then! From:
Angela and Phil, 18th March 2004 We took
our three children on a 'round-the-world’ trip this year, and one of the
things we were looking forward to was swimming with the dolphins at Sorrento.
We were not disappointed! As soon as we headed off in the boat, there were
dolphins everywhere, the weather was perfect, so Judith got us into the water
as soon as possible. It was such an amazing experience, not only the
dolphins, but the seals as well. Keep up all your good work. From: Chantelle,
14th March 2004 I am
currently studying tourism and for my current assignment, I am researching
things to see and do around the Bellarine & Mornington Peninsulas. I was
delighted to discover that you can take a boat out and swim with the dolphins
from Sorrento. I will make sure my entire class learns about your day trips.
I also look forward to experiencing it first hand in the near future. PS. The
photo gallery completely sold it!! Simply amazing pictures ... the
photographer should be EXTREMELY proud of them!! From:
Liz and Khanh, 14th March 2004 Thank you
so much for the most amazing, awesome day out today. The weather was perfect,
the dolphins were perfect and you guys were just fantastic. We got lots of
great shots of the dolphins on camera - a very memorable birthday indeed!! From:
Dan McLeod, 12th March 2004 I just
watched a show on TV (channel 2, 13/3/04) and typed Polperro into a search
engine, and wow, here I am. Why am I so interested? Because I love dolphins,
and for that matter all sea creatures, especially reefs and the inhabitants.
So I am doing my bit to preserve all our waterways. Take a look at my web
site. I came across these products by chance, so I am spending my money and
time putting the word out there, that the harmful chemicals we currently use
can be replaced, so lets do it, save our environment. From:
Reannon and Cassie, 2nd March 2004 Many
thanks to the crew at Polperro. After a failed attempt to swim with the
dolphins in November, my girlfriend and I came back and were able to
experience the joy in March. No doubt we will be back once again. Thanks
again for our great memories. From:
Loren, 20th February 2004 This past
January my school (Elon University in America) took a trip to Australia to study
ecotourism. Swimming with the dolphins was one of the activities we did. We
all had a lot of fun. You guys gave us a great experience. I was very
impressed with how much your guides knew about dolphins. They taught us a
lot. Thanks! From:
Carole, 24th January 2004 We came
on your trip 18 months ago and have since immigrated to Australia. We have
visitors from England in February and are hoping to come on the trip again. From:
Tailah, 21st December 2004 Luv your
dolphin pictures. I am changing my bedroom theme to dolphins this year. They
are soooo beautiful. I am hoping to come swimming with the dolphins on
Polperro with my family sometime soon. Maybe Mum will take me for my 10th
birthday. Keep up all your good work and have a Merry Christmas. From:
Mica, 10th October 2003 I am doing an English project about
my dream holiday. I of course chose Australia, as it is somewhere I would
love to go! I was thinking of activities I could put on my project and
swimming with dolphins is also another dream so I thought I’d find out about
it and write about YOUR place in my project! I never had intentions to
actually persuade myself to come but you never know with a bit of luck my mum
and dad may bring me?! THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WEBSITE IT TOLD ME EVERYTHING
I NEEDED TO KNOW! I will definitely recommend this site! Thankyou. From: Lulu, 22nd September 2003 I'm really glad that you are helping
to look after the dolphins. I hope one day to come and swim with them and the
seals and meet you guys. I wish you well and thankyou for the information. From:
Di Allpike, 25th April 2003 I have just watched a documentary on
Channel 2 and enjoyed it so much. To watch the joy of the young woman who had
been injured in a plane crash as she at first watched the dolphins and
finally swam with them was something to behold. If only all tour operators
could be such as yourselves, the ecology of the waters would never be
threatened. I also noticed at the end that such tours were going to be
reviewed. I hope yours is never taken from you, as I feel you are doing
nothing to endanger marine species, but to lose what you have done for
Melissa would be criminal. If the dolphins swim with your boat, they surely
could not be threatened. I must say I wasn't impressed with the large tour
operator’s attitude though, as he didn't seem to care about the environment
as you do. Good luck and I hope one day to be able to get to Victoria and go
out with you. It seems to me it would be a magical experience. Thank you for
what you are doing. From:
Marie Minton, 10th February 2003 I had the honour of
travelling with you last year and had the best day! We brought along a great
group of people from both Scotland and Ireland and they are still talking of
how wonderful the day was. The whole dolphin swim experience was fantastic
and I learnt a lot about the dolphins and their environment as well. Hope to
see you again soon. From:
Sandy and Chrissy, 26th January 2003 What a fantastic time we had swimming
with the dolphins. Anyone who ever thought about doing it don’t think, just
do it... its great. From:
Nancy, 19th January 2003 We lived in Melbourne for a little
over 2 years and are now back in the states in Texas. While there, two of my
girlfriends came to visit and I took them to the Polperro Dolphin cruise.
First I must say, the family that owns the tour boat was just amazing,
loving, and fun! That was what made the trip 1/2 the fun, beside their
knowledge and expertise on these amazing animals. We were on a special trip
that day, because we had a young lady that was diagnosed with a brain tumour
and was not going to live very much longer, and one of her last wishes was to
swim with the dolphins. She was put into a wet-suit, even though she boarded
the boat in a wheelchair. She also was lifted with the help of many onto the
back of the boat with her snorkel and mask to observe under the water. Up to
this point, we had NOT seen or come across any dolphins, and low and behold,
as soon as she got down close to the water, the dolphins came swimming around
the boat!!! They knew...... and sad to say, she passed away about 6 months
later, leaving two small children. If you get the chance and get down to
Sorrento, this is the ONLY dolphin trip to book. Even if you don't get to swim
with dolphins, just enjoying this family doing what they LOVE - is worth the
trip! From:
Allie, 5th January 2003 I went swimming with the dolphins 3
days ago and it was definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done or will probably
ever do. They are just the most gorgeous animals ever and any one thinking
about swimming with them DO IT!!!! I swum with the seals too but the dolphins
were loads better in my opinion. From:
Hilla Finkeldei, 5th December 2002 Your trips are so wonderful and well
organized. Many people should join your tour - after that it's really easy to
become environmentally friendly, I think! Thanks for taking us again this
year after we'd been with you around Christmas 1998/99. Will never forget
that first encounter! And now that my son is old enough to enjoy it, it's
even better. Highly recommendable!!!! From:
Neil, Karen, Charlie and Edward, 18th November 2002 When we booked the day out with you
we only expected to stay on the boat and watch the dolphins, it was only when
we talked to Troy and Ben did we realise that we could also get into the
water and swim with the animals we came across. Edward, only being 6, needed
some help and Ben you were great looking after him in the water. Troy, you
somehow managed to take some great video footage and photographs of us in the
water with the seals. Unfortunately no dolphins could be found that day,
however the afternoon spent with you was the best day of the entire month we
were in Australia, and you are one of the main reasons we intend to return
and book another day out with you, that and to make sure we see dolphins. A
special hello to Ben from Edward, and he says thankyou for looking after him. From:
Donna Hill, 27th October 2002 In April this year, my family and a
Japanese friend had the most wonderful experience swimming with the dolphins
in Port Phillip Bay. My girls (aged 11 and 8) had one of the most exciting
days of their lives. It was a dream come true for them to swim alongside the
dolphins and see them in the ‘wild’ (their natural environment). The crew
were absolutely fantastic and very mindful that the girls were young and a
little nervous about getting into the ocean to see the dolphins. However,
once they were in the water and being looked after by the crew they relaxed
and enjoyed the 30plus dolphins that swam beneath and beside us! It was
unbelievable to see such beautiful creatures, many of which had babies with
them. It certainly was a great day that we will never forget, thank you very
much. From: Mandy, David, Samantha and
Danika Nelson, 21st April 2002 Thank you for a fantastic experience. We did the trip as a
birthday present for Samantha who is mad on dolphins. The experience is simply
too fantastic to put into words. The thrill of being so close to wild
animals, in their own environment is something we will never forget. We felt
privileged that the dolphins would choose to interact with us. The biggest
thrill for me was when one of the dolphins that was swimming underneath,
flipped sideways and looked up at me through one eye, simply amazing! The
staff were all friendly and helpful, and this helped make the experience the
great success it was. Thank you again From: Tom Andrew,
14th April 2002 Dear Judy, Tony, Ben, Troy, Jim, Jess, Stef and any other
crew I met on my amazing week of experience. I’d like to thank you all for
making me feel so welcome. I had a great work experience and I gained lots
out of it. I cross my fingers and hope that I will be seeing you all soon on
Polperro. I have some great memories that I will remember forever. Thanks
again. From: Louise
Jacob, 13th April 2002 The six of us had a fantastic experience yesterday. Thank
you. Special thanks to Jim. No wonder you are captivated by the dolphins,
they are everything I imagined them to be. We hope to send lots of people
down to you from another beautiful part of Victoria, the high country. From: Koren
Harvey, 6th April 2002 Judy, I just wanted to thank you and the crew on behalf of
all the exchange students for a magical day last week. They are still talking
about it! You run a fantastic operation - informative, friendly and fun. We
will definitely be back next year. From: Desleigh Whatmough, 1st March
2002 Thanks to all for the great time I had on Monday 25 Feb.
What a fantastic experience I had, even if I didn't swim with the dolphins,
the seals are something I won't forget. You people are truly amazing. From: Denise Sproule, 14th February
2002 Judy and crew. Thank you so much for the wonderful
experience with the dolphins on Wednesday morning 13th Feb. It was such a
spiritual experience: to be looked at
with the soft eye of the dolphin. I will be back for a repeat experience. I
think your care for the dolphins’ welfare is wonderful. They are obviously a
part of yourselves. Thanks heaps. From: Nick Elsey, 6th February 2002 Dear Judy, Tony and the rest of the Polperro crew – thank you
for a great afternoon out! Swimming with the dolphins was a very exciting and
moving experience. Hearing what you and the rest of the crew are doing to try
and preserve these wonderful creatures for future generations was even more
moving. People like you are a role model for the rest of us! Keep up the good
work! From: Judy
Ross, 21st January 2002 Dear Judy (dolphin caretaker extraordinaire!). Having been
very emotionally moved by your wonderful documentary recently, I knew I
absolutely had to experience the dolphins with my adult daughter. I am a very
poor swimmer, never go in water beyond my bellybutton height, asthmatic,
extremely afraid of deep water, apprehensive about sea sickness,
claustrophobic about wearing a wetsuit, and really good at panicking due to
all the above (not to mention getting onto, down from, and back up into a
boat). I mustered the courage to participate in this adventure after you
assured me that you would take care of me after I mentioned a few of my
concerns. Not only did you explain so much information very clearly and
simply, when the crunch came for putting words into action, all my panic
buttons went off. But thanks to your kindness, patience and constant
reassurance and encouragement, I faced so many fears. You held my hand AND
NEVER, NEVER LET GO, enabling me to leave the boat and see the seals swim 1
metre beneath me. What a thrill!!!! My daughter knew of my terror and was
sure I would back out, but thanks to you (and my previous promise to her), I
did it. She is so very proud of me. From my heart, thank you for holding my
hand so firmly. I achieved much today. I have always sat and watched others
in envy. Today I joined in!! I still can't believe it. Some people do good
things in life. You do good for both people, animals, fish and the
environment. I plan to do this trip again. From: Cyndi Smith, 21st January 2002 I recently went out with you guys on Sat. morning Jan.
19th. I just want to commend you all on a fantastic adventure. Troy, Ben and
Jim were our guides, and they did an excellent job. I was very pleased with
all the knowledge and respect for the sea life that they had. I learned so
much about the dolphins, seals and even a bit about sharks. I had an
excellent time and would recommend your business to others! Thank you! From: Lawrie, Eve, Anne-Marie and
Peter, 25th December 2001 What a fantastic day we had, even though the dolphins were
not playing their part too well. We went reef swimming instead, and our
children had a wonderful time. Judy, Tony and Jess made the trip just
fantastic: very informative, very
interesting, and as for the scones and coffee, well what can we say!!!! Once
again, thank you so much for showing us this side to Australian life. We are
newcomers to this country and are discovering its delights every day. You
have shown us one of its true treasures. We will be back soon for another go,
and hope the dolphins play their part this time!!!! From: John Raczinkaitis, 27th October
2001 THANK YOU for such a wondrous and magical trip aboard
Polperro on 27/10/2001. It's not just the interaction with the marine
environment, but the friendly and informative way in which each adventure is
embarked upon. Enthusiasm is always infectious, and I now suffer from that.
Special Hello to Ben and Judy (marvelous cook). I feel easy in my mind that
Port Philip Bay has such great custodians! From: Gemma Arends, 11th February 2001 I had the experience of my life. Dolphins everywhere
swimming around me - something I will cherish forever. My mum and me will
definitely be back again. ASAP From: Philip and Nikki Lovell, 2nd
January 2001 Judy and the Polperro crew, thankyou for the wonderful
experience you gave to my son and I. I have been a dolphin and marine wildlife
lover for years, and now my 8-year-old son, Philip, has taken on the passion.
We had the pleasure of coming on your cruise on Friday 29 December 2000, and
had an experience we will never forget. The thoughtful and caring way you
made Philip feel very special was wonderful. It is safe to say he is now even
more of a dolphin fanatic. Most dreams never come true, but for Philip and I,
ours have and it's thanks to you guys. Seeing dolphins in their natural
environment, and being able to share it with each other and people who
obviously love what they do, was fantastic. Wow, what a trip. Thankyou From: Leesa Gordon, 19th November 2000 THANK-YOU to Judy, Troy and the rest of the crew for an
experience that will be forever in my heart. My friend Colleen, who has a
tumor and who is limited to a wheelchair, had the time of her life thanks to
you. You enabled her to fulfill a life long dream to swim with the dolphins.
The whole trip was fantastic and Colleen just glows as she tells the story of
her trip, and that is what makes it all worthwhile. You are incredible people
with very large hearts and I cannot express how thankful I am. From: Erin Pollard, 9th May 2000 My husband and I had the
wonderful opportunity to meet the Polperro crew last weekend. The experience
of laying on my belly, watching a magnificent pod of mothers and babies
brought tears to my eyes. Immediately following our visit with this dolphin
family, we were introduced to "Trevor" the seal. He jumped and
frolicked in the waves and reminded us of what joy looks like. Thank-you Judy
for sharing your wisdom and passion, for sharing this world with us. You are
an inspiration. Many, many, many thanks. From: Isla Croft, 28th February 2000 When I was 8 years old, I
decided that I wanted to be a marine biologist, and one day spend my time
researching dolphins. One of my dreams has been to swim with wild dolphins.
My hard work paid off and I am now a marine biologist. I have been able to do
some dolphin research and I am intending on following my dream and do that
sort of work every day! But I had yet to swim with dolphins...On 16/02/00, I
lived my dream on the Polperro, and swam with a pod of wild bottlenose
dolphins. It is an experience that will stay with me forever. Imagine - the
water coloured golden with sunlight, and sun-beams breaking through the
surface to shimmer and dance on the breathtaking image of smiling dolphins,
right there in front of me!!! Thank you Polperro - it was worth the fifteen
year wait and I'm so glad that I experienced my life-long ambition with you
and your crew! I have really enjoyed reading other peoples messages on your
web site - its excellent to know that there are so many other people out
there whose lives have been touched by dolphins. To everyone who would love to
do marine biology or swim with dolphins, never think that you might not get
there....just go for it and live your dream. From: Sarah Gearing, 30 January 2000 Hello everyone! This is
Sarah Gearing from the UK here. I came on a dolphin swim with my mum and
brother on the 7th January, and I just wanted to thank you for such an
excellent trip. Being disabled, I didn't think anyone would be willing to
make my dream come true, but in Australia everyone is pretty easy going, and
the crew certainly did not make me feel like a problem. I got to see lots of
beautiful dolphins and I also got into the water, which was great fun. It was
the best, and I'll never forget it! Thanks again for all your efforts. From: Alice Jago, 3rd November 1999 Dear Judith, Tony, Troy
and Ben. It was great to experience the beauty of Port Phillip Bay with you.
It is obvious how much you care about our wonderful bay and the creatures in
it. It was a wonderful learning experience as well as a great personal joy to
see the bay through the eyes of people such as yourselves. This is a fabulous
web-site and it is heartening to see the wonderful comments all the visitors
have made. To all those people out there who haven't been out on the Polperro
......DO IT!!!!... From: Ken & Kerrie Phillips, 19th
October 1999 Many thanks to Judy, Troy
and Ben who made our day such a pleasure. Even though the dolphins were shy
or simply had other things to do on the 19th October, our snorkel over a
small reef where we encountered a leafy sea dragon, sea urchins and a crabby
hermit crab (pardon the pun) was wonderful. It was my mothers first time into
water where she could not touch the bottom. Judy's care and patience made it
a great first experience for her and she will be back looking for the dolphin
experience. Look forward to seeing you all again. K n K From: Simon & Lynnie Crawley, 6th
April 1999 We came - we saw - he
swam. Thank you for a wonderful day on 4/4/99. What an experience! Wonderful crew
- very informative - very good fun! Will be recommending you to all our
friends and will definitely be back next season! Thank you for a wonderful
day. From: Alison Milne, 16th March 1999 Hello Judy, Tony and
Troy, remember me? It has been a long time since I have been lucky enough to
share the wonderful experience that you gave me. I still can't stop talking
about the work experience that you offered me.... it felt like a dream.
Swimming with the bottlenose dolphins and the seals was the greatest experience
of my life. I recommend it to anyone, because nothing can compare to the
feeling you get when you have these beautiful dolphins only centimetres away
from you! Thank-you so much, your compassion and dedication towards educating
people about the wonders of bottlenose dolphins is admirable! Thanks again
Judy, Tony and Troy, I look at the photos every day and dream that I was
doing what you do! From: Torie Ryan, 22nd February 1999 It was just an incredible
experience!! I'd love to do it again!! I recommend it to everybody. Not only
is it a great experience, but the crew of Polperro are VERY nice. Thanks a
million. From: Angie McPhie, 7th November 1998 Dear All. I went out on
the boat today - the water was cold and it was cloudy and rainy, but for me the
day was still magical. I have wanted to swim with dolphins since I was about
5 (I'm nearly 28 now) but have always lacked the courage to do it. When I was
13, I was bitten by a big ugly English fish called a pike, and since then
have always panicked being in deep water in case something touches my legs!
Even fish in shallow water have been known to freak me out!! So, I was very
nervous today, not because I thought the dolphins would attack me, but just
because of the sheer size of them. However, Jim told me that once I saw them
I would be fine - how RIGHT was he!?!?!? After watching them swim along the
front of the boat and being entranced by that, I finally got up the courage
to get in the water (many thanks to Judy at this point). And I was lucky enough
to see a dolphin swim right by....WOW!!! And if that wasn't enough, we later
went swimming near the seals, and four swam underneath me. It was just
incredible. So, I would like to encourage ANY one to try this adventure - and
would like to thank all the staff for the opportunity. And again, I would
just like to give a BIG thank you to Judy who stayed with me the whole time
until I got brave enough! I felt totally safe and reassured when she was in
the water with me, and enjoyed talking to her out of the water too! And she
is right, I really do think she has the best job in the world. And Judy..if
you ever need a trainee I'll be on the next plane over from the U.K.!!!
Thanks again to everyone for such a memorable day. Love Angie |
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