Dolphin Blue set to launch in the Bay of Plenty
15-February-2008

The latest tourism venture to get off the ground in the coastal Bay of Plenty is Dolphin Blue. Paul and Alison Aitken, owners of Dolphin Blue, operate marine adventure tours that include dolphin watching and swimming plus observing the wide range of marine and bird life that can be seen in the Bay of Plenty region.

While the aim each day is to locate, interact and swim with dolphins, Dolphin Blue also offers other activities en-route – snorkelling, swimming or simply relaxing onboard the boat. In addition to this, overnight and boat hire options are available. 

“We have designed our experience to be peaceful and unhurried. Passenger numbers are limited to 12, so that our customer’s interaction with dolphins and other marine life is greatly enhanced”, comment Alison and Paul.

The Aitken’s boat, Commander I, is a classic Kiwi-built vessel that provides comfort and safety at sea. At 54 feet, it was built in 1967 using native New Zealand timbers and employing quality craftsmanship. Onboard, its character is one of comfort; it is spacious with large windows, plenty of deck space and full amenities.

Not new to ocean going, enterpriser Paul alone has clocked up over 40 years’ experience as a fisherman, 30 of them skippering both private and commercial vessels. Meanwhile, Alison is on deck to assist passengers who choose to swim with dolphins and she’ll make sure passengers don’t go hungry by providing morning tea, lunch and ‘going home’ refreshments.

Daughters Kimberley and Chantelle also lend a hand; Kimberley works as a part-time guide in between her Auckland-based role as an ambulance officer, while Chantelle is on-call to handle bookings and enquires.

“We seek to provide our customers with an unforgettable swimming with dolphins experience that has a minimal impact on the marine environment”, say owners Paul and Alison. “At Dolphin Blue we are helping to preserve the marine habitat and pride ourselves on our eco-friendly attitude and approach.”

 “Nothing goes over the side of the boat” are the rules Dolphin Blue have set. “We live, work and play in these waters; we do and will not taint them with rubbish”, says Kimberley who manages the sustainability initiatives for the business. “All rubbish produced onboard is recycled when we return from sea. We make a commitment to using environmentally friendly and where possible biodegradable products, such a dishwashing liquid, hand soap, cleaning products etc. Where this is not possible we recycle as much as we can.”  

Dolphin Blue is taking responsibility for jts actions. Everyday activities generate carbon emissions which in turn accelerate global warming and climate change. Dolphin Blue offsets its carbon emissions by planting native trees. Approximately six trees need to be planted per tonne of carbon emission; Dolphin Blue does this on privately owned land. 

With a desire to preserve New Zealand’s heritage,  Dolphin Blue has aligned with WWF-New Zealand’s ‘Adopt a Hector’s’ dolphin programme. Native to New Zealand these dolphins are now an endangered species. Even though Hector’s dolphins are not found in the Bay of Plenty, Dolphin Blue supports this cause helping to raise much-needed funds and to create awareness of the plight of this magnificent animal. 

For more information contact:

Paul or Alison Aitken
Dolphin Blue
Phone: 07 576 4303
Email: info@dolphinblue.co.nz