Kayaking with dolphins

On the Saturday, I booked diving and sea kayaking in Palm Mar, just south of Playa de Las Americas. I was the only one so for the morning dive I had the 2 instructors all to myself. We went a little deeper (14m) than you are supposed to go as a beginner (12m) but that was fine with me. I couldn't take any photos and honestly it was to murky to see much. But I did see some sting rays and an octopus. :) However I think having dived the Barrier Reef, I may be spoilt for life. 

Getting out was a mission. We dived from the beach which is stones and has a sharp drop off. Getting out with tanks and weight belt, plus my legendary grace and balance ... never going to be described as elegant or particular effective. Some people on the beach were watching and laughing. I dare them to do any better! 

Palm Mar beach

After lunch, Paolo took me sea kayaking. A family had booked the use of some kayaks but went off on there own. We headed out to look for dolphins but they didn't want to come and play that day.

Around the fishery again.

Good view.

It was insanely hot on Saturday. I ended up dumping my cap in the water a few times to cool off. Thankfully I had loaded on the sunscreen so I didn't get kayakers leg. (I saw an example of this while in Virgina. Not a style I want to try. Though I appreciate Kenny showing this style off so I could avoid it.)

Calm waters

We wondered/paddled around, chasing glimpses of dolphins but they were much too quick for us. (Though it is amazing how much quicker you can paddled when you are trying to get somewhere. Or not show your partner exactly how useless you are at this.) There were only 2 lone dolphins and they were babies, which apparently is unusual as they are usually in pods. I think these were 2 teenagers off on a joy ride and didn't want to get caught out on their own. The adults are more curious than the babies so we only caught glimpses as the dolphins fished around the nets (spoiling their dinner I bet).

Checking out the cliffs.

Dolphin!

It was around this time my waterproof camera decided it did not like the heat. So the photos became increasingly washed out. (I think it is time to save up for a new one.)
We checked out a sea cave which on my own, I would have avoided. Thankfully Paolo knew what was safe.

Sea cave

If it had of been down to just me, I would either still be out there or would have never managed to get out in the first place. I would like to think I managed to pull my weight in the paddling department, but I can't delude myself to that extent.
We were out for about 2-3 hrs and that is a lot more upper body than I have done in a while. It was a lot of fun, but I still ache now, 3 days later.