Kona, Hawaii

Hawaiian spinner dolphins may steal the show on any dive along Kona’s reefs. Their huge pods and playful nature make them especially photogenic.

Offshore dolphins portray their personalities in unique ways. Rough-toothed dolphins have a certain prehistoric look and don’t often encounter freedivers. They can become quite curious, using their extra-flexible neck to investigate newcomers to their environment. They are also one of the main enemies of tuna fishermen, capable of filleting a caught fish while it is still on the hook.

Many animals will reside within inches of the water’s surface. It can be very productive to spend some of your dive in just 5 or 10 feet of water looking up.