Lokahi was waiting patiently for me. He watched as I approached cautiously through the water to his side and then turned gracefully onto his back in anticipation of having his tummy stroked. Lokahi is one of the four resident dolphins at the Moorea Dolphin Center, based at the InterContinental Hotel in Tahiti.

The Center is an educational and experiential, not to mention entertaining, activity. The programs available to the public have been developed by marine biologists and veterinarians, to make them both enjoyable and safe for both dolphins and humans.

There are a number of programs from which to choose ranging from a romantic session for three (you, a loved one and a dolphin) that begins with a lei greeting a freshly cut coconut and culminates with a unique photo opportunity. For families there are programs that allow both parents and children the opportunity to learn not only about dolphins but some basic marine biology, children as young as three are welcome to participate. For the adventurous there are programs allowing you to not only swim with a dolphin. Once thoroughly briefed you have the chance to hold onto the dolphins fin and let it take you for a memorable dive below the surface. You can even spend an entire morning as a member of the dolphin team and experience what the work of a dolphin trainer.

For me it was enough to stand in waist deep water and be able to stroke the incredibly smooth skin of the dolphin. Accompanying Salvatore, one of the trainers, I learned how to approach and touch the dolphin, being careful not to stoke the dolphins head. This is because of their nearly invisible and very sensitive ears.

Making contact with one of these wondrous creatures is surely on of life’s sweetest experiences. Their bodies are so smooth your hand glides easily across the expanse of their skin. And you cannot help but marvel at the grace and agility of the dolphin, resting peacefully one moment and then with a playful splash they have moved almost instantaneously to the opposite side of the enclosure.

All too soon my dolphin encounter came to a close. I will treasure in my memories my hesitant attempt to feed Lokahi and his tender, and fish-scented, smooch on my cheek. But mostly I will remember what it was like to stand so close and encounter this intelligent, gentle and beautiful animal.

The Moorea Dolphin Center (Te Mana o Te Moana) is a non-profit organization that promotes public awareness as well as the protection of marine wildlife in French Polynesia. For more information, or to plan your own dolphin encounter, visit the website at www.mooreadolphincenter.com.