Dusty, the friendly dolphin, greeted the two young divers on an underwater excursion in County Clare last weekend.
The incredible footage posted online by Burren Sub Aqua Club shows two scuba divers approached by the friendly dolphin in Clare.
Sisters Jessica and Jennifer Smith were making the most of the bank holiday during a shore dive near Miltown Malbay. Their weekend was made when they were greeted by a friendly resident dolphin, Dusty.
An incredible experience – making new friends
The two sisters were on a scuba diving adventure with Burren Sub Aqua Club when they got the surprise of a lifetime.
Footage posted on the Burren Sub Aqua Club Facebook page shows the incredible moment the two young scuba divers were approached by the friendly dolphin in Clare.
The footage shows the attention-loving dolphin interacting with the two sisters, even letting one stroke her as she swims by.
Ireland’s resident dolphins – a fantastic legacy
Dusty is not as well-known as the famous Dingle resident, Fungie. However, she has called the County Clare coast her home for more than 20 years.
Over that time, thousands of visitors have flocked to the Wild Atlantic Way, hoping to meet this just-as-friendly mammal.
No doubt the Smith sisters felt incredibly lucky when the young scuba divers were approached by the friendly dolphin in Clare.
17-year-old Jessica told RTE News, “We were in the water for around 50 minutes, and she was with us the whole time.
“She followed us right to the shore at the end. It was amazing to see how enthusiastic and curious she was to swim with us.”
Scuba diving in Clare – Burren Sub Aqua Club
Burren Sub Aqua Club is located in the incredible Burren National Park. The club gives visitors a unique opportunity to see the incredible landmark from an underwater perspective.
Scuba excursions explore the Burren, the reefs of the Aran Islands, and the Cliffs of Moher – plus, as the Smith sisters learned, some surprises are in store along the way.
The offshore adventure was the club’s first dive since the easing of restrictions.
Talking to RTE News about the moment when the scuba divers met the friendly dolphin in Clare, 18-year-old Jennifer said, “It was especially amazing after the year we have had.
“I have just finished my first year at college, studying from home, while Jessica is doing her Leaving Cert. So swimming with Dusty was a pretty amazing break from it all.”
Safety first – don’t try swimming with dolphins alone
While the lucky scuba divers were approached by the friendly dolphin in Clare, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has advised the public not to attempt to swim with her.
Dusty is said to have no fear of humans and has been known to actively seek out swimmers in the past. However, some divers have reported aggressive encounters.
Would you like to take part in a similar dive and have the chance to meet Dusty safely? If so, you can book an excursion with Burren Sub Aqua Club via their Facebook page here.
Watch the incredible footage below:
