“I dreamed of dolphins, angels of the sea, angels in blue...I dreamed of you!” A little history... If you had told me that 1999 would be the year my life changed I wouldn't have believed you. I was a successful graphic designer, enjoying a high energy freelance career. I was studying Reflexology & Meridian Therapy part time and I had just passed the two year international diploma cum laude. Life was good! I still do design on a freelance basis and have a thriving Reflexology practice. A few friends and I decided to travel to Mozambique to swim with the wild dolphins. We had read an article on it and we were as keen as you get. I was initially a little wary of entering the dolphins watery domain, but once in the water, swimming alongside these amazing beings all my fears evaporated. I felt known in a way I had never felt before, there was no judgement, just acceptance with grace and humility. To say I was smitten would be an understatement, I couldn't get enough. I knew then that the person I was when I came to swim with the dolphins, was not the person leaving them. My love affair with the wild dolphins of Ponta continued for years. We would pack up once or twice a year and travel to the coast to spend as much time as we could with them. We participated in research weeks and my love for them deepened. I needed more, I needed to learn more and do more, much more. Learning more... In 2003 after much research and tons of hard work I was accepted to an Intern program at Dolphin Quest in Bermuda. I was to work with dolphins in human care for 3 months. As I left our sunny shores, that same feeling returned and I knew then that my life was about to change yet again. During my time on the small island with pink beaches, in the middle of the Atlantic, I discovered and learnt many things about my new dolphin friends. It was fascinating, an amazing dream come true in every aspect. My knowledge grew and expanded as did my awareness of dolphins and their plight. Ocean's Essence is born... On my return to South Africa in 2004, I missed my Bermuda friends so much, I couldn't stand it. I travelled to Ponta to visit with my friends there and on my return from that trip, something profound happened. People began asking me how they could swim with dolphins, what the process was, could I arrange it for them, and so Ocean's Essence was born. I chose the name Ocean's Essence as I believe that we all carry an essence, a truth of who we are. The ocean has her own essence, and by tuning into that we develop an awareness of all the creatures that live within her. Her moods, from gentle and calm to angry and stormy and all the levels inbetween. More adventures... In 2006 I journeyed to the incredibly beautiful and haunting Bahamas to participate in dolphin research with world reknowned dolphin researcher Dr Denise Herzing aboard her vessel Stenella. What a privilege it was for me to interact with the awesome Atlantic spotted and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in such clear waters. I was able to identify the differences in the species, their behaviours and habits. More importantly, I was able to note the incredible similarities between them and their Indian ocean cousins. Being on that side of the globe also afforded me the opportunity to visit beautiful Bermuda and my friends, the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. It was so special seeing them again and interacting with them. Being remembered by the dolphins and being welcomed with open flippers brough tears to my eyes. (It was worth braving hurricanes, tropical storms and lost luggage! But that's another story.) What we offer you... Ocean's Essence offers facilitated tours within Mozambique from the Kosi Bay border to swim with the amazing dolphins of Ponta D'Ouro. Wild and free and on their terms. We work closely with the facility in Ponta D'Ouro and enjoy a close yet professional relationship enabling us to provide you with a life changing experience. The dolphins swim with us because they want to, not because they have been trained or fed to do so. They are free and wild as it should be. There are no gimmicks here, you are in their domain and if they choose to, you could be close up with one of the most intelligent beings you'll ever meet. It is my greatest joy to experience the absolute delight of the people who have come away with us when they encounter dolphins for the first time. They are touched so deeply by the experience and it moves them in ways that are indescribable. It is my honour and privilege to be able to offer you the chance to see and swim with wild dolphins, on their terms, in an enchanting environment. We offer holistic healing practices, such as meditations and the awesome Dolphin Breathing Technique inspired by the dolphins. We also educate and inspire people to look after our precious environment and the ocean so we can all enjoy the gifts she yields for years to come. Come along and join us, you may even find that part of your essence is dolphin too. Thank you for visiting my website and we hope to swim alongside you with the dolphins very soon. NEW See our News Room under the Gallery for published articles and interviews with Michelle.