AusLeisure

Underwater images of wild dolphins interacting with humans on Port Stephens' Australia-first dolphin swims will be broadcast to the digital world following the launch of a new high-tech, underwater camera system on the 'Imagine' catamaran used by Dolphin Swim Australia.

World-first, state-of-the-art 'camera capture' technology will see above and below water, high-definition video cameras film snorkellers immersed in moving dolphin pods, with the vision broadcast live to new, flatscreen TVs on the catamaran and later on the internet, enabling global audiences to see Port Stephens' famous, friendly dolphins in action.

Launched in 2010 and the only dolphin swim of its kind in Australia - and the only commercially permitted dolphin swim in NSW - Dolphin Swim Australia's tour immerses swimmers into the world of a moving, wild dolphin pod, with snorkelling swimmers harnessed to a cable between the front bows of the moving catamaran, 'Imagine', in open ocean.

Dolphin Swim Australia founder and Chief Executive Andrew Parker, said the major technology upgrade followed a grant from the NSW Government's tourism agency, Destination NSW, through its Regional Tourism Product Development Program.

Parker explained "using sophisticated technology and locally sourced engineers and equipment in Port Stephens and Newcastle we can now capture the best dolphin interaction vision in Australia.

"From bow-mounted cameras and the latest Wi-Fi Go-Pro cameras, we can film all the dolphin action from six different angles, better monitor dolphin behaviour, improve swimmer safety, broadcast live footage onboard the boat for spectators, collect data for dolphin research, upload footage to our website, Facebook and YouTube and burn DVDs for our customers to take home as mementoes.

"This new technology will help us promote Port Stephens and its iconic dolphins to the world. Instead of people just treading water, which dolphins think is boring, our unique dolphin swims allow participants to actually keep up with inquisitive 'common dolphins' which get very excited when they see humans in the water whom they think are swimming as fast as them. We are thrilled we can now share this very special experience with a global audience using our new technology."

Welcoming the new cameras, Destination Port Stephens Marketing Manager, Tars Bylhouwer added "the new technology adds as exciting new element to Dolphin Swim Australia's tours and will help boost the international profile of Port Stephens as a nature-blessed, experience-rich destination."

Dolphin Swim Australia's four-hour tours cost $229 per swimmer (minimum age 12) including equipment and wetsuit hire and $60 for observers. Swims have concluded for this season but will re-commence for next summer in October.

For more information go to www.dolphinswimaustralia.com.au

17th March 2010 - UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH A DOLPHIN POD

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