We were invited to hop on a speed boat and bounce out on the waves about a mile offshore. It was 8am but the sun was already scorching. Sun cream on and thick. Flippers, snorkle and mask – on.

When we arrived there were several boats all milling around trying the spot the school of dolphins that were alternately leaping into the air like dolphins do, or diving deep and out of sight.

As soon as someone spotted them we were commanded to dive into the sea and let them swim past us. What an awesome feeling watching these sleak, beautiful creatures glide along within touching distance. They catch your eye. They seemed to be having a really good look.

Although slightly scary knowing that the sea was hundreds of feet deep here, we were swimming so hard to keep up with the dolphins that there wasn’t enough time or breath to worry. This was hard work and by the time I got back on the boat I was exhausted. Shaking with the effort.

The dolphins disappeared for a while. The guys driving the boats getting quite agitated as they tried to locate them again. Were the dolphins playing with us?

I did wonder whether they were actually in command. And that the dolphins had come on a trip to swim with humans rather than the other way round.