History

History

Temptation was designed and built by owner/operator Stephen Waites to do snorkeling trips out to the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. It was being built at the same time as Marina Pier was being developed.

When completed Temptation was put into the new marina as the only operating charter vessel.

Temptation went out on daily cruises which over time gave the local dolphins a bit of fun and safety. In April 2001 a young dolphin with its mother made Marina Pier its safe haven. This dolphin which was named Jade, after Stephen’s daughter, became a large draw card for Temptation and the restaurants in the precinct. In a short time Jade began swimming with Jade and then the ball began to roll.

We travelled to the best known areas of Australia and New Zealand to talk to other dolphin swimming operators. The conclusion was to legislate a code of practice and zoning for South Australia. This was approved and now we can offer this 100% natural experience that is possibly the best of its kind in the world.

Jade the Dolphin

Jade was a very special dolphin to Temptation’s crew. We first met when her mother “MoHawk” (named because of the scar she has across her blow hole) bought her into Marina Pier in April 2001.

We believe Jade was a Valentines baby because of her size when she came into the Marina. Almost all of the baby dolphins that we have monitored along the Adelaide coast, have been born around February 14th, give or take 3 weeks.

Jade is one of only a handful of dolphins around the world that has “taken” to people. She would come from a long distance and bring other dolphins over to Temptation. This action from Jade has been the main reason of Temptation’s success.

Unfortunately we believe that MoHawk passed away in 2010, and sadly have not seen Jade since that time.