Owner
Adam started working for Dolphin Swim Australia in 2012 while he was studying Environmental Science, majoring in sustainability and marine at Newcastle University. Once he completed the degree, he then went on to manage DSA for a number of years during which he became a part owner in 2016. He took a break from managing and worked for NSW Fisheries doing research all around the state, while still working on the boat most weekends. Ellie and Adam then took over the business in August 2021 and couldn’t be happier!
“We literally have THE best job in the world and get to work with the best people, who are more like family. Going to ‘work’ is so exciting as every day is unique and special.”
When Adam isn’t working, you’ll find him surfing, spearfishing, freediving, practicing yoga or lying on Shoal Bay Beach!

Owner
Ellie co-owns and runs Dolphin Swim Australia with her husband Adam. She originally had a background in business and dermal therapies but traded it in for the dolphin life in August 2021 and hasn’t looked back! In the offseason you will find them travelling the globe while still working on the business remotely. “I just LOVE working on the boat, not only because we swim with wild dolphins, but because we get to meet so many incredible people from all over the world and literally see people’s dreams coming true! It’s pure magic!” When Ellie isn’t working, you’ll find her catching up with friends, going to yoga, trying to surf or frolicking in the ocean!

Matt started working for DSA in 2015 and then went on to manage the business for 2 seasons! Matt has the most infectious energy and is the best person to have around at 6am to pump everyone up! When he is not swimming with dolphins, Matt runs his own gym in Newcastle called ‘The Hunter Health Project’ and is also completing his carpentry apprenticeship.
When Matt isn’t working, you’ll find him kicking back with mates, cooking up a BBQ and shredding on a wakeboard!

Meg has been working for DSA since 2015 and is just an absolute boss at any role thrown at her! We are so lucky to have Meg on the boat as she is also such a warm and caring person, which people love - especially when they’re feeling a bit green! Meg is also a registered nurse and works in Salamander Bay as an amazing cosmetic injector and dermal therapist.
When Meg isn’t working, you’ll find her sipping cocktails with friends, working out at The Hunter Health Project or chilling at the beach.

Lakyn started with DSA at the end of 2021, and we can’t imagine boat life without her now! She is such an asset to the team and brings so much fun and joy onboard. Lakyn is expecting a little bubba in March 2023, so she’ll be having a bit of a break over the offseason but will be back for more dolphin action at the start of our 23/24 season! When Lakyn isn’t on the boat, she is busy making a huge difference supporting the homeless youth of the Lake Macquarie region. In her downtime, you’ll find Lakyn scuba diving, freediving and cooking up a storm! “The best thing about working on the boat is sharing my love of the ocean with the people around me, both my dolfamily and our lovely guests. Watching people light up after experiencing swimming with wild dolphins makes my day, and has me happily jumping out of bed every weekend at 4:30am!”

David, affectionately known as ‘Dr D’, does actually have a doctorate in Cognitive Linguistics, along with a couple of Masters Degrees in Education and Business, an Honours Degree in German, undergraduate studies in Marine Science and a PADI Dive Master qualification – phew, that was a lot! So, if you want to know anything about life, love, or the ocean – ask Dr D! Fun Fact: David and his wife, Lesley, were guests on the very first DSA tour in 2010 and has worked in the business ever since, as part of the crew and as a training adviser. He is the first to study the Common Dolphins off Port Stephens and has identified around 700 of them! David & Lesley even wrote A Book About Dolphins (yes, that’s the title!) which is available for purchase on our tours and on the website. Lesley and David are keen travellers and divers. They have visited 59 countries (and counting) and dived many islands of the South Pacific, the Australian East Coast, Indonesia and even Bermuda. When David isn’t on the boat swimming with dolphins, you’ll find him surfing at Birubi or One Mile beach or planning their next adventure!