Swimming with Dolphins

[Tink]

Would you like to do this? Did you do it on your Disney Cruise? This is one experience I will not let pass me by when I finally get to go on my Disney Cruise.
So, tell me about it please!
Tink/Leanne

[Disney Dad]

Leanne,
I was just browsing through the boards and noticed this old post that noone ever responded to. While we have never done a Disney Cruise, my wife and I did swim with dolphins a couple of years ago in Curacao. I can tell you that it is easily one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have. At least if you love dolphins as much as we do! If it is within your budget when you do your Disney Cruise, I would highly recommend it.
Stephen

[Disney5]

Okay Stephen - now I need to hear all the details, more, more, more - costs, did you have kids then, would you do it with kids, etc.

[Tink]

Thanks Stephen.
Do tell - we do want more info! And pictures! This is now definitely something I will plan on doing when we cruise.
Leanne

[34Angels]

Oh wow, I didn't even see this post before!! I plan on going to Discovery Cove (when I finally get down to Orlando!!) and swimming with dolphins there. I LOVE dolphins (my first tattoo is of a dolphin! LOL) and have always wanted to swim with them.

[Disney5]

Can't wait to hear about that one!

[Disney Dad]

OK, I have posted my pictures from our swim with dolphins. We were in Curacao and were there with my dad and stepmom. The price was about $150 per person and we were in the water with the dolphins for about 30 minutes or so.
Our kids were with my mom in Tulsa for this trip so it was just us adults. I think for the dolphins swim you have to be a little older but they do have a "dolphin encounter" for the younger kids where they can pet and touch the dophins, who come close to them.
The only negative thing about the experience is that the time goes by so fast and you don't want to leave these beautiful creatures!
By the way, if you are looking for a really nice family carribbean vacation, the resort we stayed at was FANTASTIC! I can't tell you about the cost because we were there on my dad's time share, but I would recommend this place to anyone, with or without kids. The best part is that the hotel is connected to the aquarium and all guests of the resort get unlimited admission to the aquarium throughout their stay. That is where the swim with dolphins is and they also have dolphin shows, sea lion shows, etc.
Here is the link to their Web site:
<A href="http://www.curacao-sea-aquarium.com/">http://www.curacao-sea-aquarium.com/
I hope this information is helpful!

[Disney5]

Very cool - thanks for sharing that!

[Tink]

Stephen thanks so much for posting the pictures! I really want to do this now. That means, when we go, Alex MUST know how to swim. lol
Leanne

[Wiggles1]

Paulie (from WMB) has done the Trainer-For-A-Day thing at Sea World a few times. Maybe she'll come out of lurkdom and tell you about it. ;) I know she loves it.

[Disney5]

I've always thought it sounded so exciting and something I really wanted to do. Then, I saw some things on how some dolphins are brought in illegally and inappropriately...so it makes you think but still something I want to do. Just have to figure out the good and right places to go!

[Wiggles1]

Great pictures, DisneyDad! :)

[Tracyofoz]

My husband and I went to Sea World for our anniversary in April and did the Dolphin Interaction. It was alot of fun!! It costs $150.00 per person plus admission to the park. I spent $200.00 on pictures though......<IMG src="http://mb.disneymouselinks.com/Uploads/Images/552ebb21-3e7e-4aaf-b244-da07.JPG">

[Tracyofoz]

Here is another pic.<IMG src="http://www.mb.disneymouselinks.com/Uploads/Images/488f83ef-128a-48d5-bc1c-7075.JPG">

[Disney5]

OMG! Thank you so much for sharing those!!!

[Tink]

Wow - I am loving all of these swimming with dolphin pics! Thanks so much for posting them everyone.

[Disney Dad]

Shawna,
You have a legitimate concern about the care of the dolphins. I can tell you that Sea World obtains all of their animals legally and takes very good care of them. The Sea-Aquarium in Curacao was also top notch and it was obvious that the well being of the animals were their primary concern. They even had classes for children on caring for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Unfortunately, there are places (Mexico is notorious for this) where the dolphins are obtained illegally and are not treated well. Many die while being captured/transported and if they don't, they live a miserable life being mistreated. These people are only in it for the money.
Stick to Sea World or other reputable places and you won't have to feel guilty! It truly is a remarkable experience!

[Disney5]

Thanks Disney Dad! The whole swimming with dolphins thing is so exciting, but I read a lot of the stuff on the places in Mexico doing illegal and mistreatment - and some in other places as well. That really had me worried. I don't think Sea World does human/dolphin interactions though, do they?
If anyone else knows of other good, reputable places where they know for certain this hasn't happened, by all means post them so we can patronize the right ones!
On another note, note sure if anyone had read about how the Mirage in Las Vegas obtained their dolphins, but it also wasn't good. However, they are treated very well now and have fantastic trainers and caregivers.

[Wiggles1]

Great pictures Tracy! :)

[Wiggles1]

YIKES! Did you see this?
<A href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061130/ap_on_re_us/seaworld_whale_attack_17">http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061130/ap_on_re_us/seaworld_whale_attack_17

[Tink]

I just saw it on the news!

[Disney5]

Maybe he should leave the whale alone or quit trying to dive off her nose (I'd bite him for that one too!) lol...I'm sorry to make light. The performances are amazing, but I'd have to say they take it a bit too far sometimes. They're amazing animals, they certainly don't need to do group tricks to make a show.

[kristisomer]

I know Sea World in Orlando has Discovery Cove that offers time swimming with the dolphins but I think your children have to be at least 6. We are planning on doing this when my daughter gets older and we can enjoy it as a family. My son would want to do it now if he had the opportunity or knew about it. He is a big animal nut actually he prefers Steve Irwin over anyone. Three years ago at the AK we had to buy him the safari outfit they sell because it looked like Steve's clothes. Now every year he saves his money to buy a new outfit when we go down.
I know Typhoon Lagoon also has a shark swim there in Orlando. It is free with admission and I don't think children have to be a certain age. This is a lagoon with fish, sharks, and rays that you snokel though, it is very cool. And the fish never do get too close to anyone and normally the sharks hang out on the bottom.
Kristi
PS: I have done the trainer for a day program down at Theatre of the Sea in Marathon Key, FL. It is a very special memory for me. But was better was when I interned for a zoo in the marine mammals area. I had lots of contact with the dolphins, sea lions, walrus, penguin, etc. Very cool but you need to keep in mind these are wild animals with wild instincts so accidents do happen.

[Tink]

Wow Kristi - thanks for you info. A Shark Swim huh? Sounds scary. lol
Leanne