Just a short drive from Miami is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park with America’s only living coral reef. It is celebrating its 50th anniversary and its success in protecting and conserving its natural resources. This is the jewel of the Florida Keys because of its live coral reef.
When you visit the sanctuary you visit America’s first underwater preserve. The live coral reef and abundance of sea life is truly breathtaking and unique. When you ride in the boat with the glass bottom, you can see the coral reef up close and admire its beauty. Also, the Florida Keys is one of the few places where you have Dolphins and Snorkeling in one place.
Video of the Snorkel Boat We Use – Get a Taste of What You Will See
Dolphins and Snorkeling in One Day
Many visitors want to snorkel and swim with the dolphins while in the Florida Keys, well, you can do this with Dolphin World. We offer the 1 Day Dolphin Swim Mini Workshop where you can do both fun filled activities. It will be a full day where half of the day you will get the 30 minute dolphin swim in Islamorada. During your 30 minutes, you will get to know your bottlenose dolphin where you get to pet, play and swim with them in deep water. This experience will entail a snorkel and free swim with them in an all natural salt water lagoon. Included in your day, you can snorkel in John Pennekamp Coral Reef park in Key Largo. Your experienced boat captain will take you and your family to the best spots of the reef to explore all the wonders of the colorful tropical fish and coral structures.
Attractions of the Greenery and Animal Life
When you visit the marine sanctuary you will get to explore the nature trails with the lush greenery, walk the beautiful sandy beaches, and admire and learn about the abundant wildlife that inhabit the state park. The beautiful blue water gives you the perfect window to view the fish and coral reef in its natural habitat.
You get to scuba dive with the fish and get up close and personal with the only live coral reef in America along with all the beautiful fish. There is a rainbow of life under the water waiting for you to explore it. The beauty and peace felt when faced with such a unique and majestic sight is truly unlike anything you will ever experience. There is the beauty and peace felt when in paradise and then there’s the beauty and peace you feel when in a totally different world, away from the world and sound of land life.
Below 25 feet of turquoise water stands a nine foot bronze statue of the Christ of the Abyss, an exact replica of which rests in the Mediterranean Sea. It is surrounded by living coral reef formations and highlights the miracle of America’s only living coral reef. When you scuba dive you can get up close and see the entire ecosystem that has grown onto the statue. The beauty of the adaptation of the organism is truly breathtaking.
Miles of Beauty and Paradise
The sanctuary covers 2800 square nautical miles of the waters throughout the Florida Bay, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean. There are coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps that adorn the sanctuary waters. There is an infinite amount of wildlife that coexist and live in this giant span of water. The fish, birds, marine life, and land animals that grow and inhabit the lush greenery and water are numberless and beautiful.
The sanctuary is open year around and offers the visitors an experience unlike any other. The park has two man made beaches, kayaking and boat rentals, nature trails and 47 camping sites. You get a chance to experience the park on many different levels and in so many different ways you don’t miss a thing. You get to experience the nature and wildlife of so many different environments there is no park that can match the beauty and intimacy you experience at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Is Grand Cayman to be one of your cruise ship’s ports of call? Plan ahead to explore the beauty and wonder of this popular island by scheduling a Grand Cayman Dolphin Interaction Program through Dolphin World. Pre-booking this shore excursion through Dolphin World not only guarantees your space for this popular activity but enables you to avoid extra fees charged by the cruise line and the hassle of spending your precious cruise time waiting in line to sign up for this event. Below I provide the information you need to get yourself from your cruise ship to your dolphin experience and other valuable bits of information to help you have a perfect experience.
Pre-book your Dolphin Experience through Dolphin World
If you have not already booked a dolphin experience shore excursion for Grand Cayman, there are good reasons to book in advance of your cruise. By purchasing your tickets on-line with Dolphin World 30 to 60 days in advance you will save 10 – 20% off your ticket price and avoid the mark-up charged by your cruise ship. Another reason is to ensure you get to do your activity: remember that besides the 3,000 – 5,000 people from your ship who may wish to sign up for a dolphin experience in Grand Cayman, the vacationers on other cruise ships are also competing for the few spots available for these activities.
The easiest way to book your dolphin program online is through our website. The on-line booking form will walk you through the process of choosing your activities and how to make payment. However, because Carnival Cruise Line discourages its passengers from booking directly with Dolphin World, there are some special instructions about how to complete your on-line booking form if you are traveling to Grand Cayman on a Carnival ship. When you are at the checkout screen, DO NOT select the Cruise Ship radio button. Instead use the Hotel radio setting and write in the name of your ship in the hotel box. If you prefer, call us in our booking office so our staff can help ensure that your reservations are made accurately. Your friends or family members who want to watch but not participate in your dolphin experience may be “observers” at the dolphin facility at no charge. Grand Cayman is on Eastern Standard Time, so schedule your events according to when your cruise ship is expected to arrive in port.
Chose from three different programs: The Dolphin Royal Swim, The Dolphin Swim Adventure, and the Dolphin Lovers program.
The Dolphin Royal Swim, provides the most time in the water with the dolphins, normally 30 to 45 minutes. Six to eight participants spend the session in deep water with the dolphins, enjoying the famous toe push in which 2 dolphins propel you from your feet and give you a ride through the water you will never forget! You will also have the opportunity for the dorsal toe ride, where these majestic bottlenose dolphins will come under both hands for a fast and fun ride. The dolphin trainer will give you plenty of time kissing, hugging, and petting these lovely creatures while informing you more about them. A bonus for participants in the Dolphin Royal Swim is a session of information about and interaction with Sting Rays.
The Dolphin Swim Adventure involves playing with dolphins in shallow and deep water for 30 minutes. While most of the time is spent in shallow water where you get to pet, kiss and play with the dolphins, at least one ride with the dolphin, a belly ride or a toe push ride (with a small boogie board to help propel you through the water) is included. Participants in this program also get a informational and interactive session with the sting rays.
The Dolphin Lovers session is entirely in shallow and waist-deep water with the dolphins, and therefore is perfect for young children (as young as 1 year old) and guests who do want to swim or get their heads wet. This program lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and will involve touching, petting kissing and playing with the dolphins. (No session with the sting rays is included in this option.)
From Ship to Shore
When your cruise ship arrives at the port in Grand Cayman, you will need to catch a tender from your cruise ship to the shore. For new cruise passengers, a tender is a smaller boat (usually holding 100 people and more) which will take you from the tender platform (at one of the lower levels of the ship) to land. Tender boats are used because cruise ships are too large to get close enough to shore for disembarking directly. Typically the trip from the cruise ship to shore is about 10 minutes. Since many guests will be getting off the Cruise ship to travel to shore, try to arrive early to the tender platform in order to be on time for your dolphin activity. Cruise ships make routine announcements about the schedule for disembarking to tenders and the ship personnel can answer questions about scheduling if you miss the announcement.
Ground Transportation to the Dolphin Facility
When you have arrived at Grand Cayman’s shore entrance you will find it bustling with cruise ship guests. The locals speak English and can direct you to a taxi, which is the best way to get to your activities at Dolphin Discovery/Boatswain Turtle farm (both are at the same location). There will be many cruise ship guests in the area asking to join various tours but you will find a taxi the most reliable way to ensure that you get to your Grand Cayman swim with the dolphin program quickly and on time. As of this writing you can expect to pay $8 to $10 per person for the approximately 15-minute ride in one of the taxis (which are usually mini-vans that can fit up to 10 persons.
After your dolphin experience you might want to be adventurous, traveling back to the port in a local mini bus that will cost about $2.50 per person. These mini buses are the same type of vehicle as the taxi you took before your activity, but they often pick up additional passengers along the way to your destination (as a bus would) so it will take a little longer, perhaps 20 to 25 minutes, to get back to the port.
Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman
The Dolphin Discovery building is well-marked. After entering through the front doors you will check in and receive a wrist band coded for the activity for which you are registered. Be sure to bring the paperwork you received from Dolphin World, or your confirmation number, to present at check-in. There are no refunds if you do not show up for your program. However, if you do arrive late for your program you should still check in at the facility as often Dolphin Discovery staff will be able to reschedule your program for the same day and so that you can still return to your ship on time.
After checking in you will be admitted to the promenade and pool area where the dolphins reside. At this time you can change into a bathing suit and store valuables in lockers that are provided. (Don’t forget a change of clothing a towel since you will be very wet after the program!) Finally, right before your dolphin program, Dolphin Discovery staff will give a briefing about how to get the most from your interactive dolphin experience.
Photos and Videos of Your Dolphin Program
You may wonder about the best way to get souvenir pictures of your dolphin event. The professional photographers on site at Dolphin Discovery have the experience and equipment to create superb photos and videos for you. Digital still images will be available on computer monitors throughout the facility for you to view and select after your dolphin interaction. You may purchase a large print for $25, or a disc of multiple digital images for about $50 per person. If you wish to have a video of your interaction with the dolphins be sure to arrange for that at check-in, before your dolphin activity.
Although there are no restrictions or fees for an observer to take photos of your dolphin interaction, you will find that the professionals on site have a better vantage point for taking the photos, and probably far superior equipment. The photos you purchase at Dolphin Discovery are the best way to document your exciting and memorable experience with the dolphins.
Bonuses to Your Dolphin Program
Participants in the dolphin activities can go to the Boatswain Turtle Farm which is located across the street from the dolphin facility. Those who participate or observe at Dolphin Discovery may purchase tickets onsite, $15USD, to enter the turtle farm, which is a conservatory and tourist attraction. You can see and interact with turtles and learn of the research conducted at the facility, which welcomes 500,000 visitors annually
Sting rays are another popular creature for which Grand Cayman is famous. Since you would not have time while your ship is in port to visit Dolphin Discovery and Sting Ray City, participants in the Royal Swim and the Dolphin Swim Adventure are given the chance to interact with sting rays in a small and separate pool within the dolphin facility.
Hungry?
If you get hungry while in port, Dolphin Discovery has a small cantina where you can purchase typical American foods such as hamburgers and hotdogs. If you have the time and want to sample the local fare you will find the Cracked Conch just a short walk from the dolphin facility. In this restaurant’s fine, air-conditioned dining room you can get some of Grand Cayman’s best food. And you can also get the local foods–conch chowder and delicious conch fritters for example–in a more casual setting, at a dockside eatery.
Returning to your cruise ship on time is essential as cruise ships are punctual about leaving the port. Plan to get to back to where you will catch the tender back to your ship in plenty of time, as there will be many other guests departing for the cruise ship at the same time. And if you have time to kill while waiting for the tender, there are shops near the tender boat departure area where you can do last-minute shopping for gifts and souvenirs such as the famous local rum cake. This writer especially recommends the Tortuga Run Cake!
Grand Cayman Memories
It’s hard to beat a relaxing cruise and adding this special and incomparable dolphin experience will make your vacation one of the most memorable ever. As you look back on a day spent with dolphins, turtles, sting rays and the lovely food and people of Grand Cayman, you will realize this shore excursion was eminently worthwhile! This article is presented to make your experience on the island of Grand Cayman the best it can be and perhaps entice you to return!
Private and Behind the Scenes Touch and Feed Program
Imagine a private guided tour through a tropical paradise full of amazing marine and land animals, where you get to touch, feed, and play with them, all while having your memories captured by photographers. Well, imagine no longer because we have just the program in Miami!
Once you arrive, you will be greeted by your friendly tour guide and photographer who will be leading you around the park throughout your day. First stop is the Reptile Nursery where you can meet a leopard gecko, bearded dragon, and other reptilian creatures! Then, you’ll head over to the tortoise and bird exhibit where you will have the chance to pet and hold a red-footed tortoise and a beautiful white cockatoo.
Ages 3 Year Old and Up
Next stop is the stingray pool where you will have the unique opportunity to touch and feed stingrays – safely!
Next stop is the manatee exhibit, where you will have the chance touch and feed the amazing sea cows! Then your tour guide will lead you to the sea turtle habitat where you will learn about the rescue effort to save turtles who are harmed in the wild while you toss them some yummy green lettuce for them to munch on.
Pet and Feed the Wonderful Florida Manatees
Your last stop will be the fantastic Flipper dolphin show! Not only will you get to witness the amazing jumps and tricks that the dolphins are able to do, you will also have the chance to meet the performers after the show!
Group Photo with the Well Cared for Dolphin
After your VIP tour, your tour guide can give you advice on which shows to catch and the times they are offered! And as you exit the park, you can view and purchase your awesome photos from your tour to share with your friends and family! These tours are limited to only 6 persons, so book your Touch & Feed VIP in Miami tour early!
Men, when you know the woman you want to marry, buying her the perfect ring can be a challenge, but figuring out how exactly to do the proposal is definitely the hardest part! Should it be at a football game, at church, during a family function, on a cruise ship, on the beach? There are so many places to choose from but they have all been done! You need to find a way to show her how much you love her in a unique and fun way! And after being stuck for what seemed like forever, Mike found just that, a proposal to his girlfriend, Jodi, at the Dolphin Swim in the Florida Keys.
For ages, dolphins have been a symbol of love and peace, which is perfect for wishing good fortune for your marriage. Also, being outside and by the water is a perfect location for a proposal to nature lovers! Another benefit is that you both will be in front of a large crowd, which will lessen your chance of her saying “No.” JUST KIDDING! After Mike made his decision, he contacted Dolphin World right away to start putting his plan into action.
Dolphin World booked the Dolphin Encounter and contacted the trainers to let them know of Mike’s plans.
Dolphin Engagement Preparation in the Florida Keys
Then Mike contacted the trainers directly to make the final arrangements for the proposals, including where, when, and how it would happen. Mike was given the choice to do the proposal during the dolphin wade, which was private and intimate, or the dolphin show, which was public with many people present. Mike chose the dolphin show.
When the big day finally arrived, Mike and Jodi set off to the Upper Florida Keys from Fort Lauderdale.
The plan was set for Mike to propose during the dolphin show that was part of their day and later on they would both experience the dolphin WADE program. The Dolphin WADE program is in waste deep water with the dolphins, where they get to hug, pet, and kiss the dolphins a lot during a 30 minute session in the water.
The Proposal
The Proposal with Dolphins
After talking with the Dolphin Handler, Mike arranged to pass off the ring to the instructor of the dolphins, who in turn worked it out with the photographer to film it and to get the ring to Mike during the show.
So the day seemed normal to Jodi, they did the park tour and saw the marine life tour, parrot show, and seal lion show. All the shows had put the couple in a happy and relaxed mood until the next show, the dolphin show. Mike knew it was about to happen. His palms of his hands were getting sweaty because he did not know exactly how everything was going to happen. He left it in God’s hands and he was ready to go.
The couple sat in the stands waiting for the cue from the trainers who asked for volunteers to interact with the dolphins on stage. They intentionally picked too many people and separated them into 2 groups. The last group was Mike and Jodi only. So the first group went up and did their interaction with the dolphins and then they announced for Mike and Jodi to go up on the floating stage. Jodi was expecting the same experience as the first group.
Jodi bent over expecting a kiss from the dolphins but instead the dolphin brought her an engagement ring with a watertight cup around the rostrum (nose). The trainer informed everyone that this was strange and that the dolphin had something for Jodi. They instructed Jodi to take the enclosed cup off the dolphin and to open the cup, behold nothing was in the cup!!!! Then they told her to turn around to look at Mike and there he was on one knee to ask that one question that every woman wants to hear “Will You Marry Me?” The crowd was hushed and eagerly waited for her response. Jodi got a little nervous but God gave her the peace to say the magical word “ YES.”
The Ring
In his nervous state and condition, Mike accidentally put the ring on the wrong hand. Jodi whispered in a
the Ring to Propose in the Keys
loving voice “Honey, you put it on the wrong hand.” Mike quickly fixed his mistake and the couple kissed with passion knowing that they would soon be husband and wife. The crowd rejoiced with approval by clapping and cheering. The newly engaged couple walked off the stage with the knowledge of their new commitment and were congratulated by several guests throughout the day.
They enjoyed the rest of the day with the Dolphin Encounter program and then it was capped off with great professional dolphin photos and video of the entire day.
Mike recommends that if you are stuck on where to propose to your potential spouse, this is a homerun and a sure thing to satisfy her childhood dream. This was a day Mike and Jodi will never forget and Mike turned out to be Jodi’s hero for the day. For more information contact Dolphin World.
Imagine swimming next to an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin in a sunlit salt water lagoon or natural salt water pool. Arms at your sides and flippers covering your feet, you glide through the water. Touching the dolphin’s back, you take a deep breath through your snorkel and dive down, side-by-side, into an underwater paradise.
The dolphin anticipates your every move and follows closely beside you. Your eyes meet and an unwavering feeling of camaraderie, admiration and gratitude overtake you. This is the dolphin’s world and for just a moment, you are a welcome visitor.
The swim with dolphins in Florida is the most sought after and coveted of human-marine animal interactions. Cousins to whales, dolphins are incredibly intelligent and capable of understanding complex language. Dolphins have long intrigued humans with their playful, friendly nature and “smiling” rostrum.
Most marine parks and dolphin swim facilities in Florida have programs to match the needs and expectations of individual participants, families and small groups. These include a meet, encounter or swim with dolphins encounter, resulting in a variety of interactions and experiences.
“ Meet the Dolphins” is a session in which participants have the opportunity to touch and interact with the dolphins from a floating dock or platform, while the trainer guides them through a series of basic interactive behaviors. These can include rubs, kisses and cradles, toy retrieval, singing, eye contact and many excellent photo opportunities.
This is a chance to become acquainted with dolphins and in a more comfortable setting and you don’t need to go into the water at all. It is an excellent precursor to a dolphin encounter or swim with dolphins, and an ideal session for young children and those with limited mobility or an aversion to water. With the dolphins being an average length of 6-9 feet and weight of 500 lbs., the mere size of these gentle giants is surprising for anyone.
Dolphin Encounters in Florida
Dolphin Encounter in Florida
A “Dolphin Encounter ” program is great for children as young as 3 and up and with parent or guardian participation in water with the child. A wade is perfect for senior citizens or those not yet comfortable with a full swim encounter.
Participants stand in 3 to 4 feet of water and are approached individually for various contact-based dolphin behaviors, with full direction from the trainer. These can include a swim-by, kiss, rostrum rub, hug, toy retrieval, and a choice of additional interactions outlined by the trainer. Many photos will be taken by the park photographer and will be available for review and purchase after your wade. You don’t need to worry about any swimming in this program. This program is great for almost anyone!
Swim with Dolphin Florida Experience
Swim with Dolphins in Florida
The “Swim with Dolphins” encounter is like nothing else. Champion of encounters, a swim with dolphins session, provides a rare opportunity to experience the human-marine animal connection.
The swim takes place in a pool or lagoon with water depths of 15-20 feet. It is important to be adept as a swimmer to feel comfortable during this activity and experienced with a snorkel to dive underwater side-by-side.
The swim will include individual or paired activities like rubbing and kisses, participator tricks with props such as a hoop, cradles, dorsal tows and foot pushes (much like skiing, with the dolphins providing the push power), imitative behaviors and finally a side-by side swim. You will also get a first hand look at the close relationship between trainer and dolphin, which often lasts for many years.
Whether a Dolphin Encounter or swim with dolphins in Florida is right for you and your family or group, you can depend on Dolphin World to help you find the best dolphin swim programs for your destination vacation.
