When the thought of a beautiful vacation with dolphins and other marine wildlife comes to mind, Ocean World should be at the epicenter. It has the beauty of a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the world where a person can go and be closer to some of nature’s most beautiful and deadly creatures not to forget an exciting blend of nightlife as well. There is always something to do for everyone that goes here, all you need is a little imagination, drive and a sense for adventure and you are ready to go. The sun is shining and the reflection off the clear blue water is intoxicating. It is as if a person is looking through glass and there isn’t a single detail – not a grain of sand or pebble – that is hidden from view when looking in. You can’t ignore the larger organisms either. The interaction you receive with these beautiful animals is absolutely amazing.
Unlike other places, here you can actually interact with the wildlife. You can interact with sharks, sting rays, sea lions, tigers, and of course dolphins. The most beautiful little creature will come up to you and kiss you on the cheek with its beak. It will almost seem like the dolphin is posing for you; you are the paparazzi and he is your subject, the human in the picture is his accessory. There is personality that the visitor can feel exuding from the creature and it can feel yours. It is truly breathtaking!
If that doesn’t seem like enough there is also the chance to scuba dive with the dolphins and the sharks. When a dolphin comes to mind people don’t automatically think, let’s throw a shark in there. However there is a simple and intoxicating thrill to being with one of the most playful and beautiful creatures with one of the deadliest. There is a balance that the visitor gets to experience. The beauty and serenity of the playful dolphin, with the majesty of a shark, serves to give the visitor a very unique and unforgettable experience.
Many Different Animal at Ocean World Park
Fun for Everyone and Educational too!
There are also educational tours so the visitor not only gets to experience its physical beauty but appreciate the creature’s intelligence and place in the wild. There are performances by many creatures, including the dolphins. Their gymnastic skills and ability to train in unison with the other dolphins really does inspire a bit of awe from the viewer. The animals move with almost perfect synchronization and one really has to think: it’s hard for humans to be in sync, and these beautiful creatures do it and probably look more graceful than us doing it!
It’s easy to get there, easy to enjoy, but may not be easy to leave. There is magic about Ocean World and creatures in it that keeps wanting to pull you back in. Book your trip! And experience the magic the dolphins and creatures are waiting to share with you.
You will get to experience a magical and unique opportunity that is likely to surpass anything you could have previously conceived with respect to interacting and swimming with dolphins during the dolphin encounter. This is something most have only dreamt about, but you are about to experience it first hand here at Blue Lagoon Bahamas. You get to love and bond with these delightful creatures, play with a dolphin in a natural saltwater lagoon habitat.
The beginning of the experience will begin with a small orientation where you will learn about the dolphin’s habitat and the ocean. Best part; no matter how young or old you are, you can participate in the dolphin encounter! It is also during this time that accommodations will be made for wheelchair guests, should there be any, and the trainer will prepare you the grand entrance of the dolphin.
Watch the Fun Dolphin Encounter Video
A Grand Entrance on Blue Lagoon
The fun starts once the splashing will begin and the dolphins will leap high in the air, displaying their acrobatic skills for you. They will splash around and circle you as they introduce themselves. They will rub against you, rolling on their bellies, asking you for a belly rub. Dolphins are extremely playful and friendly and they will bask in the attention and love they receive from you, so remember, be generous. They will also hug you and kiss you, squeaking in delight at the new friends they have just made. The fun is just beginning as the positive energy and excitement you are feeling is absorbed by them and given back as his tricks and swimming continue. By the end of it all you can’t help but smile from ear to ear as you have just interacted with one of the most intelligent beautiful and adoring creatures in existence and they gave you their undivided attention, afterall you are now their lifelong friends.
Dolphin Swim Nassau Bahamas
Photos and Videos – a Memory for Life
Throughout the entire experience a Blue Lagoon photographer and videographer will be recording your entire experience so that when it is done, you will be able to take it with you and relive the joy you felt in this paradise over and over again.
This experience is unique and almost impossible to recreate. The helpful staff and the fun dolphin is unique to only Blue Lagoon. The beauty of the island and the majesty of the dolphin is unmatched and only here can you find this paradise where you forget the world.
The innocence and excitement of the sea creature will captivate you and mesmerize your soul. The bond formed with this graceful loving creature will be with you for the rest of your life. And no matter what, rain or shine, you will have that bond there waiting for you; waiting to be created and the dolphin waiting to befriend you.
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!
Nassau Bahamas is a vibrant mix of color, cuisine, art, music and everything in between. A day spent strolling the charming streets will put you in direct contact with bargaining vendors, hustling cabbies, and friendly islanders who always have a smile for you. And, when you’re feeling like a little adventure, you can head to Blue Lagoon and experience their thrilling dolphin programs.
Just hop on one of the many boats headed to the island and take a scenic ride through Nassau’s historic harbor. Once there you have a plethora of activities to keep you and your group entertained and engaged. Maybe take a swim in the tranquil lagoon or just relax on the soft sand beach, play water sports or sit and sip a tropical drink. But make sure and leave time to swim with the dolphins!
A Video Tour of Dolphin Encounters on Beautiful Blue Lagoon Island
Enjoy Swimming with Dolphins in Nassau Bahamas
We don’t think we’re exaggerating when we say that swimming with dolphins in Nassau Bahamas is one of the most special and thrilling experiences you can have in your life. Getting up close and personal to these intelligent and playful creatures in their natural habitat is some of the best fun you’ll ever have.
Swimming with Dolphins Nassau Bahama Blue Lagoon Island
The program starts out with a fun orientation that focuses on the natural history of these sea mammals as well as covers some of the training techniques staff uses with the dolphins. You’ll also learn a little bit about the importance of ocean conservation.
After the orientation you’ll slip into a lifejacket and into the gorgeous turquoise water to experience what it’s like to kiss and play with dolphins. Try not to laugh when they dance all around you, and try not to squeal with delight when you get a footpush across the top of the lagoon.
Why Not Try Swimming with Sea Lions in Nassau Bahamas While You’re at it?
Sea Lion Encounter on Blue Lagoon Island
While dolphins get most of the attention, and they are pretty amazing, you’ll also have the opportunity to swim with sea lions who are equally amazing and just so gosh darn cute! They aren’t called ‘puppies of the sea’ for nothing.
After your initial orientation, you’ll slip into waist-deep water where you’ll get to feed, hug and kiss the sea lions and see how funny they are. Staff members will capture your interaction in a photo or video so you’ll always have something to remember your amazing day.
There are Plenty of Other Things to do in Nassau Bahamas
Beach Day on Blue Lagoon – Watersports and Lunch
Well, after all of that fun in the water with your new dolphin and sea lion pals, you probably worked up an appetite so you’ll want to grab some lunch on the island, then maybe take a scenic boat ride around the harbor to check out all of the mansions and private yachts. Lie in a hammock or kick a soccer ball around on the beach, go kayaking, snorkeling, and of course leave some time to buy some souvenirs!
You’ve always wanted to visit Nassau Bahamas but probably didn’t know just how much fun and thrills you could have here. Now that you do, there should be nothing stopping you from booking your trip and having the vacation of a lifetime!
Beautiful Puerto Plata is located in the Dominican Republic, which is the most diverse and second largest country in the Caribbean. Just south of Miami, the location is easy to get to. For instance, from New York City it is only a four hour flight, and from most European cities it is only an eight hour flight. So, if you’ve ever wanted to swim with dolphins in Puerto Plata, rest assured you can and it’s only a hop-skip-and-a-jump from where you live.
The Dominican Republic is known for its hospitable and welcoming people, its rich history, intriguing culture and astounding nature. Visitors have a ton of entertainment options at their fingertips. They can explore ancient ruins and relics of centuries past; take part in a one-of-a-kind ecotourism adventure in one of the many magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches; eat their heart out in a luxury dining establishment with sumptuous food, or dance the night away to the thrilling rhythm of the merengue.
One of the reasons the country is so breathtakingly beautiful is because it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the North and the Caribbean Sea on the South. The tropical island is lush with vegetation and offers almost 1,000 miles of gorgeous, pristine coastline that is home to some of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options.
And speaking of entertainment options, would you like to swim with dolphins in Puerto Plata? Well, you’re in luck!
A Video Tour of Dolphin World, Puerto Plata
Swimming with Dolphins in Puerto Plata
When it comes to swimming with dolphins in Puerto Plata you have different programs to choose from.
Swim with Dolphins in Puerto Plata
There’s the Royal Dolphin Swim Program, which puts you in the shallow water where you can experience touching, feeding and training a dolphin. You’ll also have the opportunity for a deep-water interaction with a dolphin and that’s where the magic really happens. How would you like a dorsal fin ride from one end of the natural salt water lagoon to the other? Or maybe you’d get a kick out of a foot push or a belly ride? Then again you may want to just swim beside these amazing creatures and watch them move freely through the turquoise waters.
Besides swimming with the dolphins, Dolphin World also offers snorkeling in the beautiful aquarium, a Dolphin & Sea Lion Show, which visitors have called one of the best shows in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. There is also the Bird Exhibit, Tiger Grotto, and Iguanas Exhibit. And, after all of this adventure and memory making, you’ll most likely be hungry. Dolphin World also provides a buffet lunch and transportation.
Bottlenose Dolphins are Cool!
Dolphins in Puerto Plata are Cool
Bottlenose dolphins are unlike any other animal on the planet and you’ll have a chance to get up-close-and-personal. Well known for their intelligence and charisma, they are friendly, playful, and easily trainable to perform complex tricks.
In the wild, these amazing swimmers can reach speeds of over 18 miles an hour. But, like other mammals, they can’t breathe under water and so they must surface two or three times per minute to take a nice big breath.
Bottlenose dolphins are very social creatures and travel in groups. They communicate with each other through a complex process of squeaks and whistles. They are also very emotional creatures and have exhibited the same type of altruism as human beings. For instance, schools of dolphins have been known to come to the rescue of an injured dolphin and help it to the surface.
Bottlenose dolphins use echolocation to track their prey, and can make up to 1,000 clicking noises per second. The sound of these clicks travels underwater until they encounter objects, then bounce back to their dolphin senders. This process of sending clicks out and having the sound bounced back reveals the location, size, and shape of the dolphin’s target.
So what DO dolphins eat anyway? Well, they often feed on bottom-dwelling fish, but they also eat shrimp and squid. And, being so clever, dolphins can also be spotted following fishing boats around in hopes of dining on leftovers.
What Are You Waiting for?
Vacations come once a year, but trips of a lifetime happen rarely. Your time swimming with these magical creatures in the gorgeous setting of Puerto Plata is an experience you won’t soon forget!
