How to Swim with Dolphins
Dolphins are among the friendliest and sweetest creatures you’ll encounter in the water. They’re gentle and can be trained easily. It’s a common attraction for many beaches and water parks to feature dolphin swims in them. It’s a fun activity, but before you dive in, there are several reminders you should keep in mind.
Look For A Dolphin Swim Location
If you think you can just jump off a cruise boat and go swimming with the wild dolphins around, think again: It’s not safe to swim with dolphins that are not trained, because they can become irritable and aggressive, and attack you. Make sure you’re with a professional trainer and the place you’re swimming at is guaranteed to be safe for swimming with dolphins. There are many popular locations you can try, such as:
dolphin swimming
Florida - Discovery Cove is a popular water park that allows dolphin swimming for visitors.
Cornwall - Cardigan Bay is a great choice, but is better for adults. Since Cornwall doesn’t have any dolphins in captivity, the activity is done in the ocean with wild dolphins and professional dolphin trainers.
Jamaica - The Dolphin Lagoon in Half Moon is a popular destination.
Mexico - Try Cozumel, the biggest Caribbean island. Their Dolphin Swim activities include guided tours and snorkeling, as well as a trip to the Mayan ruins. Cancun is also a great place to go.
Hawaii - Oahu is famous for its dolphin swims.
Plan your trip properly and make sure you have sufficient budget. Dolphin swims aren’t free, but they won’t be very expensive. Just make sure you consider other expenditures, such as accommodations, food, boat rental, and fee for the trainer.
Swimming With The Dolphins
Once you get to your destination, ask a trainer or a guide to accompany you to the spot where dolphins swim. Chances are you’re unsure of the waters and the area. If you’re in a water park, you won’t need to do this, as the trainers will already be ready by the pool/water to assist you.
Slip into a wetsuit. Even if the weather is warm, you’ll be spending a lot of time submerged in the water, and you’ll eventually feel the cold.
Wear a pair of goggles while swimming with the dolphins because they can be very playful, and can squirt or splash water into your face. Goggles prevent you from losing your vision. Besides, seawater can sting your eyes.
If you’re going in very deep water, slip on an inflatable life vest, as well as a snorkel.
Wade into the water slowly. Try not to get too excited, or you might scare the dolphins away. When you’re in deep enough, the dolphins will come to you.
Avoid immediately grabbing the dolphin. They may still be a bit mistrustful of you, so take it slow. Pat them lightly or tease them back by splashing them with water. Be careful not to hurt them.
When the dolphin feels comfortable with you, he will offer to take you for a ride into deeper waters. Hold on to his top fin, then glide your body along with his. If you’re already too far away, let go; don’t let the dolphins take you too far.
Dolphin swims can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as a few hours. When you’re already feeling cold or if the dolphins have stopped being playful, then it’s time to stop.
Safety Reminders
Plan your trip. If there are reports of bad weather where you plan to go, cancel it.
Never swim with dolphins by yourself, especially if they’re wild. Always have a professional with you.
Children should be given extra supervision and safety vests while they play with the dolphins.
Avoid injuring the dolphin’s fin or he’ll become hostile.
Playing around and swimming with dolphins is definitely a wonderful experience. Just remember to keep yourself safe, and you’ll have an exciting time in the water!