Have you ever wanted to swim with the dolphins? If you ask me, it is one of the most amazing experiences in the world. Americans don’t have to travel very far to participate in a dolphin encounter either. There are several organizations in Florida that offer such programs. Here’s a quick peek at a few of the best ones:
Discovery Cove is located on Discovery Cove Way in Orlando. It features a 30 minute, swim with a dolphin experience that is geared towards people 6 years of age and older. Direct contact with the dolphins is allowed and a dolphin trainer is on premise. I like the facility because it is considered a day resort. That means there are plenty of other activities onsite to keep the kids busy once they are done swimming with the dolphins.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is located in Clearwater. It offers visitors a smattering of dolphin encounters to choose from. In my opinion, the Wade with the Dolphins Program is one of the best ones for children between the ages of 5 and 7. The program allows the kids to don a wetsuit, get into shallow water and have hands on contact with the dolphins. I feel that the Trainer for a Day and the Dolphin Encounter Programs are geared more towards the older children. Families also have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the aquarium while they are there.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
Marineland Dolphin Adventure is located on Oceanshore Boulevard in St. Augustine. It features several dolphin encounter programs geared towards people 5 years of age and older. I’d recommend that visitors consider booking the Immersion Program. It lasts 30 minutes and allows participants the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. Some of the other dolphin encounters available onsite do not include swim time. One of the nice things about this facility is that there are other opportunities to enjoy watching the dolphins that do not involve getting wet.
Dolphins Plus
Dolphins Plus is located on Corrine Place in Key Largo. It is affiliated with Dolphin Cove, also located in Key Largo. The facilities offer a variety of dolphin encounters that include direct and indirect contact with the dolphins.
Visitors seeking a non-touristy experience may want to check out the Natural Dolphin Swim Program. The program is suited for strong swimmers that are 8 years of age or older. During the program, the use of snorkeling gear is required and the touching of the dolphins is prohibited.
There are also dolphin encounter programs geared towards cancer patients and those that prefer to remain in shallow water or wear floatation devices instead of use snorkeling gear. Those programs tend to allow participants an opportunity to touch the dolphins.
Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center is located on Overseas Highway in Grassy Key. It offers an array of dolphin encounter programs, some of which are suitable for children as young as 5 years of age. I’d suggest that families with kindergarten age children consider the Dolphin Dip Program because it is short and parents get to remain in the water with their children. Older children will undoubtedly appreciate the Dolphin Encounter Program more because it allows for direct, hand to dorsal fin contact with the dolphins.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation. She has also traveled extensively.
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