Swimming With Dolphins at Disney World
Not a lot of people know this, but you can meet Disney World's dolphins at their big aquarium in Epcot. It's similar to many other swimming with dolphins encounters that you can do in Florida, but the experience is more like wading with dolphins, so if you aren't a great swimmer you don't have to worry.
Disney's dolphin encounter program is called "Dolphins in Depth." It is one of their Epcot backstage tours. I signed up to do it when I was at Disney World in January. In addition to a half hour spent in the water with the dolphins, the Disney cast members took us on a tour of the backstage areas of the Aquarium, where we learned a lot about the dolphins and other aquatic life in the Aquarium.
These are very small groups too. Disney allows a maximum of 8 people on these Dolphin in Depth tours, so you have some good quality time with the dolphins. On the tour that I did, there were only five of us so it was even better.
Then it was time to get into the wetsuits that Disney provided and we went to meet the dolphins. At the top of the dolphin tank we got into the water to stand on a waist deep platform. The trainers taught us different hand gestures for various dolphin tricks, including splashing us all with water! The best part came next, actually touching and hugging a dolphin. The trainer allowed us to rub our hands over the dolphin's skin so we could see how it feels. Afterward, I had a really huge dolphin put into my arms and had my picture taken while holding him.
It was a pretty amazing and unforgettable experience and I'm really glad I had the opportunity to do it at Disney World.
If you want to go on the dolphin backstage tour too, you can find out more about it, including how to book and what kind of discounts may be available in my Disney dolphin swim review.
Emma J Martin has an annual pass to Walt Disney World. If you need help planning your trip, let her articles and Disney World tips smooth the planning process for you.
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Swimming With Dolphins On Your Next Vacation
The white sand beaches, ideal weather, crystal clear blue waters, palm trees, calypso music, and vivid life of this area has made these islands a favorite vacation spot for many years. By including a Bahamas dolphin experience, you make visiting the islands trip of a lifetime. You can relax on the white sand beach as you enjoy Caribbean delicacies or swim with dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and hundreds of varieties of brilliantly colored tropical fish. Regardless of your age or swimming skills, getting in these waters is something you'll never forget.
Swim With Dolphins
During an experience you might have only dreamed possible, these sleek sea creatures will swim underneath your hands as you float gently in the warm saltwater. Exotic fish will dart through the coral around you. The dolphins you'll see around the islands are Atlantic spotted dolphins. They measure around 7' long and weigh approximately 240 pounds. While these dolphin pods are all free and wild, they have become so used to contact with humans and hand feeding that they seek people out to enjoy their company.
There are several companies in the cities of Nassau and Freeport that offer dolphin encounters. In Freeport, you can enjoy an open ocean visit with wild dolphins. With comfortable boats that have plenty of amenities, you'll head out on the water for an up close visit with these smart and friendly sea mammals. On the boat ride, you'll receive a quick education about the Bahamas dolphin and instructions for making the most of this exciting encounter. The luminous blue waters and gorgeous coral offer the ideal setting for this thrilling experience that puts you right up close to these beautiful animals.
While the Freeport encounters with these creatures will take you out in the ocean to meet wild dolphins, you can experience them in the comfort of a sanctuary pool setting in Nassau. These animals receive care and protection from experts. They seem to truly appreciate their caregivers and resemble puppies in their love and antics toward them. If getting out in the ocean to meet these creatures from Freeport seems a little unnerving, you can have an encounter with a sanctuary dolphin in a pool in Nassau. Whether meeting wild or tame dolphins, you are sure to have a great time enjoying their playfulness, curiosity, and gentle nature.
Plenty To Do Even On A Budget
After a Bahamas dolphin encounter, there is much more to do in the cities of Nassau and Freeport for everyone in the family, regardless of age, budget, or schedule. Other than traditional activities like a visit to the beaches for a sun kissed tan, there is also plenty of shopping, delicious dining, snorkeling, scuba diving, and water activities like riding water bikes.
Even when you're on a budget, a vacation to these islands can be affordable. Look for savings on packages and specials that include a dolphin encounter adventure.
Christine O'Kelly writes for the experts at Swim With Dolphins Bahamas. They offer a Bahamas dolphin encounter sure to make your vacation memorable.