Dolphin World Blog

Hi All,

We wrote this informative article about Cruise Ship Shore excursions. Many of you want to swim with the dolphins on your shore excursion, which is possible in many locations. We sell the dolphin shore excursion from Cozumel, Nassau, Puerto Vallarta, Oahu, Tortola-BVI, and Grand Caymen. Also, we offer a pre and post cruise excursion from Fort Lauderdale / Port Everglades and Port of Miami.

There are many shore excursions to choose from and some are easy to purchase on the ship but when it comes to the dolphin swim it is a different story. This program you need to purchase with the cruise ship very early via their website or with Dolphin World website before you start your cruise.

This story starts with….

Within the realm of Florida lie many different exotic and unique cruise lines each demonstrating their capacity to entertain and to transport their passengers in the very best style. Some of the most well known cruise lines are the Carnival, Celebrity Cruise lines, the Cunard, The Disney Cruise line, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise lines, Oceania Cruises, Princess, and of course the Royal Caribbean. Each cruise ship has a certain course and heading that takes it through different domains at differing intervals. < Read More >

You many want to read this story before you take your cruise through the Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico.

If you have taken a cruise, what has been your favorite shore excursion and why?
God Bless,
John

Hi All,

I’m glad to tell you that all the Dolphin programs at Grand Cayman includes entrance to the Boatswain’s Turtle Farm.

Free Turtle Farm admission for all swim with the dolphin in Grand Cayman programs’ participants

The entrance for the Turtle Farm is totally free for dolphin program participants, and if you want to enjoy the rest of Boatswain’s park you will just need to pay a $20 upgrade.  Seize your day at one of the Caribbean must-see places, it is worth it!

Boatswain’s Beach Adventure Park hosts the famous Turtle Farm, one of Grand Cayman’s greatest tourist attractions known around the world for its conservation programs, public awareness and entertainment. The Park also offers other incredible adventures like snorkeling to discover a fascinating and colorful marine life, an impressive predator tank for a close and safe encounter with sharks and eels, and an aviary of endemic bird species flying freely in their natural habitat.

The Turtle Farm is located in the West Bay District of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. To be more accurate is exactly in front of the dolphinarium just crossing the street, about 30 meters. The park’s address is 825 Northwest Point Road which is about 8 miles from George Town.

Park Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:30AM to 4:30PM
Friday – Sunday: 8:30AM to 10:00PM
Park & Turtle Farm attractions Facilities and services
· Main tank with 500 turtles (100 males and 400 females).
· Different turtle species.
· Progressive stage (age) of turtles divided in tanks.
· Touch tank for a closer experience and photos with turtles.
· Lessons about turtle gender and reproduction.
· Swimming pool with waterfalls and rocky atmosphere.
· Nature Trail with a small cave system.
· Predators Reef with sharks, groupers and eels.
· Lagoon for a snorkeling experience with a viewing panel towards Predators’ Reef.
· Aviary with Caymanian and Caribbean birds flying freely in an enclosed setting.
· Cayman Street of traditional buildings featuring distinctive Cayman designed porches, doorways, gardens and local artisans.
· Tourist Guides
· Beach Chairs
· Swimming Pool
· Changing Rooms
· Education center
· Snack Bar
· Caymanian Living Museum
· Gift Shop
· Restaurants

Daily Schedule
10:30a.m. – Shark Talk at Predator Reed Window. Come join us for Fun and Facts on sharks. Get the Real Story, and learn the difference between Myth and Theory.
11:00 a.m. & 1:45 p.m. – Predator Reef Shark Feeding (every day except Fridays). Watch the hand-feeding of our nurse sharks from the Bridge. Then venture down to the viewing window for an exciting look as the Brown sharks, eels and others eat their fill.
11:30 a.m. – 1st Hand Feeding Birds & Keeper Talks (on request) at the Caribbean Aviary. Learn about the colorful & interesting birds of Cayman and the Caribbean.
11:30 a.m. – Turtle Feeding at the Breeding Pond.
1:30 p.m. – Fish feeding at the Snorkel Lagoon.
2:15 p.m. – 2nd Hand Feeding Birds & Keeper Talks (on request) at the Caribbean Aviary. Learn about the colorful and interesting birds of Cayman and the Caribbean.
3:30 p.m. – Turtle Feeding at the Breeding Pond

What do you think about this add on? Has anyone been to the turtle park on Grand Cayman? What did you think of it?
God Bless,
John

Hi All,

I am sure many of you have seen these videos of a group of swimming dolphins in Orlando that blow bubbles while moving around the aquarium. I have read they are teaching each other this behavior. Is this true? Can anyone out there add to this fact or fiction?

Here is the video to prove this:

Click Here

God Bless,
John

Hi All,

Up to this point, we did not have just the Dolphin Swim program in Puerto Plata. The dolphin swim was always combined with other programs, sea lions, sharks, and sting rays. As of this week, we have added the Swimmming the Dolphins Puerto Plata. You still get the pick up service from your hotel and all the other amenities, like the dolphin and sea lion shows, snorkeling in the aquarium, and free beach and tiger pool. A great day while in Puerto Plata Dominican Republic.

To see the prices and requirements < Click Here to See More >

Dolphin Foot Push During Dolphin Swim in Puerto Plata

Have you traveled to Puerto Plata? What do you think about the area?
God Bless,
John

Hi All,

Here is a story we wrote about Grand Cayman. This place is one of the most friendly and prettiest islands in the Caribbean.  Being a popular tourist destination, you need to read this story because it may lure you go to this Caribbean jewel for some warmth from your winter blues. Besides swimming with the dolphins on Grand Cayman, you have some of the best scuba diving, snorkeling, and the world’s best beaches.

The story start with…
The grand mystique and shades of haze that cover the confines of these islands are only a testament to their wonder and beauty. The history of the Grand Caymans is one of simple origin, as most countries within the Caribbean were at the beginning of the 1600’s, they became a territorial possession of Great Britian < Grand Cayman Story>

Grand Cayman – Popular Cruise Ship Port

Has anyone been there? What is your opinion of this island?
God Bless,
John

Hi All,

I received this great email and photos from one of our dolphin swim fan, Ambra. She lives in the Dominican Republic and wrote this about her experience at Ocean World.

Here is her story…..
When I booked a vacation to Puerto Plata, one of the reasons was to participate in the swimming with the dolphins program. It is a 30 minute program at Ocean World and costs about $ 165,00 US, which included general admission into the park. The most memorable highlight of my Puerto Plata vacation was the dolphin swim and trainer of the day at Ocean World!

During the 30-minute dolphin swim, I’ve danced, hug, pet and swam with 2 dolphins. Finishing with a spectacular dorsal fin tow and a foot push! And the program was very safe: all participants in the dolphin swim must wear life jackets (provided) to float freely on the surface, allowing the dolphins to come much closer. 10 participants and two dolphins took part in our session, making it a truly personal encounter!

Dolphins playing with each other

Before that day I’d never had the chance to experience these intriguing mammals up close and personal. My whole family was so happy and it was not only fun, it was also very educational because before the interaction you participate to an educational introduction presented by expert dolphin trainers. They taught us fascinating facts about the dolphins and gave us important safety instructions for our dolphin interaction – a must for a truly pleasurable experience.

Ambra getting a Dolphin Kiss

At the park I learned about the Trainer for a Day program and came back for this on another day. For $ 250.00 for a full 8 hour day, I worked directly with the most incredible dolphin trainer, Robinson. I participated in the Dolphin Encounter along with spending time in the water with 4 different dolphins. I learned to check the dolphin’s exterior, learned commands that I used, was in the water with the dolphins, prepared food for them and got to brush the teeth of Boomer, the largest male dolphin. I cannot put into words what the day was like. Robinson, the trainer walked me through all of the other animal exhibits and allowed me to asked questions of EACH of the trainers for the sea lions, sharks, birds, and Bengal tigers. Each of the trainers took a great deal of time with me and they answered every question I asked. I cannot really express what the full day experience was, but it was a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10. In addition to the experience itself, the cost included an Ocean Trainer shirt and hat, lunch at the buffet which was delicious and the food was actually much better than the resort where I was staying), and two pictures that were taken by their photographer. If you have a full day to spend at the park and you would like a much more hands on role with the dolphins, the Trainer for a Day program is a MUST. It is an experience I will never forget.

This was very enjoyable and a true, once in a lifetime experience. The interaction with all the different animals was amazing. The best part of the day was the Sea Lion excursion it was the best bang for your buck. The swimming with the sharks was surprisingly enjoyable and would do them all again over. The excursion with all the animals is worth the money.

Animal Handler – showing Ambra how to handle the sea lions

Wow, that was a great story Ambra, thank you. I hope others write about their experience with the dolphins. It is always enjoyable for me to read these experiences. Has anyone out there done a Trainer of the Day experience? Either in the Dominican Republic or at another facility.

God Bless,
John

Hi All,

I know this is way over due but we are finally promoting Garrafon Park on Isle Mujeres. Right next to Cancun Mexico is this quaint and beautiful small Island, only a 20 minute ferry ride away. This island is so cool because Cancun looks like you are in the USA, any city, McDonald Restaurants, Strip Malls, and big hotels. When you cross this channel with one ferry ride, you enter a real Mexican community.

When the Spanish arrived here in the 16th century they named it “Isla Mujeres” meaning “Island of Women” because of the many cult images of the moon goddess here. On the north end is Isla Town and Hidalgo Street, where many great real Mexican shops and restaurants are located. Also located on the north end is a famous beach called Playa del Norte.

Isla Mujeres is located close to one of many coral reefs, and the area is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving. Isla Mujeres is also home to a population of sea turtles. Because of the recent endangerment of sea turtles in the area, a facility was set up on the southern end of the island for the rehabilitation and breeding of them.

So as you can read, this is a great place to come to. There is an amazing all-inclusive nature park on Isla Mujeres called Garrafon. If you spend a day at Garrafon Park, your day includes a Dolphin Royal Swim Program, Round Trip Ferry Transportation from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, Transportation to Garrafon Park, Snorkel equipment to swim on the coral reef, life jacket, kayaks, hammocks, pool, showers, trepachanga (two lines to cross a body water), marine platforms, Bicycle tour of Isle Mujeres, Zip line & climbing tower, Isla Mujeres shopping tour, Full Breakfast, Buffet lunch, International open bar all day long, Lockers and towels. < Read More>

Zip Line Tour of Garrafon Park

This place was so memorable to me and I hope that you all get a chance to see and experience this little Mexican island jewel. I think you will agree after you visit this place.

Has anyone been there? If you have, please tell me your experience of Isla Mujeres.
God Bless,
John

Hi All,

We now have the Sea Keeper and Dolphin Swim at Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios Jamaica. This programs for people that want to get more in depth knowledge and have fun with the dolphins too. This is a full day, where you spend half the day one on one with the trainer and with the animals, dolphins, sharks, and rays and learn how to take care of them, feeding, daily care, and medical treatments. You will have a personalize and educational experience with your own dolphin handler, a behind the scenes tour. You will get to understand their work schedule and daily task.

This program is not all work, but there is time for play. The other half of the day is fun time, where you get to enjoy the dolphin swim. This is where you get to go into the water and play with the dolphins in deep water, like petting them, dorsal fin ride, and the best part, the exciting toe push out of the water.

You need to be 10 years old or older to participate. This program is a must for all those out there that are thinking about pursuing this as a career. < Learn More… >
If anyone out there has done a program similar to this, please let us know your experience and where you did it? We love to hear from you.
God Bless,
John

Hi All,

We have added a new dolphin facility to our already growing number of facilities. I am thrilled to announce that Dolphin World is representing the Swimming with the Dolphins in Grand Cayman.

As of right now, I have not been there but plan to make a visit soon, to do a site inspection and get to know the Cayman Islands a little better. If anyone out there has any insight about Grand Cayman, I would love to hear from you. From what I know, the dolphin facility is near the Turtle Farm on the western edge of the island, only about 15 – 20 minute taxi ride from George Town and Cruise Ship Port.

From what I have heard, the island is not that big. Well, I am excited about the new location and can not wait to share more about Grand Cayman to you all in the future.

God Bless,
John

Hi All,

I was looking at the articles I have wrote in 2008 and was trying to see what stories I have missed to share with you.

This one story, I did not share on the blog. I had spent a weekend in November on Nassau, Bahamas with my wife and we did the Dolphin Swim and Sea Lion Combo. We also stayed at the Sheraton Cable Beach, a great hotel. We had a great chance to discover the beauty of this jewel of an island.

If you go to Nassau / Paradise Island, you need to try this dolphin swim and sea lion combo. During the day, you have a chance to relax on your own private beach, way cool. The story starts with…..

We needed a quick get-a-way for a weekend. My wife wanted someplace warm and with beautiful blue ocean waters. What better place than Nassau Bahamas. With a few clicks of my computer mouse, I was able to book my flight and Hotel at the Nassau Sheraton Cable Beach. Then we needed activities we both would enjoy too. Nassau is famous for the Blue Lagoon, a private Island where you can swim with Dolphins, have a Sea Lion encounter, and relax on a private beach. We booked the Dolphin / Sea Lion Combo activity online with dolphinreservation.com and we were set for a fun and romantic mini weekend vacation. < Read More>

Sea Lion Encounter Nassau / Paradise Island

Dolphin Swim Nassau / Paradise Island

I hope you guys all enjoy my blog posts over the year. It always hard to come up with something fresh and halfway enjoyable for you to read. I pray you all have a great year in 2009. Happy New Year and be safe and don’t party to hard on the 31st. Do you have any resolutions you would like to share?
God Bless,
John