Dolphin Swim -- Which one? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

sayhello · 09-16-2008, 04:02 PM

So I'm going to be in Cozumel on the Grandeur of the Seas in February. What I really want to do while there is swim with the dolphins. I was supposed to swim with the dolphins while on Curacao 4 years ago, but scratched my eye, and was not allowed to participate (couldn't go in the water!)

There are 2 places in Cozumel to do this: Dolphin Discovery in Chankanaab National Park, and Dolphinaris. What I really hope is that someone out there has done both, and can help me decide which to do. Barring that, if you've been to either, what did you think? Did you book through the cruiseline or directly with them?

I've heard tons of glowing reports about Dolphin Discovery, which has been around longer, but is also reported to be *very* crowded. Dolphinaris is much newer (rebuilt) and offers actual lagoons & such, whereas Dolphin Discovery just has a penned-in area in the ocean. The few reports I've seen about Dolphinaris have been *very* positive, there just arent' that many out there since it's newer.

Biggest differences in the swims: the one at Dolphinaris has more actual in-the-water time with the Dolphins and is generally less crowded. The one at Dolphin Discovery is less personal, but includes a "foot push", which is where you stand up & 2 dolphins push you through the water by your feet. I've seen people do that trick on TV, and it sounds & looks incredibly cool, and I'd love to do that.

The problem I see booking through the cruiseline is that they don't offer the best swims (the "Royal Swim" at Dolphin Discovery which is the one that includes the foot push, and the "Dolphin Trainer" at Dolphinaris, which is the one with more dolphin time). Both places aren't that far from the port, and they close WAY before the ship leaves (like 3 hours) and are easily gotten to/from by taxi.

So there's my dilemma. (All my life's problems should be like this!)

Any opinions would be very much appreciated!

Sayhello

cozumelcruising · 10-21-2008, 12:46 PM

We think the dolphinaris is better for a short tour that leaves time for other tours or shopping, the dolphin discovery is more an entire day thing as it is in Chankanaab park where you can eat, swim, snorkel etc...guess that is main difference..good luck!

sayhello · 10-23-2008, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozumelcruising

We think the dolphinaris is better for a short tour that leaves time for other tours or shopping, the dolphin discovery is more an entire day thing as it is in Chankanaab park where you can eat, swim, snorkel etc...guess that is main difference..good luck!

Thanks for the info! I think I'm leaning towards the Dolphin Discovery, and part of that *is* because it's somewhere I can spend some time. The friend I'm going with is taking the day-long tour of the Tulum ruins while we're on Cozumel, so I'm looking to amuse myself all day.

Sayhello