Swimming with Dolphins- Ocho Rios - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

localady · 02-10-2007, 02:17 AM

I think it's important for us to let other cruisers know which excursions you loved and which excursions were not what you expected or where disappointing. Unfortunately, this excursion for us was more of the later.

The Dolphin complex itself is quite impressive, someone has obviously invested a good deal of money into the venture and on the day we were there, they are reaping their rewards judging by the amount of people there. The Dolphins appeared healthy and happy and seemed well treated with the small amount of time we had to spend them.

My boys and I decided to book this cruise as I've always heard how neat it was. We paid $99 per person for the excursion through HAL. We arrived at the complex to be led through some reptile and bird exhiibits as a huge group then taken and broken into smaller groups and fitted with flotation devices. We were then taken to the dolphins swimming pen where we were told to swm over to one side. Groups of appx 12 ppl had there own dolphin. There were probably 15 or so groups in the water at the same time.

Our entire interaction time with the dolphin was no more then 10 minutes, 6 of which taking a picture of the dolphin kissing your check (Extra fee for the picture). We put our hands out as the dolphin swan by twice, watched it jump had the picture taken and were herded back to the changing area. It wasn't what I had expected and I was disappointed.
Out of a 1 to 10, this one gets a 4 IMHO.

Please know this is just my opinion and others might feel differently about the excursion.

canarymoon · 02-10-2007, 10:33 AM

Wow!
This is something I have long wanted to do . . . sure do appreciate this, as I do value your opinion, sher.

How long ago was this?

Have you done a Dolphin encounter / Swim in another port? Maybe they're not all this way... (Let's hope!)

hanna · 02-10-2007, 06:07 PM

We did the swimming with the dolphins in Cozumel. Absolutely wonderful time. We had approx 45 minutes in the water and even got a belly ride. I would highly recommend Cozumel for this.

localady · 02-10-2007, 06:19 PM

I'd never swam with the Dolphins before so I didn't know if that was all they offer anywhere. Like I said the Dolphins are healthy and well cared for but the lack of interaction was a disappointment.
I'd be interested to read reports of other Dolphin related excursions in other ports!

hanna · 02-10-2007, 06:20 PM

Sher, I have a video of ours. If you would like, I will send it to you.

LuLu · 02-10-2007, 06:22 PM

Thanks, localady, for your honest opinion!

We do so need to tell each other what we REALLY think ... and to realistically expect ... so sugar-coating!

You aren't the first person I've heard say the much anticipated "Swimming with the Dolphins" was a disappointment in SOME ports!