Sunscreen & dolphin encounters

[Ravenne]

The last I read, sunscreen is not allowed during dolphin encounters, and I completely understand why. Is that still the case? If so, are there any acceptable alternative to conventional sunscreen that's permitted with dolphin and sealion encounters? Those of you who have done the dolphin/sealion encounters at either Blue Lagoon or Atlantis, what did you do for sunscreen? I don't want to harm the animals, but 30 mins in the water without sun protection will result in turning half of my family into lobsters.

 

[JohnDS]

The last I read, sunscreen is not allowed during dolphin encounters, and I completely understand why. Is that still the case? If so, are there any acceptable alternative to conventional sunscreen that's permitted with dolphin and sealion encounters? Those of you who have done the dolphin/sealion encounters at either Blue Lagoon or Atlantis, what did you do for sunscreen? I don't want to harm the animals, but 30 mins in the water without sun protection will result in turning half of my family into lobsters.

I would imagine the rule depends on the facility. We went to discovery cove in Kissimmee a few years ago and they provided special sunscreen that was safe for the animals. I don't remember what it was called though.

 

[cmurray234]

Virgin coconut oil naturally has an SPF of 4. If you can't find anything else, it's better than nothing.

 

[shburks]

The last I read, sunscreen is not allowed during dolphin encounters, and I completely understand why. Is that still the case? If so, are there any acceptable alternative to conventional sunscreen that's permitted with dolphin and sealion encounters? Those of you who have done the dolphin/sealion encounters at either Blue Lagoon or Atlantis, what did you do for sunscreen? I don't want to harm the animals, but 30 mins in the water without sun protection will result in turning half of my family into lobsters.

Put sunscreen on your face (it's not really IN the water) and buy rash guards with UPF built in for the encounter time frame

 

[JohnDS]

http://www.cozumel-tours.com/biodegradable-sunscreen.htm

There are a few links to eco-friendly products here.

 

[spacecanada]

Rash guards (long sleeve) are wonderful in these situations. As are wide brim hats to protect your face and neck. We burn faster than most people, so I would call the facility (or DCL) to ask which sunscreens, if any, would be safe for on your face during the excursion.

Note that biodegradable sunscreens (or anything else biodegradable) only biodegrade with the presence of SOIL, they don't biodegrade in water.

 

[aprilchem]

My family did long-sleeved rash guards and sun hats and was fine in August. Coolibar is a good website to buy sun safe clothing.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Great idea on the long sleeves. That water is COLD.

I can't speak to the dolphin encounters, but I can to the sea lion encounters. Ours were shaded.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/540216_147664612102464_2092067348_n.jpg

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/923021_110171672518425_1992459332_n.jpg

You can see the canopies they had installed at our Blue Lagoon Sea Lion encounters.

It should be ok, if its anything like these. I'd worry more about scorching the rest of the day. However, if you are doing the dolphin swim with the PUSH, that was out in the open, but that doesn't last very long, and there is still shade to stand under while you wait (if memory recalls.)