Cameras at Dolphin Discovery?

[princessmommyx3]

Does anyone know if you are allowed to take your own pictures during the dolphin encounter at Dolphin Discovery in Cozumel? I know they take pictures that you can purchase but I am hoping that I can take some with my waterproof camera.

[havaneselover]

I asked DD Cozumel this question yesterday and was told no, but it was not very emphatic. I've read yes and no. I'm going to attempt to take mine but expect to be told I cannot have it with me.

[STLEdge]

We did this excursion a few months ago. If you are signed up for the encounter or the swimming excursion (i.e. you're going to be in the water with the dolphins), then no, we were told that you can't bring a camera in the water with you. But one person in your group can sign up as an observer (and pay a little less) and they can hang out on the docks right by your area and take all the pictures they want.

If that's not an option, you've probably already heard that the prices for the pictures taken by Dolphin Discovery are outrageous, but remember that everything is negotiable. The posted prices are incredibly outrageous but we were able to negotiate them down to moderately outrageous ($100 for a CD of all 40-50 pictures they took of our kids and the dolphins).

[havaneselover]

Originally Posted by STLEdge

We did this excursion a few months ago. If you are signed up for the encounter or the swimming excursion (i.e. you're going to be in the water with the dolphins), then no, we were told that you can't bring a camera in the water with you. But one person in your group can sign up as an observer (and pay a little less) and they can hang out on the docks right by your area and take all the pictures they want.

If that's not an option, you've probably already heard that the prices for the pictures taken by Dolphin Discovery are outrageous, but remember that everything is negotiable. The posted prices are incredibly outrageous but we were able to negotiate them down to moderately outrageous ($100 for a CD of all 40-50 pictures they took of our kids and the dolphins).

That is good to know. I know I will want the CD.

[sayhello]

Originally Posted by STLEdge

We did this excursion a few months ago. If you are signed up for the encounter or the swimming excursion (i.e. you're going to be in the water with the dolphins), then no, we were told that you can't bring a camera in the water with you. But one person in your group can sign up as an observer (and pay a little less) and they can hang out on the docks right by your area and take all the pictures they want.

If that's not an option, you've probably already heard that the prices for the pictures taken by Dolphin Discovery are outrageous, but remember that everything is negotiable. The posted prices are incredibly outrageous but we were able to negotiate them down to moderately outrageous ($100 for a CD of all 40-50 pictures they took of our kids and the dolphins).

So can I ask you what approach you took to bargain them down like that? It's been a while since I've done any haggling.

Thanks!
Sayhello

[Robmom]

I didn't even think about haggling. I will try next time we go.

[bellaphia]

I had my own waterproof camera but was not allowed to bring it in the water with me BUT was able to purchase one of their disposable waterproof cameras there and take that..a little annoyed but did it and loved the pics..we did not purchase a cd because the guy was not negotiating and the prices were ridiculous..so very happy I had the ones I took

[STLEdge]

So can I ask you what approach you took to bargain them down like that? It's been a while since I've done any haggling.

We didn't do anything special other than express reluctance to pay a lot for just a few pictures and be patient. I don't think they have a very hard sell mentality there - they've already done all the work to take the pictures - it doesn't cost any more to them whether they copy 3 pictures to a CD or 45. When you are selecting pictures, you'll be at a computer looking through them one by one - just take your time. I got the sense they were impatient and wanted to move on to the next family.

In other words, they were negotiating against themselves. If you've seen it, think of the scene at the market in Casablanca where the merchant is trying to sell something to Ilsa... ("for special friends of Rick, we have a very special discount...")