Cozumel dolphin encounter

[skoi]

I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered, but the search function isn't working now and after reading back 20+pages I haven't found the answer yet.

If you book the Dolphin encounter through Disney can you go to Chankanaab early on your own, or do you have to meet and go with the group? It doesn't look like you can book the encounter on your own-- dolphin discovery doesn't have Wednesday listed on their schedule anymore.

Thanks,
Julie

 

[moocow35]

We booked the swim directly through Dolphin Discovery. Took a cab on our own, spent some time there before our swim. We saw the people doing the encounter, the swim definately was well worth it. You have a small group, and actually get to swim with the dolphins. It was great! From what I understand if booked with DCL, you need to go with the group. The cruise ships take all the encounter time slots that's why you don't see any online bookings.

Robin ºOº

 

[skoi]

We can't do the swim, unfortunately. That would've been our first choice, but ds is only 5 and dd though she'll be 9 isn't a strong swimmer. We're stuck doing the encounter if we want to do anything with dolphins.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Julie

 

[Tink2002]

We did the Dolphin Encounter with DCL in January. It's really fun and IMHO it was the most organized and well-handled tour that DCL offered.

You are correct that you can't book it directly because I contacted Dolphin Discovery myself to ask and that's what they told me. Also, you do have to meet and leave the ship as a group, transportation is handled by taxi and you meet again at the park to prepare for the Encounter. But once you finish the Encounter, you're free to spend time on your own at the park because you'll be taking a taxi (which is pre-arranged as part of the tour) back to the ship.

We did the Encounter. Toured various parts of the park and did some videotaping. We also did some souvenir shopping and bought our video before going back to get the taxi.

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to help (email or PM me if you want).

Rose

 

[rae519]

We booked our Dolphin Swim at Cozumel with shoretrips.com - also the horseback riding and Stingray City snorkeling at Grand Cayman with them.

You might want to check them out.

Rae

 

[figment52]

When we went we booked ourselves directly thru the link below. Their encounter was more interactive than Disney's. A friend at work had been there and showed us their tape.

A word of warning though - we arrived home and couldn't play the tape we purchased. They had accidentally used the European format. Make it very clear before you buy the tape which format you need (my friend had no problem with theirs) or you will be paying more to have it converted upon your return.

Have a great time.




http://www.cometocozumel.com/english/sub/activities-dolphin.asp

 

[skoi]

Thanks for the replies. We'll have to sit down and sift through websites/options, etc. It would be so much easier if both kids were old enough to do the swim. Well maybe we'll go back in a couple years.

Julie

 

[rae519]

Thanks for the info on the tape, figment52! Sure would be lousy to get the wrong type for our VCRs!!!

Rae

 

[pjacobi]

We booked a 1:00 Dophin Encounter through Disney. We were able to leave the ship with the 10:00 AM group and spent several hours at the beach. It took a little explaining to the tour leader, but they were able to accomodate us in the early group. We later re-joined our group for the Dolphin Encounter, just before 1:00. The tour includes taxi fare to/from the park.

There is no need to swim with the Disney program - You just stand in waist deep water and pet and feed the Dolphins. You can do this for free at SeaWorld in Orlando without getting in the water. Disney does not offer a program to swim with Dolphins, but you may be able to book that seperately.

Chankanaab beach has a nice sandy area for kids. There are also deeper waters to snorkel.

Be sure to book early. Book your tours as soon as you have made your final payment. Don't wait for the final paperwork to arrive before booking your tour.

Also check this form for highly recomended private tours, not offered by Disney, such as Captain Marvin's tour in Grand Cayman.


-Paul