DC question

[Wendy*Darling]

My husband and I were just discussing planning a day at Discovery Cove on our next trip. Would it be possible for us to sign up for 2 different dolphin swims or does our party have to be in the same one. I don't mean do the dolphin swim twice, I mean have my husband go with one of the kids so that I can take pictures of them and then when they are done, I go with our other child and DH can take pics.

The kids are both very excited about the possibility of doing this!

Thanks!

 

[Loudbmw]

They assign the swim times so you would have to ask when you reserve if you can split the times. They restrict where you can stand to take pictures (they want you to buy the ones they take - $$$). I took photos and needed a telephoto lens (200mm) on my 35mm camera to get anything close up.

Their photographer gets in the water right next to you.

Still - it's one amazing park. We have been there twice (only 1 swim) and plan to go again. All of you do not have to swim if that's your choice. They charge less if you don't swim with a dolphin.

I can e-mail you a couple of our pics so you can get an idea.

Lou
loudbmw@msn.com

 

[Lorix2]

We just returned and I did not do the swim, but DH and kids did.

Although their group was straight out from the shore, their backs are to you or all you can get is a side view and the group as a whole will unintentionally block you're view of someone while interacting with the dolphin.

A lifeguard told us to go to the side by the rocks (you cannot stand on them) to get a better view, but still, their backs are turned and the trainer is very involved with the group, so you can't really call out to them for a pic.

You might as well all swim together and buy a few pics. I bought 3 5x7's @ $15.99 each and love them.

You'll really enjoy this place.

 

[tomerin]

as the other posters have said ou really cant get any good photos from the shore. you are fairly far away and with the amount of people in your group plus the trainers and 2 photographers your view will definitly be blocked. i think that actually you may regret the fact that you didint do the dolphin swim together as a family. i almost didnt do the swim with my family to do what you want to do and can honestly say it was fantastic. the photos they take are pricey but i think they were worth it . .my 2 teenage sons thought it was so great to see big ole dad getting pulled through the water by the dolphin.

the dolphn swim, the coral reef, the ray pool, the lazy river, the lunch, this place is fantastic. great time was had by alll

 

[gigi1313]

i was considering doing the same thing... thanks for asking, op!

another question... has anyone ever gotten the chance to do two dolpin swims the same day? i've been checking our date and it's still not "sold out" so i was wondering if it's not crowded (or near capacity) would they let us do two or extend our swim?

 

[Lorix2]

It's highly unlikely for 2 swims. The dolphins can get stressed or refuse to cooperate, which happened right before our swim. We were delayed by 1/2 hour because they had to switch out the dolphin designated for our slot.

It's all timed by someone standing above the shore for the all the pods to do come together and perform at the same time (I won't spoil it for you) at the end of each pod's swim.

 

[Wendy*Darling]

Thank you for the information. I was planning to bring my camera with the zoom lenses. We will have to give some more thought as to how we want to handle the swim.

Does anyone know of anywhere besides AAA South that offers discounts? We are not AAA members and I have heard you have to go by their office to pick up tickets or something in advance. I don't want to have to plan that into our vacation, at least not for the small discount they are offering!

Thanks again!

 

[gigi1313]

my travel agent offers DC discounts... otherwise i don't know of any others...