DCL vs Shore Trips for Dolphins

[Ker-Bear]

On the DCL the Dolphin encounter seems like you stand in waist deep water and get some interaction time with them. The Shore Trips group has an excursion that reads the same. They also have an excursion that allows you to swim with the Dolphins. It will be my DS who will be 7 and me. In your honest opinion, which one is best for a 7 year old? On the DCL can people come along to watch? Thanks for your advice!

 

[RKB]

Is this for Chankanaab? If so the shoretrips.com swim is awesome. It is a smaller group, more personalized, and more than just a kiss from a Dolphin. I think though that the age had to be 8 and you really need to be a good swimmer. If your child does not qualify then I would just do the encounter (more young kid oriented). I don't know about anyone watching - probably from a distance. I don't think they would let you walk all the way out with a tour. I think that would get out of hand - so I think their policy is no.

 

[SimonG]

Hi Me,DW&DD were at discovery cove last May.My DD was 8 and oh boy what a day,the dvd does not do it justice.The dolphin swim lasts about 30 mins. although looking back it felt like 10!.We were in a group of 8 consisting of us a family of 4 and a lone teenager who's family were on the shore.First of all you stand in water at hip high and then crouch down,then with 2 instructors you get you're dolphin interaction along with an abundence of info. about the dolphins.You kiss the dolphin individually it performs a trick for you which you command.Then you swim out around 10-12 meters and get towed back in while holding the fin on a 1-2-1 basis.MyDD also fed it as well.allthis is done under strict instruction at all times.you're family can watch from the shore which is not to far away.All the time this is being video taped and pictures taken by them which you can view and buy later,under no obligation although this is not cheap!The rest of the day is very relaxing with a free lunch (very good!) and lots more todo around the park.We could not get DD out of rhe sting ray pool where you fully interact and feed them,she did not see the marvellous bird avery because we left her in the sting ray pool.There are life guards where ever you go along with floating life vests for the kids.Good tip if you go put alife vest on you're child while snorkelling in the big pool so they dont have to worry about swimming because there is so much to look at and breathe through a snorkel my DD found this easier even though she is a good swimmer.All in all this is a fantastic day i dont know about the other trip but for me this was fantastic.Another good tip take a t-shirt as the dolphin friendly sun tan cream is low factor and all our shoulders burnt also they provide the cream so dont be scared to ask for more when you need it,you cannot use you're own! hope this has made you're mind up.Have a good trip any more info get in touch.simon