Details on the actual swim-pull with dolphins....

[Wishing on a star]

We are very excited about our plans to visit DC. DS(7) can't wait!

I was a little concerned about the actuall 'swim' or 'dolphin pull'. I thought maybe you all could answer a couple questions.

1. I am worried that DS will be scared to death when the dophins take-off with him!!! Do 7 year olds do the 'swim'? Exactly how is this done. Is this a dorsal-pull???

2. I hear about a sling-shot ride. I am kind of wondering why anyone would want to take the effort to swim out into the lagoon for a short ride back, when they could swim with the dolphins right from the shallow area, and have a longer ride too?

thanks!

 

[wedhead]

We were at DC in August and did the dolphin swim with my DS12 and DD8. We were in a group of 8 people with 2 trainers and "Rascal" our dolphin. We did some group and individual interaction with Rascal in the shallows. Actually we were all standing on some rock ledges on the edge of the lagoon. Finally it was time for our swim/pull. One trainer stayed in the shallows and one went into the deeper water. We swam out to that trainer 2 at a time. The dolphin swam out to us-we were instructed to put one hand on the dorsal and one on the flipper and we got pulled back in to the ledge one at a time. I got a life vest for my daughter as the water was very deep...over my head but not sure exactly how deep. Anyway, she felt much more comfortable with it on. She kept it for the whole day. Even in the river there are some very shallow areas and then some very deep areas without warning.
It is a wonderful experience!!! Don't hesitate to go and enjoy it. If you have any other questions, I'll try to help.

 

[Redmic]

We had Rascal too and he is well named. There was one lady in our group who was very nervous, and when it was her turn to be pulled in Rascal left. Another dolphin had to pull her in. Then Rascal came back and pulled the rest of us in! LOL!

 

[snookhams]

it is exactly as wedhead said, we went on August 25th this year for the second time, the first time was 2 years ago when our youngest DS was a very nervous swimmer, he was OK though, they do however tell you before the swim/pull that if you are nervous and would prefer you can have your ride in shallow water, so this might be something worth considering, don't worry though you will have a truly special day and one that you will remember forever

 

[tiggersgal19]

Can daughter do the dolphin swim by herself(14), as we watch on. Or does the whole party have to do swim? Or can daughter do the dolphin swim and husband and I do non-dolphin swim but still watch her do the swim?

 

[robvia]

People swim out into the deep area because the trainer lets you pet the dolphin on the stomach. Plus you can look underwater and see them swimming around.
There's nothing to be scared about. The dolphin doesn't "take off." It's a slow pull to the shore. The trainer is there to make sure you put your hands in the correct position. Then the dolphin pulls you as the photographer takes your picture. The slingshot ride is for those scared to float out into the deep end. Either way works well.

Your daughter can do the swim by herself. You'll end up watching from the shore, about 20 yards away. If you want to see what it looks like, you can visit my site from 3 years ago.

http://www.nogodforme.com/SeaWorld1.htm

 

[tiggersgal19]

How much time do you get to swim with the dolphins in the trainer for the day? How much time do you swim with the dolphins in the regular package? Are they the same?Is there an advantage one over the other.