Discovery Cove Dolphin Swim, SECOND THOUGHTS

[lovmy2girls]

Anyone a little scared to do this, or was a little scared before they did this? Second thoughts?

We went to our local Gulfarium yesterday. While watching the dolphins I got to thinking, These are still animals, maybe swimming with them is not such a good idea!

 

[sbplayer2410]

lol, you shouldnt have second thoughts about it, it isnt scary at all, the dolphin stays with the trainer until they tell it to do a trick or go around to everyone so u can touch it, once you get in the water with the dolphin you wont be afraid they are the sweetest animals alive, ive swum with them twice and am going again this summer, i cant wait, i really love it

 

[the_princess]

Are you afraid of the dolphins??? You shouldn't be, they are very friendly. It's a very big experience to swim with them, you shouldn't fear it at all. The trainers make sure that everything is safe for both you and the dolphin.

 

[Megan07]

You shouldn't be scared to swim with the dolphins. I did it March 18th and it was the best thing ever. The dolphins are sooo friendly and they love all the petting and attention. You even get to feed them. I gave Lester, our dolphin, a fish before I got to kiss him. As they called it, a breath mint. LOL. The trainers are super nice. When I went, it was the beginnign of the breeding/mating season and the dolphin I had, Lester, is the dominant male. He wanted to play. The first group time went a little longer becasue he kept wandering off wanting to play. Hehe. But they make up for if that happens. They want equal amounts of contact for everyone. I was not once scared. Once you swim with them, you won't want to leave the water. It is sooo amazing. I hope to go back someday. It is a beautiful place.

 

[cleo]

Does it help to know that during one of the dolphin swims we did we had a very young dolphin who was just starting her 'training' with the public, and she was just as sweet and gentle as can be? The 'old timers' are even more careful.

Honestly, you look into their eyes and you can just SEE them smiling at you! I'm not some sugar-and-spice kind of girl with an overactive imagination about animals, either. You honestly can feel how curious they are, and how gentle.

It is truly an experience you will never forget, just being in the water with your dolphin, touching its head, watching it as it interacts with everyone. One of the coolest experiences I had was on our last visit to DC. Our dolphin was looking right at me just before they take the picture of you kissing your dolphins nose. Well, she decided to size me up a bit and shot out a blast of untrasonic waves, right at my forehead! I'm here to tell you, that was the single most amazing 'communication' I have ever had with an animal! Just truly spectacular, and something I'll never forget.

Go. Enjoy. They're wonderfully peaceful creatures and you're going to have the experience of a lifetime.

 

[Tillikumtrainer]

ive swam with so many dolphins and some of them have had their bad days just like us, that as like two of them out of what 50 that ive swam with. I advise you not to be scared their very sweet animals the worst they can do is swim off or splash the water with their flukes to shw their disagreement should an animal misbehave the trainer will stop. they only use positive renforcement. so dont worry your gonna love it. Their nt just animals, their smart creatures-

btw: at gulfarium did you see a dolphin named presley. I used to work with him temporarily at the ny aquarium. he was an annoying brat, but I loved him so..lol

 

[lovmy2girls]

btw: at gulfarium did you see a dolphin named presley. I used to work with him temporarily at the ny aquarium. he was an annoying brat, but I loved him so..lol

No we only saw two girls in the main tank. She had a baby that was in another tank with a couple of seals.

 

[Tillikumtrainer]

ah okay i know they have like two different dolphin shows there in two different tanks. I know he works with nancy dean. thank you.

 

[PaulaSB12]

They have trainers there so there will be no trouble. How about swimming with wild killer whales for worry but fun time? Thats what I will be doing in Norway in December.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Dolphins are animals. Wild animals at that. I think it's a good thing that you recognize that. It means that you are unlikely to do anything dumb when you are around them.

But as for being scared, as others have pointed out, these interactions are overseen by professional dolphin trainers who not only know their stuff but who have the deepest respect and affection for their charges -- the dolphins, I mean, although they probably like you, too.

They will make sure that nothing happens. If they have the slightest doubt that the dolphin is up for the encounter (dolphins get bored, too)m they will send him "backstage" and call for a replacement.

Don't worry. Be happy. Be enchanted.

 

[JoyMouse]

Don't be scared. It was the most awesome thing that I have ever done. They are huge, but so in control of themselves. The connection between dolphin and trainer is unreal and they make you feel a part of that connection. I would do it again in a heartbeat!