Dolphin cruise in HH - which one and when to book?

[adamak]

We, 4 adults are going in early May. Which Dolphin cruise would you recommend, and when should I book ? I'm pretty prone to sea sick, and should I be worry about the cruise?

Thanks much in advanced.

 

[Tommy]

I've got info on several cruises on my DVC HHI website. I doubt if you will experience the seasickness. Most of the cruises stay in the intercoastal waterways, and do not go out in the ocean. If you like fast boats, I strongly recommend the Commander Zodiac. The Scooner Welcome is a sailboat, and probably moves with the waves more than the others. You can often see dolphines playing from the beach or island, without going on a cruise.

 

[vernon]

I've been on the one run by the leisure department at DVC. They collect you from the shop next to the pool and you then walk to the near by Marinas. You go out in groups of 6 or 7 people in a small speed boat. I found the staff to be very knowledgable and helpful, I prefer these smaller groups as it gives the guide more options for flexibility with the choice of site looking for dolphins. As Tommy says they stick to the Intracoastal waterway , which is pretty calm.

 

[cgcw]

We had a great experience with the dolphin cruise arranged through Disney. It was the 4 of us (2 adults, 2 kids) on a small speed boat. We went out with another group in a different speed boat. The two communicated back and forth as to where we were seeing the dolphins. Our experience let us to the area where the Atlantic meets the creek and it was getting to be high tide and the dolphins were feeding. We could not count the number we say -- easily 40-50 if not more. While it was not choppy by any means, we did go fast getting back to DVC as it started to rain. We are looking forward to doing the cruise again arranged through DVC when we return in July.
Have fun. It's a great experience and I'm sure which ever cruise you take it will be memorable. Enjoy!

 

[TXMommy]

My kids will LOVE this! How often does the DVC offer these cruises? Is it something I should reserve before we go, or can you usually get on one once you are there?

 

[RobDoc]

There are dolphin trips available daily. The resort has some scheduled during the week and there are several local companies which also provide the tours.

In most cases, you should be able to reserve a place for these activites once you arrive at the resort. There are many activites available and the staff does a wonderful job of directing the fun!

Enjoy!

 

[ZerasPride]

The dolphin cruise sounds wonderful! My sister asked me about it last night but I didn't have too much info to offer. I'll be sure to check out Tommy's site for more details. Can anyone tell me how much these cruises cost per person and is there an adult and child price or just one price for kids and adults alike? Thanks so much!

Lisa

 

[cgcw]

Lisa,
If I remember correctly, the cost was maybe $30 per person. We had a 1 year old who I believe was n/c. I don't remember a difference between adult & child. I think also it was a 2 hour cruise but ours was cut short (time wise) because of the rain. Although it sounds expensive, the experience more than offset the cost for us. My son could have actually touched a couple of dolphins if we had allowed him -- they were that close. We were able to call when we arrived and select the day that we wanted to tour. I believe the one through Disney runs multiple times a time. We also had a wonderful experience seeing dolphins when we went on the beach combing outing also arranged through Disney. We went with the same guide as on the dolphin cruise. I believe that was $50 per person (kids included). Our 1 year old was no charge again. We were taken to a private island to hunt shells. On the way back, a fishing boat was cleaning their catch and the dolphins were swarming all over the place. We pulled up next to the big fishing boat and were talking to the fishermen. I doubt we'll ever be able to have such a natural experience again. It was terrific. We will probably do the beach combing again in July because if we had to choose between the dolphin cruise or beach combing, I'm not sure we could. Also, on our cruises, we never felt rushed. Especially with the beach combing one. When we pulled up by the fishing boat, we watched and watched. Pushed it enough that we almost didn't make it back to Disney before dark. Have a great time!!

 

[ZerasPride]

This sounds wonderful! I can't wait to take a dolphin cruise in November. Thanks for all the detail and the pricing.

Lisa

 

[adamak]

More question....


What if I book ahead and the weather is bad for my dolphin cruise. Can I get a refund?

Not important, just want to know.
Thanks for all the info!

 

[TIdoublegaER]

If you take the cruise through Disney, you can't book until you check into the resort. I believe there is a 24 hour cancellation policy to get a refund. When we took the cruise thru Disney, it was $30 per person and on a small speed boat. However, there is a dolphin cruise outfit across the marina in the Shelter Cove shops that was about $15-20 per person. It was a large boat that held about 100 people, but it also stays in the intercostal waterway. No reservations are needed for this one. I believe the it is called Island Adventure Cruises, but don't quote me on that! It really doesn't matter which type of cruise you take, everyone will love it.

 

[sparkysfriends]

I would do the one arranged through the resort. Its a much smaller boat than any of the others. This is good for 3 reasons.
1: Usually its just your family or one other on the boat.
2: You are closer to the water and to the dolphins.
3: The boat can go to all kinds of places that larger boats cannot.
We were just there and saw many dolphins. The highlight of the trip was seeing a group of 8 dolphins socializing. We sat and watched them for at least 1/2 hour. When my baby started to cry 2 of the dolphins came over to see what was going on. They were right next to us. I highly reccommend it!