My DD and I went on the dolphin encounter in Cozumel. There were choices available in terms of how much exposure you wanted with the animals. We chose to "swim" with the dolphins, as well as learn about them. The first part was a lecture about dolphins and taking care of them, and we were taken throughout the facility. DD was fascinated. Then we put on life jackets and went into the pool. It had a cement edge that we walked around on...I would recommend water shoes. We learned all the hand signals and took turns directing the dolphins. The final piece was the "swimming" part. Basically a dolphin came up to us from behind, and we grabbed on and zooooooom. Again, DD was thrilled. It was a full day, and not for everyone. However she was the perfect age and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had fun too.
My DW and I swam with the Dolphins in Cozumel too. We had a blast, but we also found it was MUCH cheaper to book the excurision on our own and take a taxi to the national park. I also think we were able to have more time and do more with the dolphins. Just make sure you know when you have to be back on the ship if you book it yourself. Most importantly, HAVE FUN
We did the dolphin push, pull and swim at Chankanaab Park in Cozumel. We booked through Disney. It was one of the highlights of a totally fantastic cruise. We were broken up into groups of about 12 and we were each given a chance to interact with the dolphin, including a hug, a kiss, a dance and then you swam out a bit and held onto his fin and he pulled you back and for the grand finale you swam out again and he came up behind you and pushed you by the foot back to the dock . In between each person's turn the dolphin would swim by for everyone else to pet him, so it did not seem like we were waiting. In fact it goes by too fast. After you're dpne they sell a DVD and pictures. My daughters were 13 and 16 at the time and they still talk about this as one of the most fun and memorable experinces of their lives, and they show the pictures and DVD to all their friends. Karyn
We did the Dolphin Extreme Swim and Turtle Farm at Grand Cayman. It was great! Lots of time with the dolphins and cheaper too (at least in March it was). We got to feed, pet, kiss, and shake hands with our dolphin Darwin. We got a belly to belly ride. Then a kick board ride while the dolphin pushes you across the pool with it's nose. Plus the cost included the Turtle Farm which was pretty neat for my kiddos. Afterwards we went to Margaritaville right by the tender port for free use of their water slides for kids and drinks for the adults. Plus a little time to shop! We had a great time at this port. This worked out great for us, because there were other excursions that we wanted to do in Cozumel (mayan ruins beach excursion). We did booked through DCL. While it was a little more than doing it on our own, it was stress free. With Grand Cayman being a tender port(and missed more often than other ports), we though it would be easier.
We have done 2 dolphin encounters at Chankanaab. The latest was the Dolphin Swim Adventure. We had a great time and it was an awesome experience. The park is very nice too and you can make it a full day adventure. Check out my trip reports in my signature for more information.
