dolphin nursery tour

[Ruth B]

Hi
i have been reading about a new tour at Seaworld and wondered if anyone had done it? i think its about $40 each and last 40 mins and is focused around the dolphin nursery area. Any info would be great
Thanks

 

[edinburghlass]

Yes!! Just did it a couple of weeks ago and thought it was the best.

It was an hour, first half hour was spent with a guide who talked to us (maximum is 10 people)about dolphins and their habits etc in a shaded area just off the dolphin nursery.

Then we went through to the poolside of the nursery where it is split into two parts. One half the public can view but with a barrier between them and the pool whereas the the other half has no barrier so we were right at the pool edge and able to feed the fish.

The group was split into 3, we were a group of 9 so it was a 3, 4 and myself and daughter as a 2. There were 3 trainers that we changed around with. First trainer we were with had the two baby dolphins that were in the pool at the time, this depends obviously on what dolphins are in the nursery at any given time. With the babies we had to throw the food just in front of their mouth rather than down their throat if you get what I mean. They kept popping up though for fish and were within reach to touch. The second trainer had a pregnant mum and he brought her up to the surface and got her to lie on her back so we could stroke her tum and feel how taut it was also her fins and generally chatted to us about her being pregnant.

The third trainer we got had two adult mums and that was the best bit as she had us sending the dolphin away, bringing the dolphin up between our arms and again up to push their nose against a hand held out. Thats all I can remember but I am sure there were other things we did with them.

There was a SW photographer somewhere but I think they were on the other side of the pool as I certainly wasn't aware of them but when we went to view the photos they had taken some really good ones. The guide who spoke us through the first half hour also took my camera from me when she realised my daughter was doing all the interacting and I was taking the pictures so she offered to take some. When I viewed the pics later she had done a really good job with them and taken quite a lot. Haven't got them downloaded to the pc yet but when I do I'll try and add some here.

We did Discovery Cove last year and while I really enjoyed it I actually thought that this was better value for money for time spent with the dolphins and would definately book it again. Okay you don't actually swim with them but you are right there with them and the added bonus is being able to take your own photos when they popped up right in front of you.

 

[Ruth B]

Thank you for your responce- its sounds great, My son and i did discovry cove in Oct 05 but not doing it again this year o this sounds a brillent way to spend some time up close with a dolphin. Thanks again, Ruth

 

[DTop]

I have also done this tour and agree that it is a great way to get up close to the dolphins without having to joust with a crowd. One thing I would add is that children must be at least 10 years old to be on that tour. I think it has something to do with not having to lift a child up over the pool wall.

 

[tink too]

Oooh! I would absolutely love to do this! DH is always trying to drag me away from the dolphin nursery - I could stay there all day as they are just so darn cute!

Can you book in advance, or do you have to book once you arrive at the park?

I would love to see your photos!

 

[DTop]

You can book any of their tours in advance by phone.

 

[Ruth B]

and online at the Sea world site

 

[webmomom]

I am in a wheelchair. Does any know if cab do this tour in wheelchair?

 

[edinburghlass]

The pool wall is waist high, would you be able to stand at the pool side as if so there would be no problem with wheelchair access to the pool area.

As it is only the maximum of 10 people on the tour there is plenty of room round the side of the pool as half of the pool area is only for the trainers access.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/Edinlass/dolphin.jpg

 

[Happy00n05]

Hi:
Is there an age limit on the tour? Can you go with a baby and a 6 year old?
Thanks
Marie

 

[Ruth B]

I think children have to be 10, the cost is $40 per person so i'm sure they have to be a adult ticket price( making them over 10). I would email Seaworld- they are good at getting back to you.
I have just booked for Aug!
Best wishes
Ruth

 

[cindycastle]

We are doing this tour on our visit in September. It sounds like a really good tour both for interaction with the dolphins and value for money. We are also doing Discovery Cove again this year - looking forward to doing them both!!