Dolpins

[donaldsgal]

1) Heard the Anguilla dolphin encounter got mixed reviews. I'd like to hear everyone's experiences (good and bad).

2) Is there any other place for a dolphin encounter at St. Maarten than the excursion DCL has to Anguilla?

3) Last but not least, my DSis read that swimming with dolphins isn't good for them. They get diseases from us, they aren't properly cared for (small, cramped pens), etc. She thought she heard this from 20/20 or Dateline. Any experienced cruisers/snorkelers/scuba/DCL vets know about this?

T.I.A.

 

[donaldsgal]

bumping

 

[Honu]

I don't know about eastern dolphin programs, but I can tell you what I know about these programs in general.

It is true that it's not the most healthy environment for dolphins. Many of these animals are simply not capable of surviving in the wild though, so these sites have essentially saved their lives.

Some operators are very responsible in the care of their dolphins and others are not. When you look for an operator, I would choose one that had a more limited program, where people aren't allowed to stand or ride on them. These activities aren't harmful in small amounts, but the dolphin was not built to be a carnival ride and should not be treated as one. Petting, tricks and observation swims are all great things to do with them.

We do have parasites on us that can be harmful to marine life. I will not touch anything in the ocean without a glove on for that reason. However, the dolphins in these programs have access to medical care that wild creatures do not and are far more resistant to our bugs.

I choose to trust that some agency is monitoring these facilities and I highly endorse participating in them, as most bring awareness to the plight of our oceans. Once you have bonded with those very special creatures, it's more likely you will want to save them and their home.

 

[poconoboatniks]

Ditto to Honu.

We did the Dolphin Swim in Anguilla and in Nassau at the Blue Lagoon. I would chose the Blue Lagoon experience over the Anguilla experience in a heart beat. At the Blue Lagoon, the dolphins are not in a large swim tank, they are in the Lagoon with netting for protection. The areas they are allowed to swim in is much larger. The staff at BL spent more time talking about dolphins. They cautioned participants not interact with wild dolphins and to respect them (they showed pictures of a dolphin that was beaten by a fishman. Unfortunately, they weren't able to save the dolphing)

The Anguilla experience was ok. The beach was gorgeous. The lunch was just ok.

Poconoboatniks

 

[donaldsgal]

Ditto to Honu.

We did the Dolphin Swim in Anguilla and in Nassau at the Blue Lagoon. I would chose the Blue Lagoon experience over the Anguilla experience in a heart beat. At the Blue Lagoon, the dolphins are not in a large swim tank, they are in the Lagoon with netting for protection. The areas they are allowed to swim in is much larger. The staff at BL spent more time talking about dolphins. They cautioned participants not interact with wild dolphins and to respect them (they showed pictures of a dolphin that was beaten by a fishman. Unfortunately, they weren't able to save the dolphing)

The Anguilla experience was ok. The beach was gorgeous. The lunch was just ok.

Poconoboatniks

Where did you do the Blue Lagoon experience?

 

[poconoboatniks]

4 night Wonder in Feb. 05

We booked the swim through the Blue Lagoon directly. DCL offers encounters only.