Finicky Dolphins in Depth

[HarborBlvd]

On all the tour descriptions I see online for the Dolphins in Depth tour, they seem to really stress the point that the dolphins interact at their own will. Are there many instances where the dolphins really don't want to play and don't come out? Is your tour just shot at that point? Do they offer partial refunds or is it just the luck of the draw?

 

[TillyMarigold]

I assume the reason that they say it's at the dolphins' will is another way to say "we will not give you a partial refund no matter what."

That said, the dolphins are super friendly and love people. I was on the college program at Seas so I got to go up to the top of the tank and as soon as they saw us up on the catwalk they all came over to say hi (I wasn't allowed to touch them though ). So I doubt there's that many instances where none of them are in the mood to interact with people at all. I've never seen a review where people didn't see them. It seems like what the dolphins sometimes refuse to participate in is the "research session" with the trainer.

http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=236&cat=66

 

[bradk]

i haven't heard of any instances where there hasn't been any interaction, i think it's mostly a disclaimer and a bit of a knock at sea world and other like parks where dolphins are more 'domesticated' and used to guests. at the seas, they try to not introduce that behavior because they do a lot of research and don't want to modify the natural behavior of the animals.

that said, the biggest surprise for most regarding this tour is that it's mostly educational and the interaction is fairly limited (definitely no swimming). so if you're good with that, you should enjoy it regardless. they do a lot of really interesting research.