Seaworld dolphin interaction tour

[loxie]

has anyone does this? if so what exactally does it include, I know u get to touch a dolphin, but is it where u go touch 1 for one second & thats it, can u take pixs with them etc? Im asking because I know you can feed & touch them for $7.00 so to spend all the extra $ for the tour Im trying to see if its worth it

 

[finucane]

We did it and thought it was well worth it. You get a little more than just the interaction portion. You get a look behind the scenes at Blue Horizon, and a look at the animal care area.

When you get to the interaction portion your group is broken up in to 2 to 4 person groups (usually who you came with,) and your time with the dolphins is spent working with a trainer seeing how they work with them and how they get them to sit still to be looked over. (This is your best opportunity for getting to touch, pet, and give a little rub down.) They also teach you some hand signals and you get to get them to do some tricks. Our trainer was great about answering all of our questions as well.

There is plenty of chances for great photos. I got a whole bunch, not just of the interaction time, but some from the other portions as well. The funny thing is that of the pictures that the SeaWorld staff took, there is only one or two out of 40 where I don't have my camera up to my eye. I had to force myself to put it down as to not miss out on the experience.

The whole tour lasts about an hour, but we never felt like "that was it?" When comparing it to the $7 feeding sessions it takes place in the same area, but your tour group has the area to themselves. Also, they dolphins are expecting a different kind of experience. Instead of just a feeding free-for-all, they recognize this as a structured training activity. Where during the feeding session you may just get a fleeting touch as they go by, this session they are brought up to the wall and know to stay still.

I hope this gives you a little better insight.