Swim with False Killer Whales

[Eyore4Ever149]

I don't know how many folks know about this. It's not at Discovery Cove, you have to go to the main park and a trainer meets you near the enterence. My Godfather is good friends with Shamu's trainer and gave the experience to my husband and I as a honeymoon gift.

It was the greatest experience!! We spent a couple hours with these huge, wonderful animals. I had a spotter and was allowed to perform several different tricks- like holding onto his fins (like a bear hug) while he pulled me straight up out of the water and turned in circles, gave us a ride around this huge show pool, there were others but I forget. We also got to perpare a bucket of fish, feed them, and ask them to do different tricks. There were only 4 of us and the public can not view the program. Last I knew they only offered it once or twice a week, but they were still socializing the animals when we did it.

It was the most fabulous thing I did on my whole trip!! My husband who has swum with dolphins says these animals are MUCH more powerful.

I highly recommend adding it to the "must do" list!!

 

[highlander447]

It sounds great glad u had a great time

 

[MEM]

How lucky you are! I saw the false killer whales for the first time this past summer and was stunned by how magnificent they are! That is not an over-statement by any means.

 

[chrisn]

My DD and I did the Trainer for a Day program at Sea Word back in 2003. We spent quite a bit of time with the Pseudorca Crassidens (see, I paid attention. Can't believe I remembered that). They are beautiful creatures. Marine mamals have been my favorite thing in the whole world since I was old enough to remember. Magnificent!

 

[angelsmom]

This sounds awesome, any idea how much it would cost?

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Im afraid I don't know. I tried looking on the website for more information, but couldn't find it listed. The may not publicize it. Im sure you could call and ask. My guess is it was roughly $200 per person. You get a voucher for a free lunch and a t shirt saying you were part of the program. I remember that not even all the Sea World Employees knew about the program at the time.

 

[Nellas Elensar]

I did the Trainer program back in 2001 and was able to hug a pseudorca (false killer whale) named Cassie. It was awesome.

Nellas Elensar