swimming with dolphins

[Buxton Babe]

when i went to swim with the dolphins in discovey cove we were the first ones in, but later that day some people had to miss there go as there was a thunder storm have you ever missed your go with the dolphins? i would recomend it to anyone who loves dolphins its a once in a life time oppertunaty!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We didn't miss our go, but we were delayed for 2 hours last March due to a thunderstorm. To be honest we didn't enjoy it, the water was freezing cold, as the weather was on the cool side.

 

[Buxton Babe]

It proberly wasnt the same as us the sun was rising and it was really hot. But when you go next time you should defently try it again but make sure you ask for one of the first goes youll defferntly enjoy it more

 

[JohnnySharp2]

It proberly wasnt the same as us the sun was rising and it was really hot. But when you go next time you should defently try it again but make sure you ask for one of the first goes youll defferntly enjoy it more

I am not sure we will go again to be honest. Joshua gets just as much enjoyment playing with me in the pool

 

[Buxton Babe]

yes i personally think it is to expensive but next year when we go we are spending a week in the keys and there is swimming with dolphins there in the sea ( and its longer and cheaper) we are looking into that

 

[Cinderella2006]

We are doing this on the 4th of november, i cant wait, it is part of our wedding present off the family. It is something i have always wanted to do, we are also going to Discovery Cove, i am hoping the weather will be good!

 

[castanea1985]

I swam with dolphins in the Dolphin Research Centre on Grassy Key about 10 years ago, before Discovery Cove opened (see link below). If you are into conservation, this is the place for you, as the money is used to look after sick dolphins/ research etc. I'm certain, its not as 'plush' as Discovery cove, but it's worth looking up, if you have time to go down to the Keys.
The actual experience was unbelievable, and if I had time I would do it again.
Tracy

http://www.dolphins.org/

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I havent had the opportunity at DC, but have had a swim with Dolphons on the Disney Magic at Cozumel and also Acapulco and booked Dolphons at Costa Maya this year.

At least the waters hot and the costs seem to be far lower than DC as its usually the swim and video only.

Very enjoyable though for all.

 

[wayneg]

Anyone considering DC check out with them what discounts they are offering for SW annual pass holders.
We have a 2 year SW pass(think they cost $144 for 2 years addmission) But when we went to DC last Oct we got a $100 discount.
Your 2 year pass is good for 10% of just about anything you spend in SW, Free parking, Free tower rides. Good discounts on any tours in SW. plus other perks.
Effectively I feel I have got the 2 year passes free as I would have paid full price for DC.
Hopefully will be going to DC again in about 5-6 weeks so fingers crossed for another $100 discount.
Dont know if you get the same discount with a 1 year SW pass.
You need to check before buying the passes as writing on the tickets says $30 discount so it must depend on time of year you go.

 

[jna]

So is the system 'first in line, first in the water' used or can you reserve a slot at DC?

 

[brer rabbit 28]

think its first in line gets the earliest spot.We got a 1.30 swim and we were behind about 200 people in the queue.
It truly is an amzing experience.we would love to do it again next year but the price seems to have hiked up a bit.

 

[jna]

Thanks for that info.

Can I ask somebody to suggest on average when it's a good time to arrive in order to get an early place?

 

[wayneg]

I think its gone up $20 this year but its all inclusive now. From getting there instead of just a coffee/juice on arrival you now can have a continental breakfast, snacks available all day.
This is from website
"New in 2006, from the moment you arrive at Discovery Cove, everything is ready and waiting for you and included in your day's admission -- all snacks and beverages throughout the day, including a continental breakfast featuring danish, muffins, fruit, coffee and juice served outside Laguna Grill as well as various Anheuser-Busch products and snacks from either of our beach bars. These amenities are all in addition to the Laguna Grill lunch always included as part of Discovery Cove admission."

 

[Julia Ann]

We are booked in for 2 November which is our last full day - we will be there well early - if you miss your swim with the dolphins cos of weather surely you should get a refund!!!???? There is nothing on the ticket that states "may be cancelled due to weather".

 

[Buxton Babe]

So is the system 'first in line, first in the water' used or can you reserve a slot at DC?

well it depends really some times its is first in line first in the water it depends, on what time you book it and if there is a few months between booking and visiting really you should book now if your going in the summer holidays or september just ask the person on the phone if you can have one of the first goes.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Thanks for that info.

Can I ask somebody to suggest on average when it's a good time to arrive in order to get an early place?

If you want an early place, the only way is to get there early - maybe as early as 8am.

 

[jna]

If you want an early place, the only way is to get there early - maybe as early as 8am.

Yes, I think we will do just that. I booked quite a while ago and have paid a deposit. I did this directly with DC, but there was nowhere on the online order pages to set a time, only the day.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Yes, I think we will do just that. I booked quite a while ago and have paid a deposit. I did this directly with DC, but there was nowhere on the online order pages to set a time, only the day.

We went to DC last March and we were told actual times were not allocated until we got there.
Not sure exactly what time we arrived but think it was around 9am, and the earliest slot was 1230.

 

[jna]

I think this requires a bit of luck and timing. On one hand you don't want to wait all day, but on the other hand, having the real highlight of DC first thing might make the rest of the day a bit of an anti-climax. Just before lunch would be quite nice.

 

[wayneg]

I am lucky the highlight for me is swimming and photographing in the lagoon with thousands of fish which I can do all day. If we go again this year DW and DS will do the Dolphin swim I will watch and take photos.
Personally I think close up a dolphin is a boring big grey fishlike animal, seeing them swimming and leaping at the side of our cruise ship last year is when they looked beautiful and could see the attraction to them.
The only thing I didn't like about DC was the quality of the photos. They took loads of us from right in front of us and only took one which was half decent. I stood at edge of water and took a lot better shots.