Vacation with Dolphins

[dahrjo]

My kids so want to take a vacation and swim with dolphins.

They are 14, 12, and 9 years old.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

As budget minded as possible, I hoping!

Thank you for any suggestions!

 

[mrsklamc]

Ok, I don't know if it's the cheapest way but we loved, loved, loved Discovery Cove.

 

[unionville]

I vote for Discovery Cove too! Amazing...

 

[pjlla]

We also loved Discovery Cove... of course, it is not the only game in town, as they say. Many of the Mexican resorts and many cruise lines offer "swim with dolphins" activities, so if you aren't planning on being in Orlando for this event, there are other options. (I believe it is illegal to swim with wild dolphins in the US.)

That said, let me quickly give you an idea about DC. The price, up front, does look pretty steep, but there are a few things to consider. First of all, if you and DH don't want to be in with the dolphins, that drops your price... plus you can still be nearby and watch and photograph.

Second... EVERYTHING is included for the day. Show up with your reservation, swimsuit, sunglasses, and towels, and you are good for the day. They included sunscreen (a special kind that doesn't pollute the water for the fish and dolphins), wet suits and/or vests, life jackets (if needed), beach toys, swim mask and snorkel (you get to keep the snorkel!), and FOOD!! There are snack bars everywhere and lunch is included! Plus the showers had body wash and shampoo!

Plus you get your choice of a 7 day pass to either SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Tampa along with your DC admission!!

I, personally, think that DC is a pretty good deal... especially if you can take advantage of a few of the SW or BG admission days. Sadly, we could only work one into our schedule when we went.

If you have any questions, let me know...................P

 

[dunningdisney]

Discovery Cove also!!!!! We went last year with ds16,dd15,dd11,dd9 they all loved it. We took advantage of the offer for the 14 days at their other parks. Sometimes they run specials on the price so if you can get in on a special even better. We went to seaworld 2 days. aquatica (seaworlds waterpark) 1day, would have love to do more if had the time, and busch gardens 3 days. We didn't buy any other theme park tickets and loved all the parks. We stayed at Hyatt Place by Busch Gardens it was about 5 minutes away. We also paid for the parking pkg with DC it was good for all the other parks. Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[miksilver]

If you want to be able to swim with the Dolphins and also see them everyday of your vacation check out Dreams Cancun. My family stayed there last October and loved it. We had wonderful service and the staff was very friendly. Just another option.

 

[dahrjo]

I didn't realize Discovery Cove had All that. The only place I knew of to go was Mexico. I will check out all suggestions, though.

Thanks!

 

[zoie101]

I just booked discovery cove for Sept 21

14 day ticket for sea world
all inclusive day at DC
Swim with Dolphins
for $149.00 per person

 

[dahrjo]

Ok, I've looked into both Discovery Cove and Dreams Cancun! Both look perfect for us.
I'm going to be searching for the best deal now.
Thanks!

 

[mookie]

Key Largo has a great dolphin research center. I've been there and to Discovery Cove, and it's a lot more hands on than the "touristy" attractions. Plus...I felt better about how the dolphins were being treated.

http://www.dolphinsplus.com/

 

[lpandorf]

I saw something recently in the Keys - It was Hawks Key Resort and had a swim with the dolphin program. I remember seeing some good deals at this resort through travel zoo back in June.

 

[czycropper]

Another vote for Discovery Cove - my DDs absolutely loved it and once you add the fact all that's included the price is reasonable.

We also did it down in the British Virgin Islands and the price just the swim and very little interaction was $150, so yes it's a good value at DC - specially when you get some of the deals like pay for one park get two parks (not sure if they are still doing that special).

 

[tnkrbell13]

I believe it is illegal to swim with wild dolphins in the US.

We swam with the dolphins in Hawaii, it's out in the ocean, they do not come up to you, they are in their natural habitat! It was incredible! Seeing dozens of them below you, moms and babies, awesome!
A photographer on board take tons of pictures and you can buy the disc(of course).
Oahu on the West Shore. Don't remember the name of the company we used.

 

[mrsklamc]

(I believe it is illegal to swim with wild dolphins in the US.)

It is illegal to go within 100 ft of any wild marine mammal. They can come to you, but it is illegal for you to approach them.