Prepare for your swim with the dolphins. In addition to the usual vacation preparations (getting passports, booking hotels), put in some time swimming to get your muscles used to the activity. You will have a life jacket, of course. But you will enjoy your swim with dolphins a lot more if you are comfortable in the water.
Decide which dolphin swim program is the right one for you and your family. There are several places in the Dominican Republic that offer dolphin swims and encounters. One popular choice is Ocean World in Puerta Plata. Its program includes a 30-minute swim and an education session. It is restricted to ages six and up, and children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian as a paying and participating guest. The program isn’t limited to dolphins. Packages include encounters with sea lions or with sharks and stingrays (you don’t get in the water for this one!).
Shop around before you choose the dolphin encounter you want. Another leading program is offered by Dolphin World, which has a facility in Puerta Plata as well as otter locations in the Dominican Republic. The dolphin swim includes a family-oriented educational session and encounters with sea lions. Dolphin World also features a youth-oriented, hands-on “Dolphin Workshop,” where guests learn how dolphins are trained, fed and cared for in captivity.
Book your dolphin encounter ahead of time. Groups for dolphin swims are limited in size and fill up quickly, so it’s wise to make reservations ahead of time.
Focus on having a good time! Dolphin encounters are educational for both adults and children, but don’t get too serious about it. You’ll be there in the sun and surf of the Dominican Republic on vacation—FUN is your job number-one!
