Go to a facility offering dolphin encounters and rides. If you are on a warm-water cruise, you can usually book this through a cruise company. Determine the time, date and cost of your dolphin ride adventure. Most offerings are 30 to 60 minutes; typical prices range from $100 to $150 for one adult, at the time of publication.
Wear your bathing suit and bring a towel. You are required to wear a life jacket during your time in the water with the dolphins; most programs provide these as part of your cost. Wet suits are not required for most programs, but are worn at a few, such as at Discovery Cove at Sea World in Florida. Listen to the instructional briefing about how to interact with the dolphins and ask any questions you have.
Get in the water with the dolphins and interact with them; swim near them and touch them, so you get used to each other. The most common ride is a dorsal fin ride; this is the type offered at most tourist facilities. At the instruction of the trainer, grasp the strong dorsal fin of the dolphin as it goes by and let it pull you alongside on a ride. Let go when instructed.
Go on a belly ride if one is offered by the program you selected. In this method, the trainer helps the dolphin stay still in one location long enough for you to actually climb up on the dolphin. Grasp the dorsal fin in both hands with your belly on the back of the dolphin; hang on as the dolphin swims through the water.
Select the "toe-push" ride if you seek a more adventurous dolphin experience. You need to stay still, suspended in deeper water, with your legs straight down. Two dolphins dive at the same time and each puts its nose under one of your feet. The dolphins push you along while you stand straight up on their noses. They pick up speed and eventually launch you out of the water, through the air for an exhilarating "flying" sensation.
