Swim with dolphins
 

We will be visiting the Keys from England and I have heard that there is a facility where you can take a boat trip and swim/dive with dolphins. Has anyone any information please. Also can anyone recommend good snorkelling spots?

I can't give you web addresses, but I can give you the names and phone numbers of 3 places in the Keys: <BR> <BR>1. Dolphin Research Center <BR>(305) 289-1211 <BR>2. Theatre of the Sea <BR>(305) 664-2431 <BR>3. Dolphins Plus <BR>(305) 451-1993 <BR> <BR>If I remember correctly, the Dolphin Research Center is the most authentic of the 3, the other 2 being more tourist attractions than a bona fide learning experience. I also believe you will need to make an appointment in advance; you can't just drive by and start swimming. <BR>

Oops, Richard, I gave you an old phone number for Dolphin Research Center. The new, and correct, phone number is: (305) 289-0002.

I strongly urge people NOT to swim with dolphins. Dolphins are wild animals. They are meant to be in deep water, not glorified swimming pools. I'm sure the places in the Keys take care of their dolphins, but MANY places do not. The dolphins are diseased and malnourished. Being perpetually in shallow water really messes up their systems. If you want to see a dolphin, just take a boat ride out to the reef. You'll probably see them. And you'll see them as they are meant to be seen: in the wild. <BR>Thank you. Enjoy the Keys.

Well put, Marlin!

I have to say that I agree those of you who recommend that we not patronize the swim with dolphin programs. I certainly understand the appeal, though. I was considering doing, but in the end just couldn't do it for the same reason I don't go to the circus.

Richard you should know that there are many swim with the dolphin programs where people have been seriously injured, in Florida particularly. Just a thought. I wanted to have my nieces do the swim in Hawaii but found this info later.

I have to totally agree with Marlin. It is so spectacular to see dolphins play off the front or back of a boat. After you have this experience just once you will not want to do the capture swim. I would pay for a small sail that looks for dolphins.

Check out www.planetarypartners.com. They do trips to swim with dolphins in the wild in Bimini , Hawaii, etc. It is an awesome program.

Richard, <BR> <BR>Here are the websites: <BR> <BR>http://www.theaterofthesea.com/ <BR> <BR>http://www.dolphinworld.org/ <BR> <BR>http://islamorada.fl.us/ <BR> <BR>http://islandbase.com/ <BR>