Fodor's Expert Review Dolphin Academy

The Dolphin Academy—run independently from the sea aquarium—specializes in up-close interactions with these friendly, ever-smiling mammals. There are many different kinds of encounters available, including swimming, free diving, snorkeling, scuba, and simple interactions in shallow water. There are also open-water dive opportunities. You can also become an assistant trainer for a day, or do an extremely in-depth dolphin course that takes two or three half-days. The trainers are extremely professional and knowledgeable and the dolphins are very well cared for and thrive in a spacious, natural saltwater lagoon. (The scuba and dive encounters are offered in conjunction with Ocean Encounters dive operators.)