Swimming with dolphins was on my bucket list for years and something my children dreamed of doing too. We had the chance to have an amazing family encounter while visiting Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It was INCREDIBLE! Totally something everyone should experience once in a lifetime if you are a water lover and dolphin lover. Check out our Tips for Swimming with Dolphins at Atlantis Resort below.
Tips for Swimming with Dolphins at Atlantis Resort
My husband, children and I all absolutely loved the shallow water encounter we had with our dolphin Tracy and his trainer. There were also 2 other small groups having encounters at the same time with other dolphins which made it even more exciting to observe all that was happening. We were able to touch, kiss, dance, and feed our dolphin. So fun!
Hopefully these Tips for Swimming with Dolphins at Atlantis Resort will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you save money by booking in advance!
1. Book in Advance before your arrival
We did the shallow water encounter which today costs about $118 per person. However, if you book your excursion at Dolphin Cay before you arrive at the resort, Atlantis offers some gigantic discounts that practically cut the price in half – like buy one get one or whatever offer is happening at the time of your travels.
2. Bring your camera or a smart phone – if a family member is not participating they can hang out on the shoreline and snap pics!
We did the shallow water encounter which today costs about $118 per person. However, if you book your excursion at Dolphin Cay before you arrive at the resort, Atlantis offers some gigantic discounts that practically cut the price in half – like buy one get one or whatever offer is happening at the time of your travels.
3. Buy the photos the professional photographer takes. The professional photos are GORGEOUS and worth every penny! I think after the excursion I spent over $50 to have both digital and printed copies of the best photos of the kids.
4. Stick around the Dolphin Cay beach after your swim
You can hang out at the beach and catch a glimpse of other dolphin interactions happening and everything going on with the animals at Dolphin Cay. Exciting stuff!
Details and Photos of the Shallow Water Dolphin Encounter Experience at Atlantis
My husband, children and I all absolutely loved the shallow water dolphin encounter we had with our dolphin Tracy and his trainer. There were also 2 other small groups having encounters at the same time with other dolphins which made it even more exciting to observe all that was happening. We were able to touch, kiss, dance, and feed our dolphin. So fun!
Each of us was able to gently place a little fish in Tracy’s mouth. The dolphins swallow the fish whole and eat 32 lbs of fish a day.
Here we are massaging our dolphin Tracy. The trainers explained that they reinforce behavior with the animals after any tricks — beyond just feeding the dolphins fish, the dolphins respond to massage, love, and vocal cheers and encouragement and excitement after they perform their amazing tricks.
Video Clip: Swimming with Dolphins at Atlantis Resort
Someday when we return to Atlantis and Paradise island, we will definitely swim with the dolphins again or do another animal interaction at Dolphin Cay. There are tons of fabulous courses and activities offered to guests.
Check out all the activities and classes offered at Dolphin Cay here.
My kids would love the deep water swim and the Jr. Animal Trainer for a day – me too! Sea Lions, Dolphins and so much more as you team up with a trainer. Sounds so cool!
Note: Thanks to the Paradise Island Bureau of Tourism and Development for paying for our excursion during our last visit to Paradise Island. As always all thought and opinions are our own.
I would love to visit with dolphins, too, but I can’t bring myself to do it knowing they were separated (using brutal methods) from their families. I realize you may not be aware of this.
Whatever
Please watch “The Cove” before supporting any of these vacation excursions! Your money is used to fund the annual dolphin hunts in Taiji, Japan! Please read about about it! If you love dolphins you will NEVER support these excursions again!