Swimming With Dolphins

09:01 Unknown 1 Comments



Yesterday we went to Discovery Cove, a section of Florida's Sea World. It's a gorgeous place. You check in as if you are checking into a hotel. All food and drink is free for the whole day you're there.

There are a few different beaches, with gorgeous white sands and plenty of beach chairs. 

You get complimentary towels and goggles and a snorkel for the day and you will want to go looking under the water, especially in the section where the stingrays are. You wade into (quite cold) water and suddenly you are surrounded by hoards of exotic fish, all different shapes, sizes and colours. There are some mahusive stingrays mind, be prepared! I felt quite nervous at first but once I stayed in for a while it became less nerve-wracking and more awe-inspiring.

Dolphins



My favourite part of the whole day was of course something extra that we had booked for which was to spend half an hour swimming with the Dolphins.

You don't actually 'swim' with them for the entire half an hour but we got a lot more contact time than I had anticipated. The trainers have a very entertaining, light-hearted routine worked out which makes you think you are interacting with the dolphins. In fact it is all at the very deft and prepared hand of the trainer who is constantly giving these adorable mammals cues and signs with her hands. You get to stroke the body and belly while learning facts about them and getting a close look.

Eventually it is time for your individual dolphin ride. We chose the deep water ride which is the same as the shallow water ride except you are in very deep water. You are told to grab the upper fin with your left hand and hold onto the side fin with your right as your dolphin promptly shoots off across the water.

I cannot really describe the feeling of riding with that dolphin. It was so fast and so strong. I felt the safest I'd ever felt in my life. I don't think I've ever felt so 'happy.' I never really understood how strong dolphins are. When you see the strength of it's tail and the thickness of it's skin you are left in awe and to then be lifted and carried by such a powerful, beautiful creature did something to me. I couldn't stop smiling. It was like for a few precious moments I was able to partake in the agility and abandon of such a beautiful creature.

That will be something I remember for the rest of my life.




1 comment :

  1. that sounds like some experience. So glad you enjoyed it so much

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