Looking for an experience that you and your family will remember? Add swimming with dolphins to the top of your list. While there is probably a dolphin pod or aquarium near you, the unique opportunities to interact with these friendly aquatic mammals are available in many other parts of the world. Of course, some spots are simply better than others, especially if they offer the chance to swim with other mammals, like whales and turtles.
So, where are these wonderful destinations? Prepare to pack up for a trip to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, and even the Bahamas for an unforgettable, interactive dolphin experience.
Popular Places for Swimming with Dolphins
Dolphin Plus (Key Largo, Florida)
You’ll definitely find a lot of top-rated places where you can swim with dolphins in the United States—and Florida is home to one of them. In Key Largo, you can find Dolphin Plus, a bayside dolphinarium where tourists can interact with dolphins in their natural seawater habitat.
Along with the interaction, guests will also learn more about dolphins and the importance of marine conservation. Dolphin Plus is open to the public throughout the year.
Dolphin Explorer Dolphinarium (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
While the Dominican Republic is a popular vacation spot, those who visit the Dolphin Explorer in Punta Cana could add excitement to their Caribbean vacation. The dolphinarium is a beautiful open park where visitors can interact with dolphins and other amazing animals in a unique tropical environment. The Dolphin Explorer has all sorts of package deals you can choose from for a uniquely personalized experience.
Dolphin Cay Atlantis (The Bahamas)
At the Dolphin Cay inside Atlantis Resort in the beautiful Bahamas, kids can get into the water with dolphins and sea lions, while older kids (10 and up) can enjoy a customized session in the “Ultimate Trainer for a Day” program. Adults, on the other hand, can go on deepwater adventures and glide with dolphins in the open water. In a place where the water is warm and clear, dolphin encounters are great activities for relaxation and enjoyment.
Dolphin Quest (O’ahu, Hawaii)
The islands of Hawaii are ideal locations for seeing frolicking marine creatures, especially with so many boat tours and mammal encounters being offered here all year round. You can enjoy tons of different tours—all involving swimming with bottlenose dolphins and other dolphin species in the wild.
One particular spot that’s popular among dolphin lovers is Dolphin Quest, which has branches in Hawaii’s big island and on the island of O’ahu. They offer interactive programs like the “Wee Family, Fins and Fun” for parents and kids aged four and below, as well as the “Trainer for a Week” program for older kids (12 and above).
Dubai Dolphinarium (United Arab Emirates)
On the other side of the world, there’s the Dubai Dolphinarium in the United Arab Emirates. This luxurious vacation spot boasts a fascinating indoor attraction where you can enjoy the “Dolphin & Seal Show” and a “Swim with Dolphins” program, aside from their “Creek Park Exotic Bird Show.” It may not provide the same outdoor experience, but if you’re anywhere near the area, it’s one of the best spots to go for dolphin encounters.
Sataya Reef & Sha’ab Samadai Reef, Egypt
Egypt might be one of the last places that you would think of when you want to go swimming with dolphins, but the Red Sea is actually home to many resident dolphin pods. In the southern Red Sea, you’ll find the famous Sataya Reef and Sha’ab Samadai Reef (known to locals as the “Dolphin House”). Here, you can dive and snorkel with sea turtles, dolphins, and other reef-dwelling creatures in clear waters. For the best experience, go around May to July.
Dolphinaris (Riviera Maya Park, Mexico)
While there are over five branches of Dolphinaris in the world, the one in Riviera Maya Park in Mexico is pretty extraordinary. Add this to your itinerary and enhance your exotic vacation with all sorts of programs, workshops, and water activities involving dolphins. As part of the swim program, you’re sure to get that kiss, fin shake, and exciting dorsal fin ride! Once you’re done, you can hit the very accessible beaches along the Caribbean Sea.
Delfinario (Varadero, Cuba)
If you’re planning a trip to Cuba, consider heading down to the Delfinario in Varadero. This exotic dolphinarium is surrounded by beautiful flora and is located in a natural mangrove lagoon. The surroundings merely complement the experience, as you are given a chance to witness dolphin shows before hanging out and performing different tricks with the dolphins in the water.
Discovery Cove (Orlando, Florida)
As previously mentioned, Florida is filled with top-notch locations for dolphin encounters, and one of these is Discovery Cove in Orlando. Tourists love that it is, first and foremost, a resort that offers half-hour swim experiences with dolphins—aside from snorkeling, bird-feeding, and beach activities. Discovery Cove truly provides an unforgettable experience for both dolphin and island lovers.
Faial and Pico (the Azores, Portugal)
Last but not least on our list are the islands of Faial and Pico in the Azores, Portugal. While it is normal to see around seven species of dolphins in the Azores (alongside sperm whales and orcas), these two islands are the go-to locations for scuba diving and underwater adventures. Take advantage of their dolphin encounter programs and prepare to enjoy the deep blue waters of Portugal with these fascinating marine animals.
Conclusion
Swimming with dolphins is a captivating encounter that creates a profound connection between humans and these intelligent marine mammals as they gracefully glide through the water, displaying their playful nature and allowing us a glimpse into their captivating underwater world.
