 |
| |  |
|
Why do you offer so many dolphin programs?
Do I need to be able to swim to participate in the dolphin programs?
How long are the Dolphin programs?
What is the minimum age to participate?
Can I hold my child if they are too young or small to qualify for the programs?
How many people participate in each Dolphin Adventure?
Do you offer an observation area for non-participants?
May I bring a camera or video camera to take pictures?
Where is the Dolphin Center located?
| |  |
Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins are warm blooded, air-breathing mammals that inhabit temperate and tropical waters throughout the world.
They belong to the group of toothed whales whose scientific name is odontocetes. Pacific bottlenose dolphins can grow to be up to 10 feet long and weigh from 300-650 pounds.
They have a sleek, streamlined body with forelimbs, called pectoral flippers, that they use to steer, and flukes (lobes of the tail) that they use to propel themselves forward.
In general, the color of Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins is a nondescript gray on the back fading to white on the belly and lower jaw.
This coloration, a type of camouflage known as countershading, helps conceal a dolphin from predators and prey. |
| | | |
Q: Why do you offer so many dolphin programs?
A: Interacting with bottlenose dolphins is a thrilling experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life, so we have developed a series of educational and interactive programs that combine the right mix of fun, learning and challenge for all ages and abilities. In our Swim with Dolphins program, guests enter the water and actually swim and play with the dolphins. The Dolphin Encounter program is for those who would prefer to meet the dolphins while standing in waist-deep water. Our Trainer for a Day program allows everyone age 12 and up to spend the day with our staff and discover the efforts involved in caring for and training marine mammals, and Dolphin Kids was developed specially for children ages 4-8, so that they too can have contact with our dolphins in a safe and fun environment.
Q: Do I need to be able to swim to participate in the dolphin programs?
A: No. Although the water in these very large saltwater pools is too deep to stand in (5 meters) participants in the Dolphin Swim program are provided with lifevests and so need only be strong enough to pull themselves through the water. In the Dolphin Encounter participants stand on a platform in waist-deep water, and in the Dolphin Kids program, small children interact with the dolphins while standing on a shallow shelf in our specially designed maternity pool.
Q: How long are the dolphin programs?
A: The Dolphin Swimming program lasts about 1 1/2 hours with approximately 30 minutes of direct interaction with the dolphins. Dolphin Encounters are 60 minute programs that give you 15-20 minutes of face-to-face time with the dolphins. Dolphin Kids is a 30 minute program that gives small children the chance to interact with the dolphins for 15 minutes, and in our 7-hour Trainer for a Day program you'll enjoy close contact with the dolphins throughout the day, both in the pool and poolside.
Q: What is the minimum age to participate?
A: To participate in the Dolphin Swim, you must be at least 5 years of age, and children between 5 and 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. To participate in our Dolphin Encounter you must be at least 4.5 ft tall, but very young children aged 1 to 3 may be held by their parents for no additional charge upon special request. Dolphin Kids is an interactive program specially designed for children aged 4-8 only. To take part in our educational Trainer for a Day Program participants must be at least 12 years of age and in good physical condition.
Q: Can I hold my child in any of the programs if they are too young or small to qualify for the programs?
A: We will allow parents to hold young kids (aged 1 to 3 years) in their arms during the Dolphin Encounter program for no charge, but you must make the request at the time of your booking as there are special session times for these Family Encounters.
Q: How many people participate in each Dolphin Adventure?
A: Encounters and Swim Experiences take place with 8 people and 1 dolphin per group. Signature swims take place in the larger, deeper pools with 6 people and 1 dolphin per group. These programs often have more than one group per time session. Trainers for a Day programs are limited to two groups of six "Trainers" per day at each of our dolphin centers, and 10 kids can participate under the supervision of one of our experienced dolphin trainers in our Dolphin Kids program.
Q: Do you offer an observation area for non-participants?
A: Yes! Family and friends may observe the Dolphin Adventure programs free of charge from our observation area.
Q: May I bring a camera or video camera to take pictures?
A: Cameras are not allowed into the pools or observation areas but photos will be available for purchase after your experience. Photo prices start at $18 USD per print / high res image. A DVD and a digital photo of your Dolphin Adventure is included in the price of our Trainer for a Day program.
Q: Where is the Dolphin Center located?
A: The Vallarta Adventure Dolphin Center is located in Nuevo Vallarta. For more detailed information concerning the location please visit our map of Nuevo Vallarta. Special note: Because Nuevo Vallarta is located in the state of Nayarit, and Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, these two neighboring communities have different time zones. However, for your convenience and to avoid any confusion, we keep our schedules on Puerto Vallarta time. | |
