OverviewSwimming with dolphins in Europe is not as common a pastime as it is in Mexico, Florida, New Zealand and the Bahamas. However, there are a few places that offer visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins, either in the open water or at sea parks, where the mammals are in captivity. This article points you to Europe’s most popular places for swimming with dolphins and guides you through the steps in interacting with them.
Step 1Select a location. The most popular area for swimming with dolphins in Europe is the Mediterranean Sea. The water is warmer, especially in the summer. Majorca and Ibiza, in Spain, offer this activity. Another spot is Medterraneo Park, located in Malta. Here, the dolphins are in captivity. Portugal’s Zoomarine Park is another place to swim with dolphins in captivity. A far brisker experience is swimming with dolphins on the Irish coast, in Dingle. You will need to rent a wetsuit to brave these waters.
Step 2Shop around. Swimming with dolphins in Europe is not an inexpensive activity. Some excursions include snorkeling or scuba diving. Other excursions require taking a boat ride to a protected bay or designated area. Operators may charge up to $250 dollars for an excursion.
Step 3Assemble your gear. Depending upon your excursion, the gear may be provided and included in the fee. If you are snorkeling or scuba diving, your face will be protected, but if you are swimming in shallow water or in captivity with dolphins, you will need goggles or a small mask to protect your eyes from their splashing and spraying. In cooler water, a wetsuit is necessary.
Step 5Record your journey. Bring an underwater camera or ask the tour operator if they can shoot a short video with your digital camera, showing you interacting with the dolphins. Write about your experiences so that you can remember the singular feeling of sharing the underwater realm with the wildlife that considers it home.
TipsOrganizations that run swimming with dolphins programs are unregulated. Research the organization or ask for recommendations before committing to a program.
WarningsIt is possible to get injured while swimming with dolphins. Don’t swim with dolphins during their mating season.
Resources: A trailer for the IMAX film “Dolphins”By: Serena Makofsky
Serena Makofsky has covered fringe theater in London, casinos in Vegas, Tiki bars in Los Angeles and ancient ruins in Oaxaca. She has had plays produced in New York, Canada and Portland. She writes travel features for Aishti, Flying Adventures and IQrious.Read Next 5 Articles
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