By Kimberly Fisher
Where Can You Swim With the Dolphins in California?
As one of the most beautiful places in the
United States,the state of California offers vacationers something for nearly everyone, including the dream of swimming with dolphins. Few experiences in life can compare to the freedom and serenity of swimming with dolphins.These marine mammals are considered among the most intelligent, friendly and playful creatures, making them a favorite of children and adults alike. There are two California locations where you can swim with dolphins.
Sea World Adventure Park
San Diego is home to the Sea World Adventure Park. Animals that call this park home are flamingos, seals, walruses, sharks, penguins, manatees, Shamu the world-famous killer whale and native Californian bottlenose dolphins.
For 170 dollars (on top of park admission), as of 2009, you get to swim with the dolphins, play with them, help them practice, feed them and touch their smooth, glistening skin. Participants must be age 6 or older. If you book with your American Express card, American Express will make a donation of 25 percent of the purchase price to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservatory Fund.
Swimming with the dolphins is available daily in time slots from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Same-day reservations are required.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, a Caribbean-themed park, is located in Vallejo in Northern California. The Dolphin Discovery experience costs about 180 dollars as of 2009, but it does not include general admission to the park. Before you enter the water, you'll participate in a fun classroom session with the trainers, where you will learn all about marine mammals and conservation efforts. Then you will get to interact with the dolphins as they play and feed in a custom-made 200,000-gallon tank. The program is available seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants must be at least 52 inches tall, and everyone under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
If you would like a more in-depth experience, sign up for the Trainer for a Day program. A two-part, seven-hour day costs 400 dollars, but you'll work with sea lion trainers as well as dolphin trainers and will be able to take part in a live dolphin show. The cost includes an official Discovery Kingdom Trainer for a Day T-shirt and a souvenir photo taken during your working day.
Tips for Swimming with Dolphins
1) Wear proper swimming attire. Make sure it is comfortable. You will be given a wet suit and booties to wear at the park.
2) Be comfortable in the water. You will most likely be in waist-high water, so no diving or swimming skills are needed, but if you are not comfortable in the water, it is unlikely that you'll enjoy your experience.
3.) Make reservations in advance. Being a very popular and few places offering swimming with dolphins, book early to reserve your spot.
About the Author:
Kimberly Fisher is a freelance writer based in Manhattan Beach, Calif. She specializes in luxury travel, lifestyle and fashion. Her work has appeared in the magazines "Ocean View," "Disarray" and "ReLiving." Fisher attended the University of Nevada and Mt. St. Mary's College.
Photo Credits:
www.wdcs.org.uk/ wdcs2/conserve/ home.html
