While on vacation in Cancun, there are hundreds of
fun activities in which you can participate. Water sports
are especially fun, such as fishing, jet skiing, snorkeling,
diving, and boating. However, one of the most special
memories you can make while in Cancun is swimming with
the dolphins. A number of places in Cancun offer you
the chance to swim with dolphins, and this tropical
experience is unlike any other.
Every dolphin experience offered is unique. At some
places, you can take part in an educational program
that helps you learn about these amazing creatures and
the environment in which they live. In other places,
you'll participate in a number of water games with the
dolphins. Some programs take groups of twenty or thirty
people in the water at one time, while others allow
you to book private swim sessions with the dolphins.
Before you pay for a particular experience, check out
what there is to offer at all of the parks that have
dolphin-swimming programs.
Prices for swimming with the dolphins vary. For some
programs, the cost to swim is under $75.00 (USD). Other
programs are upwards of $200.00 (USD), depending on
what is featured with the program. Usually, the less
expensive programs are more structured group experiences
where you may or may not get to privately interact with
the dolphins. You could be in the water for anywhere
from twenty minutes to two hours. Again, this depends
on the specific program in which you are participating.
Longer sessions with the dolphins are usually more expensive.
There are thirty seven different species of dolphins
and six different species of porpoises. The dolphins
with which you'll most likely swim are bottle-nosed
dolphins. This species makes its natural habitat in
tropical waters like those around Cancun, but you can
also spot them off the coast of colder waters in more
temperate climates.
While on your Cancun dolphin adventure, you will hopefully
have the chance to learn a lot about these fascinating
creatures. Here are a few facts about dolphins that
may or may not be explained to you:
-
Dolphins typically eat a variety of fish according
to where they live. In captivity, most dolphins
are fed different fish throughout the day. The best
programs also allow you to watch the dolphins being
fed.
-
Dolphins breathe air. They use a blowhole on top
of their heads to breathe. The average dolphin stays
underwater for about five minutes before it needs
to come up for air. However, they can stay under
water for about ten minutes if they need to.
-
Echolocation is used by groups of dolphins to find
one another and to find other things in the water.
This is a clicking sound made by the dolphin to
help it understand where other members of its species
are, or where to find items critical to its survival.
It is the same principle that bats use above water.
When swimming with the dolphins, your safety is a key
concern. In most cases, children must be accompanied
by an adult if they are under the age of seven. Some
programs require children to be even older before swimming
with the dolphins alone. Regardless of age, it is important
that everyone wear a life vest for protection in the
water. No matter how well you swim, dolphins are still
unpredictable animals at times. Their quick and playful
movements can cause problems for even the best swimmers.
Wear a life jacket and make sure that it is fastened
securely.
The safety of the dolphins while you are swimming is
also important. Dolphin handlers will talk to you about
how to interact, and what you are allowed and not allowed
to do. For example, some programs ask that you not grab
onto a dolphin's dorsal fin during certain swimming
sessions. Others require you to wait for your trainer's
commands before you swim and interact. Listen to the
trainers carefully lest you put yourself or the animals
at risk.
Finally, make sure that you are protecting the environment.
Although the dolphins in the program are held in captivity,
those waters are still where they live. Never throw
your trash anywhere other than a waste can, and if you
are wearing sunscreen, look for a product that is listed
as safe for the environment.
Swimming with the dolphins is an adventure that you'll
never forget. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience. Cancun has a number of dolphin programs
available to meet anyone's needs, so whether you're
looking for an educational day with your family or a
more free-style swim with the sea life, you can find
exactly what you want in Cancun.
While on vacation in Cancun, there are hundreds of
fun activities in which you can participate. Water sports
are especially fun, such as fishing, jet skiing, snorkeling,
diving, and boating. However, one of the most special
memories you can make while in Cancun is swimming with
the dolphins. A number of places in Cancun offer you
the chance to swim with dolphins, and this tropical
experience is unlike any other.
About the Author
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about
topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry
such as Cancun
Vacation Packages
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