Dolphin Swimming

Carnival Isla Mujeres 2010

// February 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Locations, News

The island of Isla Mujeres may be small, but the fiesta is going to be huge for Carnival!  Cities around the world hold celebrations in the days leading up to Lent to eat, drink and be merry before the days of abstinence begin.  With parades, outrageous costumes and masks, the sharing of beads and of course enormous amounts of food and drink, Carnival is certainly a spectacle to behold.  Carnival, Carnaval, Mardi Gras, no matter what you call it, it’s a great party!

Celebrations of Carnival on Isla Mujeres begin February 12, 2010 with music, dancing and the coronation of the King and Queen of Carnival.  The party starts at 10 pm in the main town square, put on your sparkles, bring your beads and dance all night with the live bands!  The first parade of Carnival 2010 starts at 4:00 pm on Saturday February 13th on the malecon (boardwalk), bring your cameras, this will be a fantastic spectacle.  Saturday night brings the children’s dance competition at 8:00 pm and the second night of dancing and live Cuban music at 10:00 pm.  The second parade of the festival starts on Sunday February 14th at 4:00 pm and you won’t want to miss the contests for best costumes, 8:00 for children, 10:00 pm for adults and the night continues with more live music and dancing.   We know you’ll still have energy to keep the fiesta rolling, join the throngs at Playa Posada del Mar on Monday February 15th at 1:00 for a huge beach party with more live music before the third parade rolls on at 4:00 pm.  Monday night at 10:00, head back to the town square for an evening of regional entertainment and comedy.  The final day of Carnival on Isla Mujeres 2010 is Tuesday, February 16th, offering activities throughout the day and ending with the traditional burning of Juan Carnaval, signifying the end of the party and the start of the Lenten season.

If you are going to be on the island for Carnival, we invite you to have a little party with our Isla Mujeres dolphins!  They’ll shake a tail fin and give you a kiss (though they prefer fishy treats to beads).   Cancun visitors can get a taste of Carnival on the “Caribbean Carnaval Cruise“, a night of exciting Carnival-style entertainment, food and drink.  After whooping it up all night long, you might want a day to relax and there is no better place than Garrafon.  Pull up  a hammock, float in the infinity pool or go for a snorkel, regenerate your body and soul in this tranquil tropical paradise.

Viva la fiesta, viva Isla Mujeres, viva Carnival!

Grand Cayman- Tortuga Rum Cakes and Stingray City

// February 4th, 2010 // No Comments » // Grand Cayman, Locations

Even if you’ve never been to Grand Cayman, you can probably create an image in your head… beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, bikinis and dolphins.  Those in the know will tell you that there are two important treasures that you must add to your Grand Cayman day dreams, Tortuga Rum Cakes and Stingray City.

photo courtesy www.tortugarumcakes.com

The history of Tortuga Rum goes back to 1984 when the husband and wife team of Robert and Carlene Harmaty decided to embark on the adventure of creating a rum for the Cayman Islands.  They chose the name “Tortuga” (”turtle”) as it was the orignal name of the Cayman Islands, created two blended rums (Tortuga Gold and Tortuga Light) and were off and running with their new venture.  The couple kept their “day jobs” but nurtured their company as a labour of love.  In 1987, Carlene started making rum cakes from an old family recipe and discovered that she had a hit on her hands.  The cakes were so popular that they built a commercial bakery in 1990 to keep up with demand.  The trademark ingredient is a generous helping of premium five-year old, oak barrel aged Tortuga Gold Rum but the recipe is still a secret!  From a small family business, Tortuga Rum has turned into an international success, with a broad range of rum and rum-based products being enjoyed all over the world.  Today, the Tortuga Rum Cakes are a symbol of Grand Cayman, the essential souvenir (if you can resist eating them on the way home!).  Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman is proud to offer the Tortuga Rum Cakes in our Dolphinmania Boutique, be sure to have a little taste, buy a few for you, a few for Aunt Lily, a few for your house-sitter (and a few more for you).

photo courtesy Fevi Yu

After swimming with dolphins and having sated your taste buds, it’s time to head out to the world-famous “Stingray City”.  Located in the shallow waters of Grand Cayman’s North Sound, Stingray City is renowned for the large numbers of stingrays that congregate in the area.  Stingrays love calm, sandy-bottomed areas such as this where they can dig in the sand in search of food.   History suggests that it was the fishermen using the area to clean their catch that attracted such large numbers of rays, looking for the offals that were thrown overboard.  Stingray heaven!  In 1987, Skin Diver magazine discovered  this “secret” spot where divers and snorkelers could feed rays by hand and soon the whole world was abuzz about Stingray City.  These days there are many tour operators offering excursions to Stingray City where you can swim and snorkel with these creatures and feed them by hand.  Tourists are encouraged not to wear footwear, even a simple water shoe can damage the sensitive skin of the rays and please, do not remove the rays from the water, it is essential that they stay submerged in order to breathe.  Many tours will take you to the reef for some snorkeling after your encounter with the rays, a great addition to your day on Grand Cayman.  This is a truly unique place, a Grand Cayman excursion that is not to be missed!

Whether you are cruising the Caribbean looking for a Grand Cayman shore excursion or spending your vacation on the island, be sure to visit Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman for the experience of a lifetime!  Our friendly staff are not only dolphin experts, they are ambassadors of Grand Cayman and will go out of their way to ensure that our guests have a great island adventure.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta

// February 2nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Locations, Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, is one of the world’s most inviting vacation destinations.  Puerto Vallarta has been popular among tourists for decades, first brought to the attention of the public through Ava Gardner and Richard Burton’s famous film, “Night of the Iguana” in 1964.  Since the 1960’s, Puerto Vallarta has grown into a thriving resort town with millions of visitors each year.  So, why should you visit Puerto Vallarta?  Have a look at our “Top Ten Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta” and see why so many people have fallen in love with this south of the border paradise.

1.  Puerto Vallarta Hotels-  Puerto Vallarta has a resort for you, whether you are looking for a 5 diamond luxury resort or a bargain off the beaten track, there are options for every budget and taste.  Puerto Vallarta is a safe destination for a family getaway, a romantic honeymoon for two or a retreat for singles looking for a little fun.  Sprawling all-inclusives that cater to your every need are extremely popular in Puerto Vallarta, a great home base for exploring all that the region has to offer.  If your budget is a little tighter, there are plenty of options for more economical hotels and hostels for backpackers.

2.  Cuisine-  Food, glorious Mexican food! When in Puerto Vallarta, try some of the local dishes famous in the state of Jalisco, the “birria” (spicy meat stew), “tortas ahogadas” (literally “drowned sandwich” as it sits in a spicy salsa) and “pozole tapatio”, a corn and meat soup that is essential to the Mexican diet.  Seafood is a must in Puerto Vallarta, here you’ll find some of the freshest “ceviche” you’ve ever eaten!  Puerto Vallarta is full of restaurant options, from fine dining to street-side vendors, dig in and satisfy those taste buds!

3.  Art and culture-  Puerto Vallarta is famous for the sculptures found throughout the town, on the sea-side boardwalk and in hideaway places.  Rafael Zamarripa’s “The Seahorse” has been a symbol of the town since it’s erection on the boardwalk in 1976.  There are over 30 art galleries in Puerto Vallarta, featuring local, national and international artists, take your time and let the art envelop you.  Perhaps you’ll even purchase that “perfect” piece that will fit right in to your home and act as a lifelong reminder of a great Mexican trip.  Who hasn’t heard of “The Mexican Hat Dance”?  Known in Spanish as “jarabe tapatio”, it is native to Jalisco and is often considered to be the national dance of Mexico.  Look around Puerto Vallarta and you’ll be sure to spot dancers in the beautiful traditional costumes performing this dance of love and courtship.

4.  The beach- Set on the second largest bay in the world (Banderas Bay), Puerto Vallarta is a beach lover’s dream.  Most hotels have their own beaches and there are over 40 public beaches, each with their own characteristics and charm.  Head to the north of Puerto Vallarta for some peace and quiet and beautiful sunsets, and the famous waves that make for some fantastic surfing.  Snorkelers will find heaven on the beaches at Destiladeras and Los Venaderos.   Playa de los Muertos is the most popular beach in town, a great place for people watching, soaking up the sun or participating in a wide variety of water sports.  Play in the Pacific, build a sand castle or simply lounge on the beach catching some rays, Puerto Vallarta will satisfy any beach craving.

5.  The weather-  Surrounded by jungle and ocean, Puerto Vallarta offers up a sub-tropical climate very similar to that of Hawaii.  The winter months bring some lovely temperatures, averaging around 26 C or 80 F, a far cry from the winters of the north!  The summer months do bring hotter temps (in the 30’s C/90’s F) and rain.  Rainy season is  from June to September and you can expect some afternoon showers, just enjoy watching storms roll in over the moutains, it’s a beautiful sight to see!

6.  Romance-  Long walks on the beach, watching the sun set over the ocean, horseback rides for two through the jungle, Puerto Vallarta is a lush and romantic setting for honeymooners or people looking to spend some quality time with the one they love.  Stroll hand in hand down cobblestone streets or take a cruise on the waters of the Bay of Banderas, hit the spa for a couples massage or simply relax side by side on the beach.  Puerto Vallarta was built on the romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and continues to put fires in the hearts of lovers from all over the world.

7.  Adventure in the great outdoors-  A visit to Puerto Vallarta would not be complete without experiencing one of the great adventure tours of the region.  Kayaking, snorkeling, zip lines, jungle tours, cruises, scuba diving, the choices are endless for those looking for adventure in Puerto Vallarta.

8.  Tequila and mariachis-  Perhaps the two most recognizable symbols of Mexico, tequila and mariachis are native to the state of Jalisco.  There is no better place to see truly authentic mariachi performances while sipping a tequila with sangrita or enjoying a classic margarita.  Take a tequila tour and sample hundreds of varieties of this quintessentially Mexican treat.

9.  Swim with dolphins Puerto Vallarta-  The highlight of any trip to Puerto Vallarta!  Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta at Aquaventuras Park, you’ll be up close and personal with these amazing creatures and have the chance to spend the day floating down a lazy river or feeling the rush of the speedy water slides.   Make a new buddy with our friendly sea lions too, they’ll be sure to put a smile on your face!  Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Vallarta is truly the experience of a lifetime, something the whole family will remember for a long time to come.

10. Nightlife-  After a day in the sun, it’s time to hit the town and paint it red.  Put on your dancing shoes and visit one of the big discos like Christine’s or The Zoo or sit back and relax with a cold beverage in a small cantina, the bars are open late and are ready to party all night long.  Salsa lovers must visit J & B Salsa Club for mojitos and great live music, dance the night away with Latin flare!

We could go on and on with reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta, don’t hesitate any longer, book your Puerto Vallarta vacation today and find out for yourself why it’s a top choice for a tropical getaway!

Heroes in Haiti- “Los Topos” of Mexico

// January 26th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // News

Los Topos of Mexico after the dramatic rescue of Ena Zizi in Haiti

The events in Haiti have horrified the world, the images are heartbreaking and the tragedy overwhelming.  In the midst of the horror, we’ve seen glimmers of hope and uplifting stories of survival and heroism.  Rescue and relief teams from around the world have converged on this tiny island nation to do what they can to save lives and rebuild the country.  The famous “Los Topos” (”The Moles”) of Mexico are one of the most elite earthquake rescue teams in the world, an organization created after the devastating earthquake in Mexico City in 1985. The group “Los Topos” is comprised of volunteers from all over Mexico who leave their day jobs at a moment’s notice to travel the world to assist in rescue efforts in disaster areas with their expertise in disaster relief and recovery.  They travel on their own financial resources or from private donations and risk their lives to do all they can to assist in tragic circumstances.  “Los Topos” have contributed to rescue efforts in 22 countries since 1985, and have never lost a member of their team.  They are heroes in the true sense of the word, risking everything they have to help others in need.  “Los Topos” have been in Haiti since January 14th and have rescued at least 15 people who were trapped under the rubble with the help of two rescue dogs, Rex and Sombra.  Los Topos successfully rescued 69 year old Ena Zizi after eight days of being trapped, a moment of hope and joy in a terrible time.

Horacio Sanchez in Indonesia after the tsunami

Dolphin Discovery is very proud of one our own staff members, Horacio Sanchez, Health and Safety Manager for Grupo Discovery in Cancun, who departed for Haiti on January 22 with “Los Topos”.  Horacio has been a member of “Los Topos” since 1999 and has contributed to rescue efforts in many countries affected by disaster.  He has received official recognition for his work, being honored by the governments of Turkey, Taiwan, Salvador, India, and Indonesia and receiving many awards for his heroism.  Horacio Sanchez is an expert in his field, trained in medical trauma in disaster situations, earthquake rescue and coordination of relief efforts.  We at Dolphin Discovery wish Horacio all the best in Haiti, we know that he is part of a great team that will bring relief to the people of this devastated country.  We thank Horacio for all his selfless efforts and we send our gratitude to all members of “Los Topos” for their valiant work around the world, please be safe and healthy in your journeys.

“Los Topos” rely on donations, if you wish to contribute to the team, please visit Los Topos website and do what you can to help.

"Los Topos" of Mexico in Indonesia after the tsunami

Carnival in Cozumel 2010

// January 20th, 2010 // No Comments » // Cozumel, Locations

Put on your glittery feathered masks and get ready to dance the night away, Carnival (more commonly known as “Carnaval”) is returning to Cozumel!  The history of Carnaval is quite ancient, going back to pagan times as a celebration in honor of the Greek wine god Dionysus. Carnaval has evolved over time, fusing the pagan rites with Catholic traditions, celebrating the days leading up to Lent, letting loose before the period of abstinence.   The Carnaval celebration in Cozumel is thought to be one of the oldest in Mexico, having started back in 1876, and the fiestas just get bigger and better each year.  Thousands of travellers flock to this island paradise to kick up their heels, dance and sing and welcome the King and Queen of Carnaval.

This year’s festivities kick off with pre-Carnaval events on the weekend of January 23rd/24th and January 30/31 with presentations of the candidates for King and Queen of Carnaval and music and dancing for everyone with some fantastic live bands including “La Sonora de Margarita Band” and “Banda Cuzamil”.  The vote for King and Queen takes place on Saturday February 6th and the winners will be announced at a big bash on Sunday February 7th in Parque Quintana Roo.

Wednesday February 10th welcomes the official start to Carnaval with the opening ceremonies and the grand coronation of the King and Queen of 2010 .  From February 10-17, it’s non-stop party, with activities programmed every day.  Costume contests for all ages (there’s even a pet costume contest!), dance competitions, food, music and of course parades, the vivid colors of Carnaval will fill the streets of Cozumel.

The grand closing night of Carnaval brings one of Mexico’s most famous and celebrated artists to the stage in Cozumel.  The incredible Alejandra Guzman will be performing a concert that will surely be the highlight of this year’s festivities.  Alejandra Guzman is known as “The Queen of Rock” in Latin America and has been a huge star since the 1980’s, her participation in Carnaval Cozumel makes this the hottest party in Mexico! This is a show that is not to be missed, February 16th in Parque Andres Quintana Roo, open to the public for all to enjoy.

We at Dolphin Discovery Cozumel wish everyone a very festive and safe Carnaval season, we hope to see you at the party!

For details of specific events, please visit Cozumel Insider for their fantastic calendar of Carnaval Cozumel 2010.

Dolphin Discovery Cozumel Welcomes Sea Lions!

// January 13th, 2010 // No Comments » // Cozumel, Locations, News

Dolphin Discovery Cozumel is very pleased to have some new residents, sea lions have come to our island paradise!  Our sea lion guests have a beautiful new home and are ready to put on a great show, swim with you and even give you a fishy little kiss.  The dolphins and manatees in Cozumel are happy to have new friends with them and give them a big welcoming hug and squeal.  Join us in Cozumel for our Sea Lion Discovery program, laugh, smile and frolic with these friendly creatures in the beautiful Chankanaab Park.

Sea lions are part of the “pinniped” family, “pinniped” meaning “wing foot”, a great way to describe their flippers.  They are carnivorous marine mammals who spend much of their time in the water hunting for food, but they also like to relax on the shore and soak up the sun.  Male sea lions are called “bulls”, females are “cows” and the bulls like to create harems of females during mating season to create their legacy of baby sea lions called “pups”.  A group of sea lions is called a “colony” and they love to hang out close together and are frequently seen at play on rocky shores.  Baby sea lions are born on land but are ready to swim within a few weeks of birth.  The whiskers of the sea lion are much like those of cats, very sensitive and necessary for finding their way through a sometimes dark ocean.  Sea lions eat fish and invertebrates such as octopus and will eat as much as seven to sixteen kilograms or fifteen to thirty five pounds each day!  Sea lions are incredibly intelligent animals and can be trained to perform a variety of actions and interact with humans, they’ve been delighting humans for years with their antics.

Dolphin Discovery Cozumel is excited to announce our schedule of sea lion activities.  Join us for two shows daily, the first at 12:00 pm and the second at 2:30 pm.  We offer two times daily for swimming and interacting with sea lions in our Sea Lion Discovery program, 10:30 am and 1:00 pm. Contact our bilingual customer service representatives to book your Sea Lion Discovery experience today!

For more photos check out our Dolphin Discovery Cozumel Flickr page. Join us on Facebook at our Dolphin Discovery Fan Page and share your experiences and photos with us!

Tortola Dolphin Discovery

// January 7th, 2010 // No Comments » // Locations, Tortola

With its white sand beaches, beautiful mountains and friendly people, Tortola is a popular destination for tourists seeking to get away from it all and it is a delightful port for Caribbean cruise ships.  Tortola is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands and has a long history since its discovery by Christoper Columbus in 1493.  It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves a good pirate tale, Tortola was the hideaway of many of history’s famous pirateers.  The treasures of Tortola are bountiful, with incredible snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking in Sage Mountain Park, enjoying the local West Indian cuisine or simply soaking up the Caribbean sun, Tortola is the perfect destination for a tropical vacation.

Dolphin Discovery Tortola is one of the most popular actitivies on the island, a chance to get up close and personal with our friendly dolphins.  Feel the rush of adrenaline as you are pushed full speed through the water by a dolphin and enjoy a wet fishy kiss from your new marine friend.  If you are visiting the nearby islands of St. Thomas or St. John, Dolphin Discovery is pleased to offer you ferry service to Tortola to experience our swim with dolphins programs.  Dolphin Discovery Tortola is located in Prospect Reef Park, a natural environment on the turquoise Caribbean Sea with views of the lush green mountains.  We have programs for the whole family, young children will love the Dolphin Discovery Swim Tortola where they will be able to kiss, hug and shake hands with a dolphin, sing a song with them and spend free time with these gentle creatures from the safety of a platform in the water.  For those of you looking for speed and adrenaline, the Dolphin Discovery Royal Swim Tortola is the program for you.  This is the most dynamic program, with a kiss and a hug, the “dorsal tow” (holding on to the fins of the dolphins while they speed through the water) and the famous “foot push”, a day you will never forget awaits.

Bring the whole family and make Dolphin Discovery Tortola the most unforgettable day of your British Virgin Islands adventure.  Live the experience of a lifetime!

(See more photos in our Dolphin Discovery Tortola Flickr set).

Grand Cayman Events January 2010

// January 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // Grand Cayman, Locations

January is a great time for a Caribbean escape and Grand Cayman is an excellent choice for anyone looking for sun, sand and tropical temperatures.  This month the island is proud to be the host for a couple of great events, if you are going to be in Grand Cayman be sure to check these out!

The Taste of Cayman Food and Wine Festival is in its 22nd year and just keeps getting bigger and better.  The event has become so successful that the island has deemed January to be “culinary  month”.  January 9-16th, 2010 more than 30 vendors will participate in the festival and the event promises to please your taste buds with samples from the finest chefs and restaurants and over two dozen wineries.  Children will love the special kid-sized events with face painting and jewelery making.  Grown-ups may sip a mojito or glass of champagne, enjoy the fireworks and live music, indulge in divine dishes and perhaps even win a great prize in the raffles, this event promises to be spectacular!

January in Grand Cayman is a scuba diver’s delight!  Each year the International Scuba Diver’s Hall of Fame hosts a dinner and induction ceremony for new honorees in the field of scuba.  People inducted into the hall of fame are the movers and shakers in the dive world, educators, photographers, researchers, explorers and more.  The event kicks off on Friday January 29th with the International Underwater Film Festival, featuring some of the finest underwater photography from around the world.  Saturday January 30th the newest hall of fame members will be inducted and honored with a dinner and ceremony.  This year’s inductees include Dr. Eugenie Clark (also known as “the shark lady”), Wyland, Nick Icorn and Francis Toribiong, each having dedicated their lives to the field of scuba and marine life.   We at Dolphin Discovery congratulate the inductees and thank them for their continuing efforts in the scuba industry and the underwater world.

Dolphin Discovery is proud to be a part of a great community in Grand Cayman and we wish the best of luck and much success to the organizers of these fine events and thank them for their contributions to the island.