Dolphin Swimming

NORCECA Beach Volleyball in Grand Cayman

// March 26th, 2010 // View Comments // Grand Cayman, Locations, News

Dolphin Discovery was a proud sponsor of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball tournament in Grand Cayman the weekend of March 18-21, 2010.  “NORCECA” (the “North/Central America CaribbeanVolleyball Confederation”) is a non-profit sports organization that represents 35 countries in the International Volleyball Federation and is responsible for the staging of qualification tournaments for the Olympics and the World Championships.  The Cayman Islands Beach Volleyball Tournament marked the start of the qualification process to the 2012 Olympics in London and the last stretch to the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico next summer.

After an exciting weekend of tough competition, the Canadian duo of Martin Reader and Ray Sewell grabbed the men’s gold, leaving the silver to the Puerto Ricans and the bronze to the United States.  In the women’s competition, Puerto Ricans Yarleen Santiago and Dariam Acevedo won the gold, the silver went to the United States and the bronze to the Mexican team.  The next tournament of the circuit takes place in El Salvador March 25-28, 2010.  The full schedule for this year’s tournaments can be found on the NORCECA website and includes several stops in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta.

The participants in the Grand Cayman beach volleyball tournament worked hard, but they were also able to take time out to enjoy the island, including swimming with dolphins courtesy of Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman.  Gold medalist from Canada Ray Sewell said: “As a tourist I had some unique experiences, going to the turtle farm, the dolphins and Stingray City and I would recommend them to anybody back home. Your white beach is fantastic and the people are so friendly and accepting.” Well Mr. Sewell, it was an honour for the dolphins to have you, come back anytime!

Dolphin Discovery is grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic event, we look forward to next year and wish all the NORCECA beach volleyball players the best of luck in the upcoming tournaments!

Exclusive Swim with Dolphins Program in the Riviera Maya!

// March 25th, 2010 // View Comments // Locations, News, Riviera Maya

Dolphin Discovery is pleased to announce a new program at our Puerto Aventuras dolphinarium in the Riviera Maya.  The Dolphin Magic Swim brings you speed, action, excitement and more free time with the dolphins than any other swim with dolphins program!  You’ll join the dolphins in the water for your orientation briefing, giving you an extra twenty minutes with the dolphins.  We want to maximize your experience,  seizing every special moment with your new friends.  Dolphin Magic Swim participants will enjoy a dolphin handshake, a lovely kiss, the high-speed dorsal tow and the adrenaline rush of the foot push in addition to lots of free time with the dolphins.  Groups are limited to only 10 people, ensuring an up close and personal experience, don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity!

The Dolphin Magic Swim is exclusively sold online through our website, you will not be able to purchase this anywhere else!  Contact Dolphin Discovery’s bilingual customer service representatives to schedule your Dolphin Magic Swim and guarantee your space in this special program, the dolphins are waiting for you!

Easter in Cancun

// March 16th, 2010 // View Comments // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Discounts, Locations

Spring is almost here, the winter blues are turning all kinds of rosy shades and the season of rebirth is upon us.  While April may bring showers to many parts of the world, it’s usually a spectacular weather month in Cancun, the perfect time to visit! Spring break is is at its peak right now but Cancun is already preparing for Easter Week (known in Mexico as “Semana Santa” or “Holy Week”), a popular time for families to travel to the Mexican Caribbean.  People flock from all over the world to relax on the beach, spend some quality time with the family and enjoy all that Cancun has to offer.

Families venturing to Cancun for Easter will find a wealth of resorts fit for any budget or travelling style.  The Great Parnassus has fantastic facilities for kids and grown ups alike, all inclusive luxury and a gorgeous new beach.  Kids will love the huge water park area and parents can escape to the adults only pool.  Beachscape Kin-Ha Villas offer apartment-style accomodations, your home away from home with kitchen, living area and bedrooms, perfect for a family vacation.  The beach at Beachscape is one of the best in Cancun, the calm waters of the Bay of Mujeres make it ideal for swimmers or those who simply want to float the day away!  If you are planning an Easter vacation without the munchkin set, check out the exciting adults only Temptation Resort for some grown up fun, or the luxurious Sun Palace for couples only.

Dolphin Discovery is always thrilled to be a part of the Easter Week celebrations, and we’re pleased to offer some great Easter deals. Book your Cancun/Isla Mujeres dolphin swim before March 31st and receive a 10% discount, a little present from the Easter bunny!  The discount applies to all our programs, from the Dolphin Encounter (great for the whole family, little ones and less experienced swimmers included!) up to the incredible Royal Garrafon/Royal Swim package which has it all!  You’ll not only be able to enjoy swimming with the dolphins on Isla Mujeres, but you can tour the island, visit a turtle farm, do some kayaking and snorkeling, meet the manatees, sharks and rays, hang out in the pool and savor a delicious lunch.  The perfect way to enjoy Easter vacation with your family, sharing the experience of a lifetime on a stunning island paradise!

We hope you have a wonderful Easter, full of peace and love, happy spring!

From Puerto Rico to Tortola

// March 10th, 2010 // View Comments // Locations, Tortola

Ahhh, the island life!  For many people living in Puerto Rico, a trip to the British Virgin Islands makes a great little getaway, close to home but far enough away to be an adventure.  The tiny island of Tortola is a mere 60 miles/96 kilometers from Puerto Rico and is easily reached by air in about 30 minutes, the flights soaring up to 8000 ft with some spectacular aerial views of the nearby islands.  There are both commercial and charter flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Tortola, the main carriers being Fly BVI, Cape Air, American Airlines and American Eagle airlines, prices can be found for less than $200 USD.  Hotels in Tortola are available for every budget, from ritzy private villas to more affordable cottages.  A favourite of Tortola visitors, the “Sugar Mill Hotel” offers boutique accomodations and intimate luxury on a perfect beach. “Frenchmans” offers the luxury of a large resort while maintaining a community feel with its charming cottages.  Bed and breakfasts dot the island,  a popular choice for travellers from Puerto Rico to share the sun-filled days with family.

Once in Tortola, guests will discover the incredible beaches of the island. Cane Garden Bay is the most popular spot with tourists while those looking for something a little more remote will love the adventure of finding Smuggler’s Cove.  Sage Mountain Park is the site of the largest mountain in the US and British Virgin Islands, great for a hike and stunning views.  Scuba diving and snorkeling are “must do’s” on the island, and sailing has become the hottest activity in Tortola.  Tortola is the center of the yachting and sailing community in the Caribbean, the conditions of water and wind are ideal for boats of all sizes!  Of course, the highlight of any trip to the island is a visit to Dolphin Discovery Tortola.  Join us for the experience of a lifetime, meet our dolphins face to face for a little kiss, a dance and an adrenaline rush as they push you through the water at high speed! The Dolphin Discovery Swim Tortola is ideal for the whole family while those looking for something more daring will love the Tortola Dolphin Royal Swim.  Adventure awaits with our dolphin friends!

This is a special invitation to Puerto Rico travellers, join us in Tortola to swim with dolphins, we’d love to have you and the dolphins are ready to give you a big fishy kiss.  We’ve got great deals on swimming with dolphins in Tortola, contact us today to book an adventure you’ll never forget.

ABC Animal Training Workshop 2010

// March 9th, 2010 // View Comments // Locations, News, Riviera Maya

Dolphin Discovery is pleased to announce the dates for the 2010 ABC Animal Training Workshop in our Puerto Aventuras facility.  If you’ve ever dreamed of being a dolphin trainer, here’s your chance to learn from the best in paradise!

What is the ABC Animal Training Workshop?

This five day animal training course is cutting edge,  designed to give you the skills you need to be a successful dolphin trainer.  The workshop is led by Shelley Wood, an expert in the field of animal training.  Shelley has been working as a dolphin trainer since 1990 and is currently the Corporate Trainer Educator for Dolphin Discovery and the owner of ABC Animal Training Systems.  Shelley holds bachelor of science degrees in Biology and Wildlife Management and is on the board of directors for IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers Assocation).  Her expertise ensures the highest level of instruction while her vibrant personality guarantees you’ll have fun while you learn.

The 2010 ABC Animal Training Workshop is being held at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras in the Riviera Maya, Mexico from May 31 to June 4th.  The deadline for registration is April 15th, but book early to guarantee your spot!  Participants in the program receive personalized, small group training as they learn to understand the science and application of operant conditioning.  The program includes 5 days of training at the Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras location, the ABC Animal Training Packet (2 DVD set, study guide, reinforcement pouch and training clicker), hands-on training with a variety of marine animals, a swim with dolphins experience and behind the scenes access to Dolphin Discovery.  Gain skills, build your resume and develop relationships with experts in the world of animal training, this is an exciting opportunity!

The program offers two levels, the basic course is $1000 USD and the advanced workshop is $1100.  In order to particpate in the advanced workshop, you must have completed the basic course and have one year experience working in the field of marine animal training.  Participants of the program must make their own travel arrangements, the Catalonia Riviera Maya resort is recommended for it’s location and price.  Puerto Aventuras is located south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, you will need to arrange transportation from the airport.  Please remember that you will need to have a valid passport to travel to Mexico!

For more information and to register for the workshop, please visit the ABC Animal Training website or contact Shelley Wood.

Puerto Vallarta Adventure

// February 26th, 2010 // View Comments // Locations, Vallarta

The tropical port town of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country.  Whether you plan to stay for a week or are just dropping in while on a Mexican cruise, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.  There are so many options for day trips and Puerto Vallarta shore excursions that it can be difficult to decide on a tour.  Aquaventuras Park makes the decision that much easier, offering a whole day of water park fun and animal encounters!

Your All-in-One Puerto Vallarta Dream Day!

Aquaventuras Park is a 15 acre park with attractions for the whole family.  Feel the adrenaline of the ten exciting water slides, flying fast and landing with a refreshing splash then getting up and doing it again and again!  If you’ve got a taste for something a little more sedate, take a relaxing ride down the lazy river or just pull up a lounge chair by the beautiful pools, soak up some sun and have an icy cold tropical refreshment.  Kids love “The Little Water World”, an area designed for their enjoyment and safety with low speed slides, paddling pool and a pirate ship where they can let their imaginations run wild!

Having worked up an appetite with all the excitement, the whole family will enjoy the “Beluga Snack Bar” with hamburgers, hot dogs, snacky fare and beverages (yes, cold beer available!) and the a la carte restaurant “Aquamarine” with fresh seafood, Mexican specialties and more, including a full bar to quench your thirst.  Beat the heat at the poolside “Heladeria” with delicious ice cream treats!  No one goes hungry or thirsty at Aquaventuras Park!

If that’s not enough for you, let us introduce you to our animal friends.  Laugh and learn at the shows featuring exotic birds, sea lions and dolphins or go one step further and take a swim with these incredible creatures!  Swimming with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta will be a dream come true.  The Dolphin Encounter is ideal for young kids and families, get a kiss, handshake and stroke your new dolphin friend from a safe platform in the water in small groups with maximum interaction.  The Dolphin Royal Swim is the ultimate package for speed and thrills as the dolphins take you for a wild ride!  For something really unique, the Sea Lion Discovery program brings you up close and personal with these funny, gentle friends of the sea, you’ll learn all about them, feed them and go for a swim.  Whichever program you choose will leave you with memories for a lifetime, sharing time with the family, having a one of a kind adventure and learning a little something along the way.

So, what to do in Puerto Vallarta?  Aquaventuras Park and Dolphin Discovery, the best way to spend the day with the family!  Contact our bilingual customer service reps to book your Puerto Vallarta day trip or shore excursion now!  Join us on Facebook at our Aquaventuras Park Fan Page and tell us all about your day in paradise!

Isla Mujeres All Inclusive

// February 24th, 2010 // View Comments // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Discounts, Locations, News

Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres

Dolphin Discovery is pleased to bring you a new way to visit and swim with dolphins on Isla Mujeres.  Our all inclusive day is THE best way to enjoy the paradise of this island in the Mexican Caribbean.  So, why is it perfect for you and your family?  Let us tell you!

What’s included in “all inclusive”?

1.  Round trip ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres departing from El Embarcadero in the hotel zone.

2.  Continental breakfast, open bar and all you can eat buffet.

3.  Swimming with manatees.

4.  Snorkeling with manta rays.

5.  Snorkeling with sharks!  (Yes, sharks, but don’t be frightened, we feed them first).

6.  Kayaking.

7.  Use of bicycles to tour Isla Mujeres on your own.

8.  Tour of downtown Isla Mujeres.

9.  Free time to enjoy our pool and beach club with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and Cancun (with icy cold drinks in hand!)

10.  Swimming with the dolphins of course!  The all inclusive package is available for the Royal Swim, Swim Adventure and Dolphin Encounter programs.  Our programs bring you the ultimate experience, small groups (10 or less!) mean lots of personal interaction with your dolphin friends.

Sleek Dolphin Discovery Ferry Boat

Isla Mujeres (”island of women”) is an island located off the coast of Cancun, known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and extraordinary views.  Our new, sleek and modern ferry will get you to the island in about 20 minutes where you’ll be greeted by our dolphin family and friendly staff.  Dolphin swims are scheduled throughout the day, 10:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 2:15 PM, and 3:30 PM.  Your small group will be given an orientation and education time before your swim, you’ll learn about these incredible creatures and how to get the most out of your dolphin experience.  All guests are provided with lifejackets, mandatory for everyone!  You’ll enter the dolphin enclosure in the ocean (all natural environment), stand on a platform in the water and begin your experience of a lifetime!  Each swim with dolphin program brings you different behaviours, the “Dolphin Encounter” is perfect for all ages and swimming abilities while those looking for an adrenaline rush will be thrilled by the “Royal Swim“.  At the end of the program guests will be invited to view photos and videos of their encounters, available for purchase as a reminder of an incredible day.

Chill at the Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres Beach Club

Before or after your swim with dolphins program, you’ll be able to swim with manatees, snorkel with manta rays and sharks and laugh with our silly sea lions.  Enjoy the delicious buffet, take advantage of the open bars, chill in the pool, enjoy the beach club, take a kayak for a spin or run through the fountains.  Guests are invited to use a bicycle to tour around the small island, checking out the nearby turtle farm, the panoramic views from Punta Sur’s lighthouse, the crashing waves and shell collecting of the east side of the island and the most amazing beach at Playa Norte.  Head into downtown Isla Mujeres to discover local artisans, souvenir shops and tasty restaurants with local fare (try the Tikinxic fish, its’ a specialty of the region!)

Dolphin Love

This is definitely the best way to spend a day with your family while visiting Cancun, new experiences, free time to relax and a grand adventure for all.  The all-inclusive program at Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres leaves you worry-free, everything you need for the perfect day is included.  The only thing missing now is you, contact our bilingual service representatives now to reserve your spot!

For more photos, please check out our Dolphin Discovery Flickr page.  You can also join Dolphin Discovery on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, we love to hear from our fans!

Carnival Isla Mujeres 2010

// February 5th, 2010 // View 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!