Dolphin Swimming

Dolphin Discovery Proudly Certified by AMMPA

// May 10th, 2012 // No Comments » // Locations, News

Dolphin Discovery is the world’s largest swim with dolphins company, founded in 1994 in Cancun, Mexico. Our first dolphinarium opened in Isla Mujeres with 3 dolphins and 15 staff. Since those humble beginnings, Grupo Dolphin Discovery has grown to 9 locations, 1000 employees and 120 dolphins in our care, more than 50 of which were born through our successful reproduction program. With the majority of our dolphinariums set in completely natural environments, Dolphin Discovery offers an authentic experience with dolphins, manatees and sea lions.

Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres

Dolphin Discovery takes great pride in providing our guests with the ultimate marine mammal interactions. In order to meet this goal, it is essential to maintain strict standards at all our dolphinariums. Dolphin Discovery’s dedication to providing the highest quality animal care, safety standards, and customer experience while continuing education programs and scientific investigations has once again been recognized by AMMPA, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, for the 7th consecutive year.

“The Alliance administers a stringent accreditation process for its members. Accredited members must uphold Alliance Standards and Guidelines to optimize the psychological and physical health of, and environmental conditions for, individual marine mammals under their care, and to maximize the educational and scientific value of their collections as a whole.”

Dolphin Discovery is the ONLY swim with dolphins company in Mexico to merit this certification. In fact, there are only 41 AMMPA certified parks in the entire world, 7 of those are Dolphin Discovery parks and 2 more certifications are expected for the company in 2013. Other parks around the world that have earned this distinction are Sea World, Alaska Sea Life Center, Discovery Cove, Dolphin Explorer, Zoo Marine, Sea Marine Park and Dolphin Quest in Hawaii, among others.

Top quality veterinary care

The stringent guidelines of AMMPA include 12 standards that must be met in order to receive certification. Parks must provide documentation proving their adherence to these guidelines, including records of the dolphins’ origins showing they were obtained in a humane, legal manner and did not come from conflictive areas (preference is given to parks such as Dolphin Discovery with excellent reproduction programs). Daily records of medical analyses, detailed plans and programs for education of staff, guests and the community outside of the dolphinarium, and evidence of continuing scientific investigation must be provided. Parks must be equipped with adequately sized areas for the animals, security measures for guests, animals and staff and show records of regular analysis of water quality. A long list of criteria must be met if the parks are to pass the intense inspections.

Newborn dolphin & mom Dec. 2011

Thanks to the dedication of each and every member of the Dolphin Discovery team, we are exceptionally proud to have met and exceeded the standards set by AMMPA. In addition to this prestigious recognition, Dolphin Discovery is also certified by IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers Association) and ESR (Empresa Socialmente Responsable, “Socially Responsible Company” in English). We strive to be not only the largest dolphin company in the world, but to be the best, providing the highest quality care to our animals, our community and of course, to you, our guests. We hope you’ll join us soon for the experience of a lifetime!

Dolphin Swim Adventure: Love at First Belly Ride

// March 15th, 2012 // No Comments » // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Dolphins for kids

From the moment we arrived at Marina Aquatours in Cancun for our day of adventure at Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres, my guys were simply quite giddy. Full of energy and bouncing around the docks, pointing out fishies and eager to board the ferry. I was pretty excited myself, swimming with dolphins with my beau the first-timer and sharing the swim adventure with my now “big boy” son. My job has given me the good fortune to swim with dolphins many times, but it never loses the thrill and it’s always a joy to watch the faces of those meeting dolphin friends for the first time.

The ferry ride through the lagoon was spent teaching my son about conservation of the mangroves and enjoying a light breakfast and lots of coffee. I could feel the sense of excitement from the tourists, listening to the buzz of their conversations in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian, a very international group of visitors all about to live a dream. When the ferry went under the bridge and past the pirate ships, there was a collective gasp as we entered the crystal turquoise-coloured waters that still take my breath away even after almost a decade of living in Cancun.

We arrived on Isla Mujeres and there they were, the gorgeous dolphins greeting guests with high-flying leaps and casual swim-bys. For once I wasn’t looking at them, I was watching the face of my guy as he saw them for the very first time. Eyes wide, jaw dropped, a look of pure awe, his adult face lit up like a kid at Christmas. My son was leaping almost as high as the dolphins, this was not his first time at Dolphin Discovery and he considers himself an expert, but it sure didn’t curb his excitement.

We got our lockers, donned our life-jackets, listened attentively to the orientation and then it was time for the main event. We walked past the funny sea lions, alongside the manatee area, waved to the newborn dolphin and her mama Olimpia and on to our spot on the dock. Our fabulously friendly and knowledgeable trainer introduced us to our dolphins, handsome Jupiter and the beautiful Madonna who was 5 months pregnant! We said hello, stroked their smooth skin as they swam by, danced with them, played a little ball and shared a fishy kiss. For my beau who was doing this first for the first time, it was a phenomenal occasion, his face lit up, eyes aglow and a gigantic smile on his face. My son was giggling, speaking to the dolphins in baby-talk and asking a million questions to the trainer.

Then came the adrenaline, the big moves, the ACTION! My little guy had done the dolphin encounter many times, but he was finally ready to do the “big kid” swim adventure with the belly ride and the boogie push. We helped him swim out, gave him clear instructions on what to do and then watched him fly through the water on the boogie board being propelled by the dolphins, smile so wide he could have swallowed half the ocean! The guests in our group laughed and applauded for him, such a little guy and such a big adventure. My beau was simply over the moon, watching him do the belly ride was my favourite moment of the day, flying through the water and laughing all the way.

We said our goodbyes to Jupiter and Madonna (wishing her well with her upcoming baby) and made our way out of the water. It was a spectacular day for all of us, my beau lived a dream, my son became a “big kid” and I had the joy of sharing my love for dolphins with them both.

Garrafon Park Isla Mujeres

// September 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Locations

Standing atop a rocky cliff, feeling the ocean breeze on my face, I leap…..a scream, then a laugh as I speed down the zipline over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Isla Mujeres at Garrafon Park.  I leap again, flying over the snorkelers flippering their way across the reef, the water so clear that even from the height of the zipline I can see the schools of fish darting in and out of the coral.  I land on the shore with a huge smile, take off my helmet and harness and get ready for the next part of my adventure.

Garrafon Park is located on the small island of Isla Mujeres, a short ferry ride from the mainland city of Cancun.  With lush green areas, a reef teeming with tropical fish and incredible views, it’s a beautiful place to spend a day.  Guests may choose to pass the hours swinging in a hammock with a cold drink in hand or they can fill the day with action… snorkeling, kayaking, biking, ziplining, exploring the sculpture garden and Mayan ruins at Punta Sur and swimming with dolphins.

I’m definitely a woman of action, so after my zipline ride I don my mask and fins and hit the water.  The reef is home to a plethora of sea life, big beautiful angel fish, schools of sergeant majors and French grunts, needlefish, parrot fish and even a friendly barracuda.  The shallow waters close to shore make this an ideal spot, whether you are a first time snorkeler or a veteran, it’s a great way to discover the underwater world.

Ready for more excitement after snorkeling, I took a little spin in a kayak, went for a walk on the seaside path and had a swim in the infinity pool.  I’d worked up quite an appetite so I made my way to the restaurant to refuel.  I’m pleasantly surprised by just how good the food is!  Lots of choices, salads, fish, pasta, chicken, Mexican specialties and of course, hot dogs and hamburgers.  I try to keep myself away from the dessert table, but end up devouring a piece of tres leches cake (the diet can restart tomorrow, right?).  I sip my special “Garrafon Lemonade”, gaze at the view and realize that I am truly in paradise and the day is not over yet!

I gather my belongings, grab a taxi and make my way to Dolphin Discovery full of anticipation.  It’s time to swim with dolphins!  Our guide gives us an orientation session, teaching us about bottlenose dolphins and how to interact with them.  We’re a small group, only ten people, and we’re all eager to get in the water.  The friendly trainer brings us to the dock, we carefully climb down the stairs and we meet our dolphins and fall in love!  We shake their hands, kiss them and they take us for a ride with their dorsal fins.  Then the highlight of the day, the foot push!  The adrenaline flows as the two dolphins propel us through the water by pushing the bottoms of our feet, I get right up out of the water and can’t help but laugh out loud.  Truly the experience of a lifetime!

I had a most amazing day, and you can too with the Royal Garrafon and Dolphin Royal Swim package.  This is an all inclusive trip, no worries, no stress, all your activities, food, drinks and equipment are included so you can enjoy your day to the fullest.  Contact our bilingual Dolphin Discovery customer service representatives and book your best vacation day ever!

Isla Mujeres: Destination Paradise

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

photo courtesy www.isla-mujeres.com.mx

Laid back island life, coral reefs, stunning vistas,and gorgeous beaches, Isla Mujeres is a true paradise in every sense of the word.  This tiny island off the coast of Cancun has a long history, going back to when it was a sacred sanctuary named “Ekab”, a place for the Maya people to honour Ixchel, the goddess of the moon and fertility.  When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they named the island “Isla Mujeres” or “Island of Women” after discovering numerous clay figures and imagery of the Mayan goddess.  In later years, Isla (as it’s affectionately known) became a refuge for pirates, including Henry Morgan and Jean Lafitte.  The island’s most famous pirate was Fermin Antonio Mundaca, who left Spain and settled on Isla Mujeres in 1858.  Mundaca fell in love with a much younger local woman and tried to woo her with his riches, but the young woman refused his advances.  Legend states that Mundaca slowly went insane and died alone, leaving his large estate on Isla Mujeres to tell his tale for years to come.  Modern day visitors can visit the grounds and ruins of the “Hacienda Mundaca” and walk the gardens of this old pirate land.  For many  years Isla Mujeres was a peaceful fishing village, sparsely inhabited and undeveloped until the tourism industry began to bring more and more travellers seeking relaxation to her shores.

Punta Sur Isla Mujeres

Today Isla Mujeres is a popular destination for travellers and a top day trip for visitors to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.  The island is still a functioning fishing village, making it an ideal place to find some of the freshest, tastiest seafood in the Mexican Caribbean.  While the island has grown to keep up with the demands for hotels and amenities, it still retains its small town charm.  Getting around the island means golf carts, mopeds or taxis, self guided golf cart tours are a great way to see the island.  “Downtown”is a few cozy streets that were built for walking, with intimate restaurants and local artisans selling their wares.  The famous “Playa Norte” (”North Beach”) is by far one of the best beaches in Quintana Roo, soft white sands, palm trees and calm, crystal clear waters that offer the perfect place to float and forget the daily stresses.  Beach bars offer lounge chairs and umbrellas and waiter service on the sand, everything at your fingertips to enjoy a relaxing day (or week or month).  Visit “Punta Sur” (”South Point”) for some of the most spectacular scenery on the island, perch on the rocky cliffs, listening to the waves crashing on shore as you admire the huge iguanas that populate the rocks and the multitude of blues of the Caribbean Sea.  Garrafon Park, on the west side of the island, is an ideal place to spend a day snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining or just hanging out in a hammock under a palm tree.  The turtle sanctuary on Isla Mujeres allows visitors to get up close and personal with sea turtles and learn more about marine animal preservation and conservation.

Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres

Dolphin Discovery is thrilled to be a part of this island community.  Getting to Isla is easy on our quick ferry from the hotel zone, our modern boats will bring you to the island in about 15 minutes.  Our Isla Mujeres location has over 10000 square feet of natural ocean area for our family of dolphins, sea lions and manatees to frolic with fish and guests.  Visitors to Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres are invited to enjoy our seaside pool, hang out in our hammock garden, have a few drinks at the palapa bar and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch as part of their day.  Guests may also take tours of the island, snorkeling trips to the reef, or a jaunt down the road to Garrafon Park.  Leave your worries behind on your all inclusive day at Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres, enjoy the sun and sea and live the experience of a lifetime in paradise!

Sea Turtle Conservation in the Mexican Caribbean

// June 10th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Every year thousands of sea turtles come to the shores of Mexico to lay their eggs on the beach before returning to the sea.  Six species of turtles make the Mexican Caribbean their destination of choice, including the endangered Green Sea Turtles and Loggerheads.  The nesting season begins in May and lasts through October, with the eggs hatching 50-60 days after being deposited in the sand.  Not that long ago the turtles were hunted for their shells and meat, but thankfully the Mexican government placed them on the protected species list, implementing laws that make the theft of eggs and the killing of turtles punishable by jail time.  Unfortunately, year after year erosion and contamination have spoiled some of their pristine nesting grounds, prompting animal organizations in the region to lend a helping hand to ensure the continued cycle of life of these peaceful creatures.

The Tortugranja (Turtle Farm) on Isla Mujeres is one of the organizations devoted to the conservation of the sea turtle.  This scientific research center is funded almost exclusively by private donations, relying on the generosity of individuals and businesses to continue their work.  Dolphin Discovery is pleased to contribute to the cause and to be working with the Tortugranja in their efforts to protect the sea turtles of Isla Mujeres.  We have donated recycled materials such as fencing to build new protected nesting areas and holding areas for turtles.  Our veterinarians are assisting in the care of the turtles  and our laboratories are being used for analysis of samples for research.  In addition, our team of dolphin trainers are working on night watches on the shores, monitoring the nests and protecting the mothers who come to lay their eggs.  Through the combined contributions of many on Isla Mujeres and in the state of Quintana Roo, we hope to give the turtles a full, free life in the sea.

The Tortungranja of Isla Mujeres is open to the public, please stop by and visit!  A portion of the 30 peso entrance fee goes directly to conservation efforts and allows the facility to continue its great work with the turtles.  You’ll see a variety of turtle species in different life stages, and enjoy the small aquarium with a collection of local sea life (the sea horses are a delight!)  The Tortugranja is located just minutes from Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres on the west coast of the island, a pleasant way to spend an hour after swimming with dolphins.  If you come at the right time, you just might be lucky enough to see newborns or participate in a turtle release program!

If you are visiting the Mexican Caribbean during the months of May to November, be aware that it is nesting and hatching season.  Watch your step on the beach, while many nests are clearly marked by protection agencies, sometimes you’ll stumble on a nest that has yet to be noted, do not step on the nest, do not move the sand and definitely do not touch the eggs!  If you find an unmarked nest, be sure to notify hotel staff, they will make arrangements for its protection.  If you are on the beach at night and are fortunate enough to see a mother turtle coming ashore, please leave her in peace, do not make loud noises nor shine flashlights and avoid taking pictures with a flash camera.  The lights will scare the mother back to sea (this is why some hotels in the Riviera Maya shut off many of their outdoor lights during nesting season).   Just sit back and observe a miracle of nature, the memories will last forever.  Report the event to your hotel or security staff to ensure that the nest is protected as soon as possible.  Through education, awareness and the continued efforts of humans who care, the sea turtles will be around for millennia to come.

If you would like to help the sea turtles, please contact the Tortugranja on Isla Mujeres turtfarm@cancun.com.mx or the CEA in Akumal

Open Waters Event “Por La Libre”

// May 27th, 2009 // No Comments » // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Locations, News

On May 30th, the 4º International Marathon of Open Waters Swimming will take place, crossing Cancun – Isla Mujeres called “Por la Libre” 2009.
Under the slogan “Put some heart to your Swimming”, it is the forth edition of a swimming event to promote such sport -specially in Quintana Roo- and support noble causes at the same time. For rookies, for experts, for regular swimmers and their friends, this event gives you the opportunity to participate on a wonderful and gratifying endeavor.
Due to the incredible natural scenario, this event is one of the most spectacular of the Open Waters Calendar in Mexico. The route starts at Playa Tortugas, Cancun beach, up to Garrafon Park, in Isla Mujeres (about 10 kilometers long) where the underwater flora and fauna of the region can be clearly viewed and appreciated because of the crystal waters of the Caribbean.
When arriving to the finish line in Garrafón Natural Park, the participants will be able to chill out and enjoy all amenities and attractions with a personalized service, as the Park will be opened only for them and their friends or companions.
All information is available at Caribbean Masters Association webpage with a booking system and a specific section for the event. www.mastersdelcaribe.com/porlalibre2009
If you want another highlight for your life, don’t miss the opportunity to participate!

All about Sea Lions

// April 23rd, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Sea Life

Sea Lion in Puerto Aventuras, Cancún México

The sea lions are part of the pinnipeds family, carnivourous mammals adapted to sea life. They live in the South American coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They are divided into three families, the Otariinae (sea lions and fur seals), Phocidae (earless seals) and Odobenidae (walruses).

Their diet consists of fish, squid, penguin and other marine birds. In the circle of life, they are part of the killer whale and shark diet. They eat between 15 and 25 kgs of food per day. Males can weight up to 300 kg (double than females) and can be up to 2.5 meters long. They live in groups of 15, normally formed by one male and its harem.

Young males are black and adults are dark brownish with a red-fur layer on their neck giving them their name of “lion”.

The three main differences between sea lions and seals are:

· Sea lions have external ears, seals have only fur-covered internal ears behind their snout.

· Sea lions have nails on their back fins to scratch themselves, seals don’t have any.

· Sea lions stand on their back fins to walk, seals crawl or roll.

Swim with Sea Lions!

You can enjoy this amazing activity in the Sea Life Discovery Plus Program in Dolphin Discovery Cancún-Isla Mujeres and Dolphin Discovery Riviera Maya; and in the Sea Lion Discovery Program in Sea Life Park Vallarta.