Dolphin Swimming

Garrafon Park Isla Mujeres

// September 16th, 2010 // View 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!

Dolphin Discovery “Trainer for Life”

// August 24th, 2010 // View Comments // Locations, Riviera Maya

Looking for the ultimate experience with marine animals in the Mexican Caribbean?  Join us at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras for the “Trainer for Life” program and enjoy an incredible adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime!

The “Trainer for Life” program brings you and your family a full day of educational fun and excitement.  Puerto Aventuras in the Riviera Maya is your “classroom”, a lovely ocean-side village just south of Playa del Carmen with protected lagoons, waterways and a taste of the jungle flora and fauna.  You’ll start your morning with a delicious continental breakfast, charging up your batteries and getting to know your trainer/guide/friend who will accompany you throughout the day.  Now grab your hat and life jacket and let the festivities begin!

This is not just a swim with dolphins program, as a V.I.P.  you’ll be invited to “trainers only” areas like the “fish house” to assist in preparing meals for the dolphins, you’ll take part in the daily physical exam of the marine animals and you’ll learn the signs and signals used by trainers.  Your trainer will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about dolphins, sea lions and manatees.  Your day includes the Dolphin Royal Swim, a Baby Dolphin Experience, the Sea Lion Encounter and the Manatee Encounter, a well rounded education in marine animals and a big big WOW of an experience.  Participants in the “Trainer for Life” day receive a graduation photo with a dolphin friend, a t-shirt and a special certificate in recognition of your accomplishments and completion of the program.  This is a day you will never, ever forget.

We invite you and your family to join us for this unique full day program.  It’s open to anyone over 3′11″ tall, though unfortunately pregnant women are not permitted to participate.  We ask you to please use biodegradable sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment, bring a hat and a wetsuit if you have one.  The use of lifejackets is mandatory for all activities in the water.  Breakfast and lunch are included, but bring a little extra cash for any extra cravings you may have and to purchase photos, videos and souvenirs.

We at Dolphin Discovery look forward to your visit and to sharing our love of marine animals with you!

Dolphin Discovery- Mother’s Day Specials

// May 4th, 2010 // View Comments // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Discounts, Grand Cayman, Locations, Riviera Maya, Tortola, Vallarta

Mexico is a country known for its devotion to the family, and no family member is more revered than “Mama”.  Every year on May 10th the entire country pays homage to matriarchs with the annual “Dia de las Madres” or “Mother’s Day” celebrations.  Young children create cards and gifts and adult children bring flowers and treat their mothers to very special dinners and parties.  The traditional song “Las Mananitas” is sung, often as a serenade outside of mother’s house with mariachis for accompaniment.   “Mama” is the center of attention and the whole family shows her their appreciation on this very special day.  Mothers have been honoured throughout the ages around the world, but the first official “Dia de las Madres” in Mexico wasn’t celebrated until May 10th, 1922 as a result of the petitions by  Rafael Alducin Bedolla, founder of the newspaper “Excelsior”.  We thank him for bringing us such a special day and we thank moms everywhere for all that they do!

Dolphin Discovery would like to show moms just how special they are by offering a 20% discount to mothers on all our swim with dolphins programs in all our locations for the entire month of May!  Guests swimming with their mom get an additional 10% off their own swims too!  Treat your mom to an experience she’ll never forget, book now!  Lots of love to moms everywhere from all our dolphins!

New Programs! Swim with dolphins, manatees and sea lions in the Riviera Maya

// April 12th, 2010 // View Comments // Locations, Riviera Maya, Sea Life

At Dolphin Discovery we love all the creatures of the sea, not just dolphins!  We are excited to be able to share these magical creatures with you, our guests, you’ll learn about marine animals and enjoy some special moments with some very different friends from the sea .  For those of you looking for a new experience and to learn something new, we’ve created the Sea Life Circle programs in the Riviera Maya.

Sea Lion Hug Puerto Aventuras

Sea Life Circle Sea Lions brings you up close and personal with the fabulous, funny jokers of the sea.  You’ll be able to touch and kiss the sea lions and they’ll make you laugh until your sides hurt with their crazy antics.  Sea Life Circle also includes the most popular dolphin swim at Dolphin Discovery, the adrenaline-filled Dolphin Royal Swim.  In addition, you’ll be able to visit the underwater world as you snorkel with stingrays, a complete package of marine animal fun!

Sea Life Circle Manatees includes the Dolphin Royal Swim, snorkeling with stingrays and the opportunity to swim with the gentle giants of the sea, the manatees.  Manatees, often known as sea cows are huge herbivores and you’ll be invited to feed them, swim with them and stroke the animals that sailors often mistook for mermaids. Learn something new and make a new friend!

Dolphin Discovery is thrilled to be able to give you the chance not only to have an exciting adventure, but to learn something new and create awareness of our marine animal friends.  Visit our location in Puerto Aventuras to meet the dolphins, sea lions, manatees and stingrays and have the experience of a lifetime!

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!

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!

Puerto Aventuras, Mexico

// December 7th, 2009 // View Comments // Locations, Riviera Maya

Puerto Aventuras, one of Dolphin Discovery’s favourite homes, is a resort community located in the Riviera Maya south of Playa del Carmen and north of Tulum.  Known affectionately as “Puerto”, this little hideaway is a community unto itself, with condos, beach-front villas, luxury resorts, restaurants, banks, pharmacies and a grocery store,  just steps from a beautiful stretch of the white sands famous in the Mexican Caribbean.  One of the most unique aspects of Puerto Aventuras is the full service marina, the only marina between Cancun and Belize capable of accomodating just about any size yacht or boat.  The marina is conveniently located near the golf and tennis courts as well as the Dolphin Discovery facility.  History buffs should definitely pay a visit to the CEDAM museum which offers a collection of artifacts from the famous ship wreck of the Matancero and archaeological pieces from the region.  Staying in Puerto Aventuras puts you right in the midst of all the action in the Riviera Maya, close to the eco-parks of Xelha and Xcaret, the ruins of Tulum and adventures exploring caverns and cenotes like Aktunchen.  Puerto Aventuras has it all, with fine dining, spa services, dive shops, boutiques, deep sea fishing, just about anything your heart desires can be found in this safe and beautiful destination.

Dolphin Discovery Riviera Maya is pleased to be the center of attention in Puerto Aventuras. The calm lagoon enclosure just off the Caribbean Sea ensures a natural environment for your encounter with the dolphins.  The dolphins have some friends with them too, in our Sea Life Discovery Plus program we invite you to interact with manatees and sea lions in addition to your experience of a lifetime with the dolphins!  Family fun and a day you will never forget await you in Puerto Aventuras, come on down and play with us!