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Dolphin Encounter

© Ruth Gaulke

Dolphins attract the attention of many people. Most like to watch them frolic in the ocean—jumping and splashing up and down the coastline.

I have always enjoyed spotting dolphins on many of our vacations. So, for my birthday, my husband surprised me with a dolphin interaction program at Sea World in San Diego.

True, these dolphins are not in their natural habitat, but they are well cared for and treated with the utmost respect.

Our experience started with a dolphin education lesson where you learn about dolphin anatomy, physiology, and training. Then, we donned our wet suits—a much more comfortable experience than I imagined—and ventured down to the dolphin pool where four energetic dolphins waited for us.

Here, we held a dolphin and petted her cool gray skin. Her gentleness exuded through to your fingertips. It was the first time I had been able to touch an animal I previously could only admire from afar. What an incredible privilege.

As if holding a dolphin isn’t enough, I also fed one of the dolphins a smelly fish snack and learned how to give a training signal. I asked the dolphin to jump, others asked for a dolphin to dance on its tail. The dolphins seemed to enjoy being the center of attention and performing the actions as directed.

During all of this, a photographer takes pictures that you will undoubtedly want at the end of the program. Once your in-water experience is complete, a hot shower awaits you and you are free to wander the rest of the park.

My dolphin interaction occurred in San Diego, however, the Orlando Sea World has a more extensive program that allows participants to snorkel throughout Discovery Cove as well as swim with the dolphins.

Which ever program you choose, learning about and being with these amazing marine mammals is an adventure, you will never forget.

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