Crusin – Nov3 (continued)

The dolphin swim would take place in this lagoon that was full of the critters.

We swam off this dock on the right side of the lagoon

Two encounters were available. In one you walk down a dock and get to bend over and hug and kiss a dolphin. Our encounter was much different. First we were given life jackets to wear. Then we all went into the water and floated out about 20 feet from the dock and our group of 10 lined up shoulder to shoulder.

We were told to hold our arms out straight in front of us and to run our hands over the dolphin as he swam by. That was cool. The dolphin is well trained and swims by slowly enough for you to run your fingers all along his body. That was done a second time and it was even more fun now that we knew what to expect. Next the dolphin did a dance in front of us making dolphin sounds and splashing us all with his fins as he spun around. The dolphin seemed to be enjoying himself.

Next we all gathered (floated) at the dock and lined up in 2 rows. The trainer brought the dolphin in between our 2 rows so we all could touch and rub him as he talked. We all rubbed and pet him. All this time he was upside down with his blow hole under water. Every few minutes he would slowly and carefully roll over just far enough to take a breath and the roll back. We did this through 3 breaths. Did I mention this thing weighs 300lbs?

The best part came next. We all floated out about 30 ft from the dock and one by one rode on the belly of the dolphin. It was a unique experience. To ride you simply stuck your arms out straight in front of you and wiggled your fingers. The dolphin comes up under you belly to belly and you grab onto his flippers and off you go. When you get close to the dock the dolphin turns and dives leaving you to float to the dock.

Next was a demonstration of echo location. The trainer said the dolphin could “see” inside you—your bones and even if a woman was pregnant. He asked the dolphin if someone was pregnant and the dolphin selected someone. It was a guy. Anyway, that guy was given a yellow hoop and told to throw it deep into the lagoon. We all made sure the dolphin didn’t peek. Then he told the dolphin to get it and talk about fast. The dolphin was gone and back in a few seconds. The dolphin then went to the center of the lagoon and did some very high jumps.

We had one more session of stick your arms out and feel the dolphin as he swims by and it was time to go. It was worth every second, even the long ride.

Penny and I after the Dolphin swim

They didn’t allow cameras with the dolphin so we have no pictures. They did take a video that we could buy but we thought they wanted too much for it.

Update- 1/4/2011   Kathy bought the video for us and that was our Christmas present--here are some clips:

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

About 4 minutes up the road was Dunn’s River Falls. That will be my next blog.