Swimming with Dolphins

Over the course of the last decade, swimming withharmless.
the dolphins has become an exciting, somewhatIt is important, however, to make sure that the
expensive pasttime.company you decide to use as a tour guide is
As just about anything having to do with dolphins thesereputable in any sense and respectful of the
days, swimming with dolphins have come under fire ofenvironment.
animal activist groups and dolphin lovers alike. Most ofThe reputable companies to hire for swimming with
the critics of this pasttime believe that swimming withdolphins will have rules that are made to protect the
dolphins are simply exploiting these beautiful creaturesdolphins and their habitat. For example, most wild swim
for profit while others believe that the dolphins aretours forbid touching or feeding the dolphins.
enjoying the visits as much as their humanThis is their way of making sure that the dolphins stay
counterparts.wild and do not become dependent upon their human
Lately, swimming with dolphins are being conducted invisitors. While some operators will use different tactics
almost every corner of the world. In some cases,to lure the dolphins, avoid those who circle or chase
swimming with dolphins are actually performed in thethem when they've left the swimmers behind.
ocean with wild dolphins while others are beingTry and find a tour operator that limits his groups to
conducted in more controlled aquarium environments.6-10 people. Large groups of 20 or more are an
The strongest criticism is directed at the aquariumsinvasion rather than a visit.
that are holding dolphins in captivity.Keep in mind that reputable tour operators will leave
More often than not, it's the captive concept thatthe interaction decisions up to the dolphins themselves.
angers animal rights activists rather than swimmingDolphins notoriously have short attention spans and
with dolphins itself. Since science seems to haveinteractions will normally last less than an hour and a
proven that dolphins are not happy or well adjustedhalf.
when living in captivity, we'd like to suggest that if at allGood programs will also own their own boats and will
possible, dolphin enthusiasts avoid contributing to thisoffer tours that are long enough to allow the
type of entertainment.opportunity to interact with the dolphins on their time
If you're considering swimming with dolphins, visitingframe rather than ours.
them in their own environment as they guest seemsThere are even some programs that will actually allow
much more humane.you to live on board, basically meaning that you stay
In the ocean, dolphins have the choice of interacting oron the boat for your entire stay, a few days or even a
not, consequently if they're sticking around and seemweek, but that will depend on your interests and the
to be satisfying their own curiosity, dolphin swims seemkind of vacation you would like to have.