Swimming With the Dolphins: An Unforgettable Experience

Unforgettable. That's only word that can pretty much sum up the swimming with the dolphins program at the Miami Seaquarium. Sales Manager John Fugate and I had the opportunity last week to visit the Seaquarium and literally swim with the dolphins.

"I'll never forget it," Fugate said. One of the members of our group Alena Cvetkovski of Pompano Beach echoed those sentiments, "It was unforgettable. I've been waiting for four years to do this."

The experience includes 30 minutes in the water with the dolphins where they will kiss you, allow you to hug them, and shake your hand. You'll get to feed them and watch them perform a variety of other tricks. There's also a 15-minute educational program before the swim.

"The dolphin ride was my favorite part," Alena said. "But I loved the kiss too."

Alena was all smiles after the program. And so was Fugate who acted like a child exploring a candy store for the first time.

"It was awesome. I had a great time," Fugate said. "Besides the dolphins, the trainers were helpful and interactive. They really taught us a lot."

It was an experience Fugate said he'll never forget.

"I think it's definitely something every gay man in their 20s should try, because I had a blast, that's for sure," he said. "I can't wait to go back with my boyfriend."

Like the others, one of my favorite parts was hanging on to the dolphin's dorsal fin for the ride of my life. But just having the opportunity to watch these magnificent creatures communicate with their human trainers was also amazing. There's no doubt these animals are far more intelligent than we can fully understand.

For the most part the trainers use hand signals, and a whistle to communicate with the dolphins. They use positive reinforcement to get the dolphins to do tricks. Each successful trick is rewarded with a fish. If the dolphin isn't successful the trainer simply looks away for a few seconds and doesn't hand out a treat.

In one instance our dolphin wasn't too keen on receiving hugs. She had to be coaxed several times before allowing one of the couples in our group to give her a hug. The trainer could sense the dolphin's discomfort and didn't push her. Instead she was patient and allowed the dolphin to go at her own pace. Eventually the dolphin stayed still long enough to complete the hug.

Normally the cost is $199 per person for the Dolphin Odyssey program. Towels and a wetsuit are included. A photographer is also on hand recording each unforgettable moment. Right now they are offering a buy one get one free deal to whoever mentions the Winter Party. The Seaquarium also offers a trainer for a day program Fridays through Sundays for $495 per person.

Visit MiamiSeaquarium.com for more information.