**Full Disclosure: I was provided the opportunity to swim with dolphins at SeaWorld San Antonio’s Discovery Point at no cost to me. All opinions are my own.
I got up before my alarm, got the kids ready for school and drove to SeaWorld. I was very early for my 7:45 appointment but I was anxious and excited to swim with the dolphins! You see, before SeaWorld started the renovations, you could feed the dolphins but swimming with them was not an option. After {a very long!} 18 months the dolphins have a new home at Discovery Point.
Discovery Point is oasis that is great for dolphins and also provides an awesome guest experience. SeaWorld San Antonio has 6 male dolphins (ranging in age from 7 – 22) and more dolphins will be added as they become acclimated with their new home. From what I understand, you won’t be able to visit the underwater viewing area unless you are there for an interaction but you will be able to watch the dolphins swim and play in all 5 of the interconnecting pools.
The Discovery Point pools are 14 feet deep at the deepest spots. The dolphins eat about 20 pounds of fish and squid every day! SeaWorld Rescue and their conservation partners have rescued over 28,000 animals in the last 50 years!
Book a dolphin swim online or at the park! Once you’ve done that, get ready for FUN!
What to Expect:
- Suit up: The dolphin swim includes a complimentary wetsuit, swim shoes and towel, all to be returned after your swim. If this is a first for you, you should know that you’ll need to wear a swimsuit under the wetsuit. There are changing room with lockers and showers with soap, shampoo and conditioner.
- Get ready: Before you enter the Dolphin Lagoon, you’ll spend some time in an orientation session which includes a video ‘class’.
-
Wade in: Accompanied by a trainer, you and a small group of guests (up to 8 people) will wade into the shallow side of Dolphin Lagoon and get acquainted with one of the dolphins. There will be at least 6 SeaWorld employees watching the interaction – 2 trainers, 2 spotters, 2 lifeguards and a photographer.
Things to Know:
- You cannot wear jewelry in the dolphin pool.
- Interaction takes place one person at a time. You’ll be able to kiss the dolphin an, if the dolphin is willing, go on a Dorsal tow.
- The video/photo package is an extra fee.
- Plan to spend about 20-30 minutes in the water with a dolphin.
- To swim with the dolphins, you must be at least 6 years old and 48 inches tall.
The SeaWorld San Antonio website says ‘as long as you are comfortable in the water, swimmers of all levels can enjoy the experience.’ I am not very comfortable in the water and I still had a blast!
I got to swim with Brady, a 500-pound, 17 year old, male dolphin. We waved at each other, had a water fight, did some tricks and I even got to fake-kiss him! He was the sweetest thing but I didn’t want to actually put my lips on his!
Have you been swimming with dolphins before?
We love SeaWorld and have experienced amazing learning opportunities about marine animals and conservation during our visits!