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Dolphin Academy

By Greg Tasker

Swim with loveable dolphins in programs from mild to wild

Swimming and playing with the dolphins highlights any visit to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, where Dolphin Academy offers eight fun encounters. In one program, for visitors of all ages, swimmers stand in waist-deep water, petting the giant marine mammals and scoring a kiss from Dee Dee, Annie, Theresa, or others. In another program, swimmers join dolphins in the lagoon, interacting and signaling to them to spin and wave. A dorsal ride caps the encounter, in which swimmers hold the dorsal fins of two dolphins and glide across the lagoon.

Other programs let snorkelers dive with the dolphins, interact with them below the surface, enjoy underwater dorsal rides, and participate in echolocation experiments. In one intense encounter, divers play with the dolphins in the open sea, and dive with them in an unstructured underwater program. Dive certification is required and the minimum age is 12.

The most engaging programs transform visitors into assistant dolphin trainers, working with staff to learn more about the animals, their care, and feeding, and participating in a dolphin show. Make reservations a week in advance, $79 basic encounter to $499 assistant trainer program, 599-9-465-8900, dolphin-academy.com.

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