British Virgin Islands · Attractions

Unearth the Magic of Dolphin Discovery in Tortola

One natural landmark is making a big splash in tourism on the British Virgin Islands

From a handshake to a sweet kiss on the cheek and even a quick swim, tourists can experience the best of the tropical island paradise with a surprising new friend

Dolphins, which are believed to encompass at least 40 species, are among the fastest animals in the sea and are found in waters around the world. For some time, sailors have considered the presence of a dolphin swimming along side the bows of a ship to be an indication of fair weather and good fortune. In Tortola, Dolphin Discover swim programs take one of the sea's most beautiful creatures and allow visitors to interact with them in a way that few ever dreamed possible.

At Dolphin Discovery in Tortola, the Dolphin Discovery Swim is a basic program that provides the ultimate in guest comfort. Visitors can participate from a waist deep platform where they can caress, kiss and even watch the dolphins as they showcase their agility and training. The duration of the Dolphin Discovery Swim, including orientation, is 45 minutes and is available at a cost of $74.00 for children under the age of 12 and $79.00 for adults. The minimum age for the Dolphin Discovery Swim, which is offered daily in Tortola, is 1 year and children under 8 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

The Dolphin Swim Adventure is a program that allows guests to participate in a variety of activities with, you guessed it, a dolphin. In the beginning, the dolphin greets you with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek before later proceeding to a belly-ride. During the program, participants can also wear a snorkel mask and get a close look at the dolphins as they showcase their agility and talent. The duration of the Dolphin Swim Adventure, including orientation, is 45 minutes and is available at a cost of $99.00 per person.

The Dolphin Royal Swim is the most famous of the Dolphin Discovery programs and begins as two dolphins welcome you with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek. During the program, you will hold on as these fast finned friends take you on a water experience that you won't soon forget. The foot-push, which is the most exciting portion of the adventure, will take place as the dolphins push you across the water from the bottom of your feet. The duration of the Dolphin Royal Swim, including orientation, is one hour and is available at a cost of $139.00 per person.

For both the Dolphin Swim Adventure and Royal Swim Program, the minimum age for participation is 8 years with a height requirement of 4 ft. tall. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult and both programs are available on a daily basis in Tortola. For reasons of safety, pregnant women are unable to participate in any of the Dolphin Discovery programs.

For additional information or to schedule a dolphin swim adventure, call 1-800-417-1736 or visit Dolphin Discovery. If you've ever wanted to get an up close look at a dolphin, pucker up and get ready to kiss one on your next Dolphin Discovery adventure. It doesn't get much closer than that.

For More Information

• Dolphin Discovery, Tortola
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See you on the Island, John "Big Hat" Walsh