Ocho Rios: Full-Day at Dolphin Cove & Swim With the Dolphins

Ocho Rios, a picturesque coastal town in Jamaica, is home to the renowned Dolphin Cove, a premier marine adventure destination. Visitors can enjoy an unforgettable full-day experience, where they’ll have the opportunity to interact with and swim alongside captivating bottlenose dolphins. With a range of activities, flexible reservations, and a commitment to animal welfare, Dolphin Cove promises to deliver an unforgettable encounter that will leave participants in awe of the majestic creatures. However, before embarking on this aquatic adventure, there are several crucial details to consider, which may determine the suitability and enjoyment of this unique experience.

Key Points

• Dolphin Cove offers a premier 30-minute interactive swim with bottlenose dolphins in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, priced from $4,255 per person.
• The full-day experience includes park admission and can be booked with flexible reservation options and free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Participants must be at least 3 years old, know how to swim, and have signed waivers, with children aged 3-11 requiring adult supervision.
• Cruise passengers must book the Dolphin Cove experience directly through their cruise line to ensure seamless coordination and integration into their overall itinerary.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the limited interaction time and the living conditions of the dolphins at the attraction.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Experience

Offering a premier dolphin encounter in the heart of Jamaica’s Ocho Rios, the Dolphin Cove experience provides visitors with a full-day access to the country’s top marine attraction.

Priced from $4,255 per person, the package allows guests to swim with two bottlenose dolphins for 30 minutes, engaging in interactive activities like dorsal pulls, foot pushes, and dancing.

Reservations can be made with no upfront payment, and travelers enjoy flexible plans with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

However, the experience may not be suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women, and some reviews have raised concerns about limited interaction time and the living conditions of the dolphins.

Pricing and Reservation Details

The Dolphin Cove experience is priced from $4,255 per person, providing visitors with full-day access to Jamaica’s premier marine attraction.

Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, allowing for flexible travel plans without upfront payment. The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, though fees apply for cancellations within 96 hours.

Cruise passengers must book directly with their cruise line. The activity duration is valid for 1 day, with check-in times subject to availability.

Dolphin Swim Itinerary

Visitors to Dolphin Cove can enjoy a 30-minute swim with two bottlenose dolphins in a natural lagoon.

During this interactive experience, participants can expect opportunities to engage in activities like dorsal pulls, foot pushes, kisses, and dancing with the dolphins.

However, swimmers must meet certain requirements – they need to know how to swim, and children aged 3-11 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Waivers are also required for those under 18 years old.

The dolphin swim isn’t suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women.

Participant Requirements

To participate in the Dolphin Swim experience at Dolphin Cove, guests must meet several key requirements.

Swimmers must know how to swim and be at least 3 years old. Children aged 3 to 11 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

All participants, including minors, must sign waivers prior to the activity. Pregnant women and children under 3 years old aren’t permitted to take part in the dolphin swim.

These guidelines ensure the safety and well-being of both your and the dolphins during this up-close encounter. Guests should review the requirements carefully before booking their Dolphin Cove experience.

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Included and Additional Services

The Dolphin Cove experience includes a comprehensive package of services and amenities. Visitors enjoy park admission, a 30-minute dolphin swim, and 10% local taxes.

Transportation to and from select hotels is available for an additional fee. Optional gratuities can be added for the staff.

However, the experience isn’t suitable for children under 3 or pregnant women. Cruise passengers must book directly through their cruise line.

Cancellation policies vary, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and fees applying for cancellations within 96 hours.

Suitability and Restrictions

According to the information provided, the Dolphin Cove experience is not suitable for certain individuals. Children under 3 years of age and pregnant women are not permitted to participate in the dolphin swim. Plus, participants must know how to swim, and children aged 3-11 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Waivers are required for those under 18 years old.

Suitability	Restrictions
Swimmers only	Minimum age: 3 years
Accompanied minors	No pregnant women
Waiver required (under 18)	No infants under 3 years

The Dolphin Cove experience is designed with safety and enjoyment in mind, ensuring a memorable encounter with these magnificent marine animals.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Canceling a Dolphin Cove reservation comes with certain fees, depending on the timing.

If you cancel more than 96 hours in advance, you’ll receive a full refund.

However, if you cancel between 48 and 96 hours before your visit, a 25% fee will apply.

The cancellation fee increases to 50% if you cancel between 24 and 48 hours before your scheduled visit.

Lastly, if you cancel within 24 hours of your reservation, you won’t receive a refund.

It’s important to keep these policies in mind when planning your trip to ensure a smooth experience at Dolphin Cove.

Cruise Passenger Booking

Cruise passengers visiting Dolphin Cove must book their experiences directly through their cruise line. This is a requirement to ensure a smooth and seamless experience.

Cruise lines have specific arrangements and protocols in place to coordinate transportation, scheduling, and payment for Dolphin Cove activities. By booking through the cruise line, passengers can easily incorporate the Dolphin Cove visit into their overall cruise itinerary.

This also allows for better management of group sizes and ensures that all necessary waivers and documentation are properly handled.

Direct bookings with the cruise line are the only way for cruise passengers to enjoy the Dolphin Cove experience during their Ocho Rios port of call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Dolphins Kept in Good Living Conditions?

The reviews provide mixed feedback on the dolphins’ living conditions, with some concerns raised. However, the experience is a popular attraction, and the company offers a refund policy for dissatisfied customers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors can’t bring their own food or drinks to Dolphin Cove. All meals and refreshments must be purchased on-site. This policy ensures the safety and well-being of the dolphins by limiting disruptions to their environment.

Is the Water Temperature Comfortable for Swimming?

The water temperature at Dolphin Cove is designed to be comfortable for swimming, typically ranging between 25-28°C (77-82°F). This temperate water creates an enjoyable experience for visitors to interact with the dolphins.

Can I Take Underwater Photos During the Experience?

Participants can take underwater photos during the dolphin swim experience. Camera use is permitted, though guests are advised to use waterproof or underwater cameras to avoid damage. Strict guidelines apply to ensure the dolphins’ well-being.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges On-Site?

There may be additional fees or charges for optional activities or services at the Dolphin Cove attraction, such as souvenir photos, food and beverages, or transportation. Guests should review the pricing details carefully before their visit.

Recap

Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios provides a premier, interactive experience to swim with bottlenose dolphins. At $4,255 per person, the 30-minute dolphin swim includes activities like dorsal pulls and kisses. With flexible reservations and a generous cancellation policy, guests can enjoy this unforgettable marine adventure while ensuring the safety and well-being of both participants and dolphins.

You can check if your dates are available here: