Ocean World - Fantastic!

fantastic!

What a fantastic experience at Ocean World !
My daughter (12) and I swam with the Dolpins and found the experience beyond our expectations. This once in a life time experience is a must for those who have the same dream...to swim with the majestic dolphin.
Congratulations goes to the staff of Ocean World and the animal trainers who oversee the experience. The facility is still under construction with finishing dates of March 2004, but don't let this put you off as the dolphin encounter areas are complete and very easy to walk through and enjoy. Most impressive is that the facility is completely handicap accessible and the staff are on hand to help with those families who need the assistance.
Dexter the dolphin was my favourite and his body was warm to the touch and his playful tame manner is sure to capture your heart. While swimming with the dolphins you are given clear and precise instructions by the staff . You are outfitted with a qualtiy life jacket (yes they do come in plus sizes and petites and they had one for each of us who needed the odd size jacket) and if I had to do it again I would wear swimming shoes as the pool deck is roughed for traction and hard on the feet. An over hanging galley walk way is available for those of your party who wish to view you in the water and to take pictures.
**A large enphasis is placed on Ocean World staff who take pictures during your encounter. This is for VERY GOOD Reason. The photo quality is EXCELLENT and you may never have the opportunity again to be with these animals. The prices for the photoes are reasonable and the gift shop provided a shopping experience while the photes are being developed. My photo of my daughter and I with Dexter the Dolphin is living proof of the joyful experience we had at Ocean World.
Ocean World is the newest and will be the largest of its kind on the planet. The animals are breathtaking and the staff make the experience on the remember. If you can do only one thing on your next trip ...Ocean World is it! My next visit will be for the Shark Encounter! Can't Wait!
Cheers
Toby

Ocean World is located in Cofresi which from my understanding is on the westside of Puerto Plata directly beside the Ramada hotel complex.(hope I have the hotel right) From Playa Dorada hotel complexes by bus it took approx. 30 minutes to cross the city. Ocean World and thier booking system is such that they pick you up in a very large and comfortable tour bus and after your encounter bring you home . You are placed in groups (either english, french or spanish) and your guide gives you a tour, a sea lion exhibition demonstration , aquarium tank look-see, a view of the shark encounter pool and then on to the dolphin encounter.
I booked from home on the advice of the users of this forum, my family had to change our booking while we were in Puerto Plata and Sunquest did the changes for us with no hassles. The tour reps at the hotel can book your encounter so talk to them first thing once you are there.
Sorry if this sounds like an advertisment...did not mean to offend just to inform. Five years ago I would not have been physically able to have had the experience of swimming with dolphins. My enthusiasism at having a renewed life is what drives me to experience those moments that you may never have again. Trust me when I say , it can all be taken away from you in a "heart" beat....enjoy and explore and discover before its to late!

Here is the deal...

Your trip to the DR and your holiday are more then just a financial investment. $55 dollars for you and each of your family members is a small price to pay to experience Ocean World. Just ask yourself this question...if i had a heart attack tomorrow would I have regrets that I did not take the time or spend the money on being with my family, learning new things, sharing my wealth, travelling.....spend the money and go have some fun! As I said in a previous post ...it can all be taken away in a "heart" beat...
...from someone who knows
Toby