Thought you might all be interested in this.

[Gill635]

If you have a couple of days spare and are wanting to do a Dolphin Swim, i went with a company called International Divers Inc. They are based in Florida and are really good value for money (better than Discovery Cove in my opinion).
For just over $350, i was picked up in a bus/coach type thing, driven to Key Largo where i had about 45 minutes in the water on my own with 2 Dolphins (alot more interaction than Discovery) and a lovely hotel right on the beach for the night.:grin:
We were given the most gorgeous meal, again served on the beach which included soft drinks.:grin:
The next day, we were taken to the edge of the Evegrglades for a snake and gator show, along with a trip out gator spotting on the airboats. Then it was off to miami, where you had a choce of shopping followed by a Homes of the Stars cruise and a bit more shopping, or just the day to yourself, and i was transported back home.

It was a fab day and i would thoroughly recommend it.:p:

Love,
Gill xx

[clairelouise]

Sounds great was the $350 for 1 person or 2?

Thanks

[ollie]

Hi Neighbour,
That sounds like a wonderful tour, We did somthing similar a few years back with Virgin but it was just for the day. Ian :wave:

[missmouse]

Hi there Gill
I was looking for this type of excursion for our trip in Aug. Where did they pick you up from, we are staying on I-Drive.

Caroline

[Gill635]

Hi,

That was the price for just me, i think it gets a bit cheaper if there are more of you, but then you have to share the dolphins (2 people to 2 dolphins) !
Check out there website, although, you can also book direct with Dolphins plus in Key Largo, and put your own package together if you have a car.


They had already picked a family up when i boarded, but i got on at Cirque, then they went to the Sizzler next door to the Rosen (opposite Pointe Orlando), then i think we picked up at Seaworld, but you would have to check with them. They do a few collections though.

We are going again this year, but will make out own way there.

Love,
Gill xx

[missmouse]

Gill another question

How long was the journey?

[easygoingeezer]

Sounds lovely,glad you enjoyed it, might give it a whirl myself now.

[Gill635]

It took about 4 hours to get to Largo. It is one big straight road so you can't get lost and there is only 1 place where you can stop off!!!!

It goes alot quicker than that as they show loads of films to keep you entertained, plus i took some books etc.

[pepsicube]

http://www.swimdolphins.com/swim_with_the_dolphins.htm

[highlander447]

Swim With Dolphins
Children 7 to 9 Years
Departs: Wednesdays (Sundays April to August)
Duration: 2 days / 1 night


Please Note :- This attraction requires additional information at the time of booking. Please complete this form after placing your online order and return it to us at the time of placing your order. We issue Tickets not Vouchers for all major attractions.

A fabulous 2-Day Getaway from Orlando to Florida Keys. Including a once in a lifetime Dolphin Encounter and an Awesome Everglade Adventure. Plus a trip to Miami.

This VIP experience includes:-

Transportation for 2 days
Resort accommodation with Private Beach
Entry to Dolphin Facility with Structured Swim
Island Style evening meal
Continental Breakfast in the resort
An exhilarating Everglades Airboat Adventure
A hands on Alligator and Snake handling show
A ½ day Visit to Miami Bayside Shopping where the rich & famous shop in Miami or the Star Island Cruise to see the homes of stars such as Tom Cruise, Gloria Estevan & Julio Inglasias, to name a few... (1 & 1/2 hours).

Entry to Dolphins Facility :-
Up front and personal dolphin experience (with swim), One on One Swim with dolphins (with swim), Dance, Kiss Dorsal tow & foot push with Bottle Nose Dolphins, Flotation vests are used by all swimmers.


In this program, you will join an educational briefing about the dolphins and their environment, followed by an intimate dolphin experience approximately 30 minutes in length. You should expect to spend about two hours from start to finish.


The type of contact and interaction depends on the trainer and the dolphins. This is a great program for those individuals seeking guaranteed contact with the dolphins. Any one under 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pregnant women are not allowed in the water.

We issue Tickets not Vouchers for all major attractions.
sounds similar this is being sold by tickets for fun £199 per adult/£189 per child

[Gill635]

Thats exactly it. When i booked it was a good exchange rate with the CC company, so it worked out quite cheap.

[missmouse]

Anyone know if I can get this trip without the dolphin swim

[highlander447]

Yes u can £116:wavey:

[highlander447]

Must admit Gill tempted by this for next year for DS birthday rather than DC

[missmouse]

Steve is it the same site

[highlander447]

Steve is it the same site
heres the link caz http://www.tickets4fun.com/usermain.asp?tcatid=2#

[Gill635]

I had priced DC when it was my 21st a couple (ahem!) of years ago. I thought it was a bit pricey, but a friend of ours who lives in Florida told us about how much interaction you actually get (she had been), and i decided it really wasn't worth it.

I know you get a day in the park and food etc, but the reason you are going is the Dolphins, and call me selfish, but i don't them want to have to share them with 5 or 6 strangers.

This was alot more personal, and this year even my Mum who can't swim very well is thinking of getting in the water.

As it is so salty, and you have on the compulsory make me look like Jordan lifejacket on, you just float about.

Love,
Gill xx

[missmouse]

Thanks Steve
We have already done DC and also it not DM & DD thing. We really like the idea of going to the keys and Miami but DH doesn't fancy the drive.

Thanks again soldier boy :)

[missmouse]

Steve cant find the one without the dolphin swim..........help

[highlander447]

We've done DC three times now and although I love it, I cant swim(even though I'm soldier boy) so I'd really like something diffrent

[highlander447]

Hi Caz Pages 1
Tickets Qty Add
Swim With Dolphins Tour Only
-Adult £ 116.00
its the top option
steve

[gala]

I did the manatees tour with this firm as Virgin use them. They are a thoroughly professional firm and the day was made even more special since not only were the guides hilarious but they were a fountain of knowledge too. We more than got what we paid for.

Margaret

[seaworld]

Gill am so pleased to read your report. We have booked what seems to be the same trip with TCD next month. 2 day, 1 night - coach travel to Key Largo, swim with dolphins, hotel and meal on beach, gator/snake show, everglades air boat ride and then Miaimi for shopping/boat trip. I am looking forward to this part of my holiday more than anything else, so to read your report is brill! The journey isn't as long as I expected either!

Glad you enjoyed it so much - am more excited than ever now!!! Oh.... the kids are too!

Thanks.