Where to Swim With Dolphins in Europe
- 1). Choose a particular area in Europe to swim with dolphins. You can choose coastline cities in Italy, Portugal, the Canary Islands, France, and even Scotland. In addition, Croatia, Greece, Wales, Ireland and Norway have dolphin swimming programs.
- 2). Decide whether you would like to swim with dolphins in the wild or in captivity. While there are many companies that take you out to sea to find dolphins, you can also swim with dolphins in enclosed areas. Malta's Mediterraneo Park and Portugal's Zoomarine Park both have dolphins in captivity. Visitors can swim with the dolphins in enclosed pools, allowing more opportunities for up-close contact.
- 3). Travel to Europe during June to September if you wish to swim with dolphins. While some programs offer year-round swimming, the vast majority only operate during the summer and early fall, due to Europe's seasonal climate.
- 4). Visit the The Coastal Guide's site for a complete list of European cities where you'll find dolphins. In addition to location listings, you'll find information regarding the particular type of dolphin found in each area. For example, common and striped dolphins frequent Croatia's coasts while bottlenose and spotted dolphins can be found off Portugal's coast.
- 5). Swim with dolphins in Europe's Mediterranean waters if you are sensitive to the cold. If you don't mind brisk temperatures, opt for the chillier waters off the coasts of Ireland, Scotland and England.
- 6). Compare prices between a few different companies. Swimming with dolphins can be quite expensive. Prices range from $50 to $300 for the experience.
- 7). Make your reservation well in advance of your trip. Due to the popularity of the activity, reservations fill up quickly. Summer months are the most popular time to swim with dolphins, due to the warmer weather.
- 8). Dress appropriately. If you are swimming with dolphins in warm waters, a standard swimsuit works fine. If you are swimming in cold waters, you'll need a wetsuit, complete with booties and gloves. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from water splashes.
- 9). Treat the dolphins with respect. Do not touch the dolphins around their blowholes, mouths or eyes. If you are swimming with dolphins in captivity, some companies allow visitors to grab on to the dolphin's dorsal fin for a short ride. Ask your tour guide regarding their specific guidelines.
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