There’s one thing, both of us (Michelle and I) always wanted to do, and that was to swim with dolphins. So we started to check the facilities that are available in the Keys. After checking all possibilities, we decided to go to Dolphins Plus to have our swim.

Located on the ocean side of Key Largo, Florida, DOLPHINS PLUS, INC. operates a marine mammal facility involved in environmental education programs, in-water therapy with handicapped, and the study of inter-species interaction between dolphins and humans. Dolphins Plus is a member of the National Marine Mammal Stranding Network. It works closely with organizations such as the Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation, Inc. and the in-water therapy programs offered by ISLAND DOLPHIN CARE.

DOLPHINS PLUS offers a STRUCTURED swim program and a NATURAL swim program. The programs are designed for those interested in learning more about dolphins and their environment and will provide a total role reversal experience with the human, entering the dolphin world as a swimmer or a snorkeler.

Michelle and I decided for the NATURAL swim program. During these sessions, they allow a limited number of humans into the water with the dolphins. As much diving and swimming underwater as possible is recommended.

Dolphin Plus makes no promises of any direct contact between human participants and dolphins in their nonstructured programs. These animals are acclimated to being in the water with humans. The dolphins set the pace.

The program begins with an informational briefing about dolphins, including topics such as natural history, intelligence, anatomy, communication, social structure and environmental issues affecting dolphins. The briefing also contains information on how participants should conduct themselves in the water.

Doing this swim with the dolphins made a dream come true for me. For Michelle and myself, it has been a unique experience and we both were so fascinated that we may go back for a second time. And we recommend to everyone who has the chance to swim with dolphins to do it.

I can’t put this experience in words and describe the feelings I had. But Michelle and I agree that we shall always remember this special moment when we entered, for a short time, the world of the dolphins.

-Nicolas