After saying goodbye to my boyfriend, I went to the meeting where I was told everything I ever needed to know about Delphinus’ dolphin programs throughout Mexico. The presentation was interesting and included information on Dreams Cancun, as well as the dolphin program.

It lasted nearly an hour but, for some reason, the only fact I recall is that the wedding gazebo at Dreams Cancun is located on the Eastern-most tip of Mexico’s mainland. Since I didn’t have any type of global positioning device handy to check that out for myself, I just took their word for it.

The wedding gazebo at Dreams Cancun

The wedding gazebo at Dreams Cancun

One thing I DO know is that the wedding gazebo is in one of the prettiest places you could ever imagine for a wedding. Yes, they told us all about dolphins, but it was way too early in the morning to remember that information. Besides, I got a booklet containing all of the information so I didn’t need to commit it to memory. Actually, I think I was too busy daydreaming about having a pet dolphin to listen closely to the presentation.

After the meeting, I had only about 15 minutes to get ready for what was sure to be the most exciting part of my day…..swimming with dolphins!!!

This photo was provided by Delphinus.

This photo was provided by Delphinus.

I ran back to my room and dropped off everything except my camera and room key and hurried to the Delphinus office.

I arrived right on time (for once in my life!!) and was sent into a small, open-air room with a television and some benches. (The 2 dark areas on the left side of the photo above.) In the little room, you sign release forms, get life jackets, and watch a video telling you about dolphins. The video showed us how to touch the dolphins without hurting them. In case we didn’t follow along with the video, our guide also demostrated the proper techniques with a stuffed dolphin. That part was rather amusing.

After the instructional video, we were told where the lockers were and that we had to wash our hands with some sort of disinfectant before we could enter the water. (They also said that you had to leave your sunglasses in a locker. I got around that rule since my sunglasses are prescription and I can’t see a thing without them.) Everyone washed their hands and then we were quickly herded into groups of 6. Each group had a Delphinus employee that held a sign with a number. That was the group number. The groups were escorted to the dolphin area by the group leader. Just a couple of feet from the water, we were shown a spot where our group could store our shoes and other belongings while we were playing with dolphins. Once everyone was settled, each group was greeted by their dolphin trainer. Like lemmings, we followed our trainer into the water. (I recommend wearing water socks to protect your feet. The metal walkway in the lagoon is fairly uncomfortable and can be slippery.)

Depending on the area your group is in, your feet may or may not be able to touch the bottom. If this is a concern for you, I suggest that you request to be in the pool rather than in the lagoon area. I am sometimes overwhelmed if I can’t see the bottom…or what is living in the water…but I eagerly went to the lagoon area. (The trainers do a great job making sure everyone feels comfortable in the water and with the dolphins!) The trainer told us what we would be doing during our hour with the dolphins, introduced us to our dolphin, Xcaret, and got right down to business.

I couldn’t believe how fast the time flew by! It was an unbelieveable, amazing, extraordinary experience! During the hour we were in the water, we got to touch our dolphin, hug and kiss her,

That’s me hugging Xcaret!

Xcaret giving me a big, wet kiss on my cheek!

and have her jump over our group.

The guy in the background is standing in front of my balcony!

They also had 2 dolphins push individuals through the water by their feet (aptly called a “foot push”).

You can see how close the dolphin area is to the pool area (in the background).

We even got to touch the dolphin’s teeth and put on goggles (provided by Delphinus) so that we could watch the the dolphins swim underwater. I hate getting splashed (it hurts my eyes to get any water in them) so I opted out of the part where the dolphin jumps over the group. So I wouldn’t feel excluded from the group, the trainer let me give Xcaret fish and showed me how to give her commands. I got the feeling that was not normally part of the program and, quite honestly, it was the highlight of my day! Actually, it was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done…EVER! After my group saw me assist the trainer, I think they all wished they had also been big babies and stayed over on the side with me.

A group touching their dolphin’s teeth.

After the dolphin hugs and kisses, our time was up. Xcaret waved goodbye with her tail fin and, sadly, the group exited the lagoon. Our group leader was waiting to direct us back to the office which was just a short walk away. We were taken inside the office to see the photos and video from our time in the water with Xcaret. The photos and video are great and I am delighted to have them but I was terribly disappointed to find that, unlike contestants on “Wheel of Fortune” or “The Price is Right”, Delphinus customers do not get “lovely parting gifts” upon their departure. As you know, I was hoping to take home a dolphin. No such luck. They did, however, have a cart filled with various dolphin-themed souvenirs. I took home one of the stuffed dolphins instead.

The stuffed dolphins are almost as cute as the REAL dolphins!

Later that night, I used my newly acquired dolphin to reenact my dolphin experience for my boyfriend. He was not amused by my antics and decided to keep the dolphin for himself. (I think he was just jealous that I am now a Master Dolphin Trainer and he isn’t.) I left my boyfriend and our dogs playing with the stuffed dolphin (and by “playing”, I mean “attempting to destroy”) while I went to update my resume to reflect my experience as a Dolphin Trainer. I am sure it’s just a matter of time before Delphinus calls to beg me to work for them.

Aside from being bitter about not getting to take home a pet dolphin, I was incredibly impressed with the efficiency and professionalism displayed by everyone I encountered with Delphinus. Actually, in the 4 years I have been living in Cancun, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a company with such an efficient operation.

I cannot say enough great things about my experience with my new friend, Xcaret. It was a wonderful day that I am not likely to forget any time soon.

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PHOTOS

This photo shows the balcony of a Dolphin View room in the background. It shows just how close you get to the action when you stay in a Dolphin View room!

The following photos were taken from the balcony of my Dolphin View room on the 1st floor of the Pyramid Tower.