Horrible experience save your money this is a tourist trap. The staff is rude, misgendered my 5 year old son after being told multiple times he was a boy. I understand patwa so I heard the negative comments about my son and my body. They will try to squeeze every single penny you have out of you.
I originally booked for the admissions plus for two adults and one child under 5. That was $137 total plus tax. It said online it included the mini jungle, sting ray , beach , water slide , kayaking, and food
We received a purple wristband, we continued on to the gift shop the lady looked at us and her exact words were “ ok so you got that band ? The cheaper one. “ she then tried to sale me three pictures with the dolphin on a platform for $20 dollars each. It’s three of us that’s $60 dollars. I asked can we just take one family photo i didn’t need three pictures of us individually I just wanted one family picture she said no.
I told my husband If we’re going to add the $60 dollars for three pictures we might as well just pay for the dolphin encounter.
We went back downstairs and upgraded our tickets. My husband has a Jamaican passport, he presented his passport and he did not receive the local rate btw. I was told it would be $18 per person to upgrade the ticket to the dolphin encounter that’s a pink band. I paid $18x3 which I didn’t understand why I had to pay to upgrade my child who is under 5 when 1-5 years old is free with two paying adults Anyways.
I was then told it would be $65 per person to add on photos and these photos are only digital no print outs. So we paid $195 for 3 shots per person. When your in the water you do three poses and they snap a shot of all three so your paying $65 for 3 digital shots. Which is ridiculous
When you do the dolphin encounter they split you off into groups based off your wristbands. If you purchase the royal swimmer band they treat you like gold. Or if you’re white they treat you even better because they know you are going to tip them.
We paid a total of $386 dollars for about 15 mins in the water with the dolphin. It was very rushed you do three poses with the dolphin and they give you education of the dolphin. And at the end of your experience our instructor asked for a tip. Which I was confused because after paying $386 dollars you shouldn’t be pressured to tip.
We went to the mini jungle we saw two rabbits , the birds and an iguana.
I was told if my son wanted to touch the birds or if we wanted to take a picture of the birds we had to tip. When we went to see the iguana and the bigger birds the instructor was sleep on the bench we woke him up and he told us if my son wanted to hold the iguana or if we wanted a picture with it we had to tip. At this point I was annoyed because everywhere we went we were pressured for tips after already paying a lot.
The stingrays were cool but again after seeing the stingrays our instructor asked for a tip.
Sharks weren’t available Kayaking wasn’t available The small beach has cabanas that were dirty. We arrived at 9am opening time so the beach should have been cleaned. The beach is also big rocks so you can’t step in. The meal Included was a piece of chicken rice and peas and veggies no drink. When I asked for my included drink the bartender told me I would have to hide it so others don’t ask.
Just an overall horrible experience and complete waste of money. Mystic Mountain was wayyyy better you aren’t pressured for tips staff are friendly and will take pictures of you with your phone for free.
I tried to take photos of the tip trays
The manager was also not...
Read moreI visited last week with my family and friends, mostly kids and it was an HORRIBLE experience.
There is literally no customer service at the Ocho Rios location except for those who directly deal with the animals.
You are greeted by security with no manners or courtesy not a Dolphin Cove team member, I am yet to be greeted- not even a hello or welcome. Mind you, there was a lady with the DC uniform lounging cause that wasn’t sitting right beside the security that didn’t open her mouth or look our way, not sure why she was even there.
Then you move onto the check in counter where I can tell you they treat you like you're begging instead of paying. That was the worst part, I had to ask her what I did wrong to be treated this way. Again, I am yet to be greeted. She was not communicating at all, she made no interest in even trying. She couldn’t even direct us to the entrance of the park, I had to read post interaction. Can you imagine if I couldn’t read? And the funny thing is, there were foreign guest there with their accents, mostly whites and I witnessed them being treated differently than us of color and who are actually locals supporting. Very disheartening.
On reaching the actual park, we were informed AFTER paying that they were closing early at 4pm. I mean, come on, that’s information you tell from the get go so we can make informed decisions.
At 3pm, staff was seen packing up and so we had access to not much. Pool chairs, dining cars, etc. and they did so in a classless way like we didn’t matter. Like they were cussing on the inside saying “me waa go mi yard, u no see a time fi you leave”. I saw a gentleman asked for food at 3:25pm and was told they are closed so them no have nothing with pure attitude. Mind you, if the person there had said sincerely sorry but unfortunately we have closed the kitchen to facilitate early closing, maybe you can check the gift shop or something… it would be a different experience for us who are trying to enjoy the location.
We went to the restaurant because we aren’t allowed to bring any food or drink on property. After waiting 12 minutes (mind you the place wasn’t busy), we were attended to and given a menu. After waiting another 10mins, the waiter came over for our order only to have had us waste our time going through the menu because the only thing they had were jerk chicken, rice, fries and hotdogs. She literally could have told us what she had instead of having us waste time reviewing the menu. To drink, all they had were Tropicana and alcohol. I was pissed at all that cause I had hungry kids. The gift stop only had spicy Doritos, lunch bars and 2 other snack that weren’t appetizing for the kids. To top it all off, I’m paying $800 JMD for a bottle of water and $450 for the lunch bar and is having a difficult time getting a cup of ice- the waitress behaved like we were bothering her.
On leaving, the kids were waving to the staff, all now NOT ONE has accommodated the kids gestures. They literally look them dead in the eyes with no reactions.
I would never recommend your location to anyone, local or international. In my opinion, the only thing keeping the location open is the idea of interacting with the dolphins and the other animals.
If it wasn’t for the kids and the thought of disappointing them, I would have u-turned at the security entrance. On another note, Sometimes you see people go to these places and act out wickedly, trust me… I UNDERSTAND WHY.
Again, HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE, WOULD...
Read moreDolphin Cove Jamaica – A Must-Visit Marine Adventure!
Nestled in the heart of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Dolphin Cove is one of the island’s most famous attractions, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. This award-winning marine adventure park is more than just a dolphin encounter—it’s an immersive journey into nature, wildlife, and tropical beauty. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family looking for a fun day out, or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, Dolphin Cove has something special to offer.
The Ultimate Dolphin Experience
The main highlight of Dolphin Cove is the incredible dolphin interactions. Unlike typical aquariums, Dolphin Cove allows you to meet these intelligent marine mammals in a natural lagoon setting, making the experience even more magical. You can choose from different interaction programs: • The Dolphin Encounter – Perfect for families and first-timers, this lets you touch, kiss, and even dance with a dolphin in shallow water. • The Dolphin Swim Adventure – For those looking for a little more thrill, this includes an exhilarating belly ride with the dolphins. • The Royal Swim – The ultimate experience, where two dolphins lift you out of the water in an unforgettable “foot push.”
Each interaction is guided by professional trainers, ensuring both your safety and the well-being of the dolphins.
Beyond Dolphins – More Marine Adventures
While the dolphins are the main attraction, there’s plenty more to see and do at Dolphin Cove. Shark lovers can test their courage with the Shark Encounter, where you’ll learn about and even interact with nurse sharks under expert supervision. If that sounds too daring, you can snorkel with friendly stingrays, offering a unique perspective on these fascinating sea creatures.
For those who prefer a relaxed experience, the glass-bottom kayak tour provides a peaceful way to explore the beautiful waters, allowing you to see marine life without getting wet.
A Tropical Paradise
One of the things that sets Dolphin Cove apart is its stunning natural environment. The park is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, creating a peaceful and scenic backdrop. A stroll through the jungle trail reveals exotic wildlife, including tropical birds, iguanas, and even snakes. It’s a great way to connect with nature in between your marine adventures.
The park also features a private beach, perfect for unwinding after a day of excitement. You can soak up the sun, enjoy the breathtaking views, or grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, which serves delicious Jamaican cuisine and refreshing tropical drinks.
Why You Should Visit Dolphin Cove
✔️ Once-in-a-lifetime dolphin experience ✔️ Perfect for families, couples, and adventure lovers ✔️ Beautiful natural setting with rainforest and private beach ✔️ Additional activities like shark encounters and kayaking ✔️ Close to other attractions like Dunn’s River Falls
If you’re visiting Jamaica, Dolphin Cove is a must-see destination. Whether you want to swim with dolphins, interact with sharks, or simply relax in a tropical paradise, this world-class attraction offers an experience you’ll never forget. Book your adventure today and create memories that will...
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