My wife and I booked a 1:30pm dolphin tour on a Wednesday in late September, two days before we flew back home.
We had used this same company two or three years earlier in the spring, and were very happy with the experience. Anyways, THIS TIME, we showed up to the marina... And we were the only people that had booked!
I thought the gentleman we were dealing with at the booth was going to tell us there weren't enough bookings to justify going out... And all the sudden we were being handed life vests and googles!
Dale ended up being our Captain, and it was just as amazing as last time. First thing we saw was a shark, then a huge loggerhead. Didn't dive for either... Also saw another turtle and a group of tarpon. Cruised around for a bit with no sightings, so Dale anchored off Shell Island for us to get some snorkel and photo/video of the wildlife.
After about 45 minutes we got back on board, Dale started hitting his cruising the spots.... All the sudden dolphins everywhere! Got some awesome video of aerial tricks while on the boat, but the water was too murky the first three times I went in. To try to photo/film.
The fourth time in... Blew my mind. Dale landed me right in the middle of what I guess was two or more pods crossing the same area.... Got some okay quality underwater footage, then popped up to breathe and not 8 feet away three dolphins were bobbing vertical in the water staring at me. The rest of the pod swam around me, either underwater or above doing playful "tricks." My wife didn't dive for the dolphin portion, but she said you could even hear them out of the water!!!
Second time using the company, second time with stunning results. These guys know and respect all sealife, and don't bait to get the dolphins interested. We even spent an enjoyable few occasions helping Dale pull trash from the sea while we were cruising.
I could not recommend this company more if you want a true swim with dolphins experience (one that isn't inside a net, enclosure, or baited with fish). If that's what you're looking for, I encourage you read up on marine mammals and what doing those things to them can cause.
5 out 5 stars for Water Planet again, and 5 stars for Captain Dale. Thanks again for...
Read moreTowards the end of our trip to a VERY busy 30a, our family of 4 (including a 10 and 14 year old) decided to book an outing to swim with dolphins in PCB. We were excited to find Water Planet, as their experience allows you to be with dolphins in the wild vs. in confinement, and the group was small (only 6 guests on board). Captain Denis (De-Knee) greeted us at the dock, went over what we could expect, what we would need to do, and what we could not do (don’t touch the dolphins- this isn’t Sea World). Because these are wild creatures, we knew the ability to swim with them wasn’t guaranteed. We had the additional hurdle of low visibility in the water due to recent rain, but nothing was going to deter Capt. Denis! He was committed to helping us meet the challenges and getting us in the water. Maybe we got lucky, but we took over 20 dives in with dolphins during our cruise. It takes a little getting used to- when a pod is spotted, Denis has you sit on the front of the boat as they approach. Once they are close, he gives the command for you to slide off the front and start swimming, but you have to remember to swim in the same direction, keeping your head down. Once we got in the groove, we were able to swim in a playful pod as a family. Watching a dolphin swim on their side to look at us while a baby swam below me is forever burned into my memory! Listening to my son, who wants to become a Marine Biologist, later say “I will never forget this day for the rest of my life,” made me that much more impressed with Water Planet. Denis, you made us feel safe and gave us the experience of a lifetime! We appreciate the respect you give to these wild, beautiful creatures during your outings. We couldn’t recommend them more, and can’t wait to...
Read moreI recently had the most exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with the dolphins, hosted by Water Planet—and I can’t stop raving about it! From the moment we set out, every moment was filled with excitement and awe. Dennis, our expert guide, was phenomenal—his keen eye for spotting these incredible creatures and his well-practiced routine for safely getting up close and personal made the entire experience unforgettable.
We were in a small, intimate group that allowed us to truly connect with the dolphins in their natural habitat. The dolphins were playful and curious, coming so close that we could almost touch them as they swam in the crystal clear water. I jumped in multiple times, each plunge revealing more of their grace and energy. It was simply magical to witness these magnificent animals swimming freely in the wild, and the opportunity to interact with them so directly left me speechless.
Water Planet’s unique approach to these experiences shines through in every detail—from the knowledgeable guidance of Dennis to the thoughtful organization that ensures every participant feels safe and engaged. This isn’t just an excursion; it’s a celebration of nature, an immersive encounter that sparks wonder and deep appreciation for our marine friends.
In short, if you’re seeking an extraordinary adventure that combines thrill, education, and the breathtaking beauty of crystal clear water, this experience is an absolute must. Swimming with the dolphins with Water Planet was a heartwarming and exhilarating journey—one that I will...
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