Originally posted by Mr. Toad
AkiraRaptor,
Thanks for posting the info on DC and the TFAD program. I was thinking about doing one of these when we go down in June but I never heard any first hand accounts before. I would really like to do the TFAD.
Yea, the TFAD program is great. I just checked it out again, and the price is more now ($399), but they added more content. I've even heard you get 3 Dolphin encounters now.
We had the regular encounter, then a training session for behaviours, then the fast swim. For a good tip, when you do the fast swim, go first, don't wait. After the Dolphin takes you accross the water, you go back to the show and stand by the other trainers while you wait for everyone else to do their fast swim. Durning this time you can get more time for one on one interactions with the other Dolphins. They usally have 3 or 4 Dolphins out durning this fast swim time, but only one is dowing the swim, the rest are at the beach with the trainers. I got to spend some good one on one time with a Dolphin while we waited for everyone to do the swim.
The whole program is a blast. It was, hands down, one of the best experiances in my life. Dolphins are just a part of the day they have planned for you. Feeding the rays was great, and we feed sharks too. Plus the birds and small mammals are a blast as well.
But the Dolphins are the stars. Our Dolphin was the one that starred in Jaws III. He did whatever he wanted to do. They would ask for behaviours, and he would do most, but sometimes he'd just have fun with us. I was to hold his flippers, and he was to pull me up out of the water, but instead he spun me around in a dance in circles. The trainer said that was not what he was asked to do, but he's the boss. It was great. They are magnificant animals, and I don't care who you are, they will affect you in ways you'll never think they can.
I'm really sorry
WiCKMaN, I took your thread off in another tangent.
Ok, now I'm really wanting to go back now...