How to Swim With Dolphins in Tenerife

Imagine yourself darting and gliding through clear blue water, much faster than you have ever gone before. Your hands are gripping the smooth gray fin of a dolphin--man's best, ocean dwelling, friend. Many people dream of swimming with dolphins and a place like Tenerife--teeming with wild dolphins--is one place to make such a dream a reality. The only problem is that Tenerife, along with the other Canary Islands, has made free swimming with wild dolphins illegal. There are many dolphin sighting tours available in this area, but none of them are able to offer you the chance to swim with these beautiful sea creatures. If you find yourself in Tenerife and want to swim with dolphins, what are your options? Your best bet is the dolphin training program at the Aqualand water park. In this program you get a hands-on approach to learning about dolphins and also get a chance to swim with a dolphin during one of the park's daily shows.

Instructions

Getting Training Program Tickets

1. Call Aqualand, which has a very large dolphinarium at ([phone]. Ask about purchasing tickets for the dolphin training program. Calling is probably best because you have to book these tickets somewhat in advance. If you are already vacationing at Tenerife you could still go to the park in person and inquire about ticket availablity.

2. Purchase a ticket for the program. The price for these tickets can change seasonally but are usually around 55 to 60 Euros.

3. Write down your scheduled day for the program and information such as what time your session begins.

Day of Training Program

1. Arrive at the park for the training program.

2. Go to the dolphin training area. From the park's main gate you will bear ahead and to the right. As you walk you will notice a row of water slides on your right. Continute past the waterslides and you will come to the dolphin training and performance area on the right.

3. Enter the dolphin training area. There should be signs there that will direct you to the trainers and the rest of the group.

4. Participate in the program and while there, ask a trainer if you could swim with a dolphin in one of the shows. A few of the programs participants are chosen to swim in the shows for that day. It wouldn't hurt to ask politely and to explain how much such an opportunity would mean to you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you try to swim with dolphins in the wild, be aware that at the very least, you can be charged with a fine.

Resources

• Aqualand Tenerife