How to Swim With Dolphins in Cuba

Anyone can go swimming on a Cuban vacation, but swimming with dolphins in Cuba, now that's a thrilling experience you'll be talking about for years to come. In between sipping cool drinks on the beach and touring centuries old historical sites, make sure to take time to swim with dolphins. Luckily, there are several places in Cuba where you can enjoy this unique activity.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map of Cuba

1. Consult your concierge or front desk personnel if the hotel organizes any dolphin swimming tours. The popularity of this activity has caused many hotels in Cuba to add dolphin swimming expeditions to their menu of recreation activities for guests. However, if your hotel does not have such a tour, please consider one of the dolphin swim expeditions listed below.

2. Head to the aquarium at Cuba's breathtaking Bahia de Naranjo nature park. Here you'll be able to spend time with playful dolphins in roomy outdoor ocean tanks. You can pay a little extra to have the dolphins push you along in the water or even ride on them. In addition to the dolphins, the aquarium features a sea lion show every day as well as stunning displays of tropical fish.

3. Go to Punta Hicacos Nature Park. There you'll find the Veradero Delfinario, where dolphins perform daily shows to the delight of children and adults alike. When the dolphins are not performing, they are casting their charming spell on the visitors who choose to swim with them. They can jump in the air, gracefully arcing over the swimmer splashing below, or they might even swim up close for a little smooch. As if swimming with dolphins was not enough, this attraction also offers horseback riding. The park is located in the popular Veradero resort area.

4. Visit the Acuario de Bacanao in Santiago de Cuba. This small aquarium along the coast features daily dolphin and sea lion shows and also offers visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

5. Take in the Cienfuegos Delfinario. Located at Cienfuegos' popular Rancho Faro beach, the delfinario also offers a fun sea lion show as well as swimming with the dolphins. The swimming takes place in a picturesque cove where dolphins cavort among the swimmers. While this delfinario is smaller than the one in Veradero, it is also less expensive.

6. Try snorkeling or scuba diving. There are many dolphins living in the waters surrounding Cuba, and you just might encounter some friendly dolphins while exploring the sea.