Where in California Can You Go Swimming With Dolphins

Thousands of dolphins swim off the coast of California, and it's not too unusual to see one when swimming, surfing or boating in the Pacific Ocean. The Marine Mammal Protection Act forbids intentionally swimming with them in the wild, feeding them or even getting within 150 feet. If you want to get up close and swim with a dolphin during your trip to the Golden State, visit one of two theme parks where you can make contact.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the sole place to swim with dolphins in the northern half of the state. The Dolphin Discovery program is open to adults and kids 6 years or older, providing they can swim. The two-hour experience begins in the classroom learning all you'll need to know before getting into the water with the mammals. Learn how the trainers care for and communicate with the dolphins, as well as how to safely interact with them. The swimming portion includes a dorsal fin tow by a dolphin and time in the water feeding and touching the animals.

Add a romantic touch to your Dolphin Discovery program at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with a wine and dine experience. Take your sweetie to participate in the two-hour program, followed by a gourmet lunch and wine afterwards. A resident chef will prepare your choice of chicken, steak or vegetarian fare and a professional waiter will serve it up at a table at the dolphin pool. The experience is open to two or more people and is available throughout the year.

At Six Flags' Trainer for a Day program, you'll get in the water with dolphins as you shadow one of the park's trainers for a seven-hour day. You'll give the training signals that will make the dolphins do tricks such as handshakes, kisses, flipping their tail or jumping out of the water. Minimum physical requirements to participate in the trainer program include the ability to lift 50 pounds, climb stairs, communicate fluently in English and swim unassisted. The program is open on weekends only for adults or chaperoned children aged 12 years or older.

In San Diego at the southern end of the state, Sea World's Dolphin Interaction Program lets you get in the water with dolphins. Although you won't have the experience of getting towed while hanging on to a dolphin's dorsal fin, you will get to touch, feed and communicate with them. The park provides wet suits and booties to wear in the water, as well as a souvenir towel to commemorate your experience. The experience lasts about 60 minutes, with 20 minutes of water time. Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. Sea World also has a poolside dolphin encounter.