PV swim w/dolphins question

[danabanana612]

I am taking the Oosterdam Dec 16th and my son (8) and myself would like to do the swim with the dolphins. Can someone who has done this tell me if someone can go along and take pictures or do they have someone you buy pictures from? Also what is the best time to book the 1st or 2nd session. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Dana

[fcorey]

I am taking the Oosterdam Dec 16th and my son (8) and myself would like to do the swim with the dolphins. Can someone who has done this tell me if someone can go along and take pictures or do they have someone you buy pictures from? Also what is the best time to book the 1st or 2nd session. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Dana

Dana, I havent been yet, but this web site has alot of info, I think this is the place HAL uses for the Dolphin excursion http://www.vallarta-adventures.com/ , If I am wrong I am sure someone here can correct me. They also have a new site offering the same thing in Cabo, since its not going to be a ship excursion there it may be less crowded, http://cabodolphins.com , we are going on October 7th So I'll be sure to post the review of the cruise, excursions, and lots pf photos....need to justify the new digital camera :D

[crystal808]

Dana:

Last November I was in PV for a week (a land vacation), and did the Vallarta Adventures Dolphin / Trainer for a Day program (about 8 hours). I don't know what HAL is offering, but an all-day for your son would probably be too long, attention-span-wise (I know it was for me!) But it was incredible!

As to photos: someone can come with you (I think for a lesser admission) and attempt photos, but it's a long way from the swim to where they would be. Unless they have an awful good telephoto lens, they just won't be able to get the quality of photo that you will be offered at the end of your session. They put together a DVD of photos for you, and your son will love it! Cheesy? Yeah...but priceless for you & your son!

If HAL is offering 2 sessions, I'd assume they're early morning and late morning/early afternoon. I think I'd choose the early one: the water may be a bit cooler then, but you'll forget about it as soon as you are with the dolphins! And the afternoon sun may be quite hot, particularly for your son, even in December.

Have a wonderful time! Hope this helps...
Paul
(who proudly has his "Trainer" cap, t-shirt & DVD close at hand!)

[drjohn4]

My wife and 5 y/o son did the swim with dolphins excursion at PV in March and I came along with the 2 year old. We were able to buy a "observer" ticket (I think for about $35) so we could ride along on the same bus and they let the 2 y/o come free. We had a nice patio with tables and umbrellas for shade to watch from that was elevated about 5 ft above the pool and about 10 feet from one corner of the pool. The group with my wife and son was on the opposite side of the pool, but I still got some real good video and pictures. The posed shots for their photographers were facing away from us, but I was happy enough with the pics and video I got that we did not by anything from them. The people there were very nice and we all had a great time. It was one of the highlights of the cruise. If you have any other questions about it let me know.

[danabanana612]

Dana:

Last November I was in PV for a week (a land vacation), and did the Vallarta Adventures Dolphin / Trainer for a Day program (about 8 hours). I don't know what HAL is offering, but an all-day for your son would probably be too long, attention-span-wise (I know it was for me!) But it was incredible!

As to photos: someone can come with you (I think for a lesser admission) and attempt photos, but it's a long way from the swim to where they would be. Unless they have an awful good telephoto lens, they just won't be able to get the quality of photo that you will be offered at the end of your session. They put together a DVD of photos for you, and your son will love it! Cheesy? Yeah...but priceless for you & your son!

If HAL is offering 2 sessions, I'd assume they're early morning and late morning/early afternoon. I think I'd choose the early one: the water may be a bit cooler then, but you'll forget about it as soon as you are with the dolphins! And the afternoon sun may be quite hot, particularly for your son, even in December.

Have a wonderful time! Hope this helps...
Paul
(who proudly has his "Trainer" cap, t-shirt & DVD close at hand!)
Paul,
Thanks so much for the info, I really appreciate it.
Dana

[danabanana612]

My wife and 5 y/o son did the swim with dolphins excursion at PV in March and I came along with the 2 year old. We were able to buy a "observer" ticket (I think for about $35) so we could ride along on the same bus and they let the 2 y/o come free. We had a nice patio with tables and umbrellas for shade to watch from that was elevated about 5 ft above the pool and about 10 feet from one corner of the pool. The group with my wife and son was on the opposite side of the pool, but I still got some real good video and pictures. The posed shots for their photographers were facing away from us, but I was happy enough with the pics and video I got that we did not by anything from them. The people there were very nice and we all had a great time. It was one of the highlights of the cruise. If you have any other questions about it let me know.
thanks, I appreicate all the great info. It really helps to have a heads up.
Dana