Millenium's Tortola Dolphin excursion: worth it?

[Raycruise2010]

I generally don't do excursions and prefer to explore the islands myself. But the Millenium is offering a Dolphin excursion --- which includes a Dolphin swim --- for $155. That same swim costs $99 (plus cab fare) if I go direct to the facility. had anyone done this excursion, and is the extra $60 pp worth going through Celebrity? Thanks for your opinions.

[urkidn]

We did this on our own a couple of years ago with our son and walked to the Dolphin Discovery Center. Can't remember exactly how long it took, maybe 30-40 minutes but I do remember that the road got a bit narrow in places (no sidewalk) and we had to be pretty cautious walking. My son thoroughly enjoyed the encounter which included the belly ride. We had a great view to watch him and although we were allowed to take our own pictures, we also bought theirs as they were really great shots. I can't think of any reason to pay $60 more.

[phinn]

Did this in Cozumel and it has remained one of the most enjoyable excursions I have taken. We bought the photos they take and the DVD. Inbetween cruising, I still look at that DVD. I agree with Urkidn, can't see the need for additional $60 unless that area is unsafe.

[sweetair]

This was my review from dec 2008 ( i totally recommend doing this on your own and visiting the beach prior)

Our group of 6 booked this tour privately and got a 5% discount for the adventure for 1pm.

We were told by dolphin discovery there was a beach to hang out so we left the ship @10am. The taxi driver told us this was incorrect, so we negotiated to go to a beach first, then he would pick us up 12:30pm to visit our dolphins. $12 RT PP from pier to beach (nanny cay)>>beach to dolphins>>> dolphins to pier.

There was absolutely nobody at the beach and the chairs/umbrellas were free. It was a nice quiet place to relax/swim and pick through lots of shells and coral.

We then get to the dolphin discovery and check-in and get our lifevests and orientation movie. (MAKE SURE VESTS ARE TIGHT FITTING OR THEY RIDE UP AND VERY UNCOMFORTABLE!!!!) of course i know this because mine was way too big.

We also had 1 total Non-swimmer with us.

 

They lined everyone in groups of 12 but somehow forgot to give our group wristbands. After much discussion they told us we would swim at 2:15pm and called our taxi driver to inform him of the time adjustment.(yes we always get the taxi drivers number)

I requested a swim of just the 6 of us which they accommodated very nicely.

It was a great time for all of us (even the non-swimmer) He was escorted by his wife halfway out and floated waiting for the dolphin to give him a belly ride PRICELESS for all of us to watch!

So you really dont need to be a great swimmer to do this :D

 

We all took our turns dancing/swimming/hugging/kissing and belly riding.

When done you view the DVD and it was extremely reasonable($35) which we bought (even better because it was just our group) (1 DVD and duplicated to all)

They then had 3 still photos to show us ($15 for 1/$20 for 2/$25 for all 3)

Because of our earlier mishap They gave each of us 1 free photo

 

they certainly handled things very well! i totally recommend this if you've never experienced dolphins upclose and personal.

 

Juice it up

*sweet*

[algorithmannie]

I can't speak directly to the Tortola Dolphin excursion, but I did a Dolphin Swim in Cozumel... one of the most memorable excursions ever! It may be expensive, and it will definitely be expensive to purchase pictures or a DVD, but it is so memorable and worthwhile!

 

You can read my review of our dolphin experience on my blog: Candid Cruising

[urkidn]

I forgot to add that we also did the Dolphin Quest in Hawaii a few years back and we found the experience at the Dolphin Discovery in Tortola, superior in every way. We felt we got more than twice the experience for less than half the price.

[Raycruise2010]

This was my review from dec 2008 ( i totally recommend doing this on your own and visiting the beach prior)

 

Our group of 6 booked this tour privately and got a 5% discount for the adventure for 1pm.

We were told by dolphin discovery there was a beach to hang out so we left the ship @10am. The taxi driver told us this was incorrect, so we negotiated to go to a beach first, then he would pick us up 12:30pm to visit our dolphins. $12 RT PP from pier to beach (nanny cay)>>beach to dolphins>>> dolphins to pier.

There was absolutely nobody at the beach and the chairs/umbrellas were free. It was a nice quiet place to relax/swim and pick through lots of shells and coral.

We then get to the dolphin discovery and check-in and get our lifevests and orientation movie. (MAKE SURE VESTS ARE TIGHT FITTING OR THEY RIDE UP AND VERY UNCOMFORTABLE!!!!) of course i know this because mine was way too big.

We also had 1 total Non-swimmer with us.

 

They lined everyone in groups of 12 but somehow forgot to give our group wristbands. After much discussion they told us we would swim at 2:15pm and called our taxi driver to inform him of the time adjustment.(yes we always get the taxi drivers number)

I requested a swim of just the 6 of us which they accommodated very nicely.

It was a great time for all of us (even the non-swimmer) He was escorted by his wife halfway out and floated waiting for the dolphin to give him a belly ride PRICELESS for all of us to watch!

So you really dont need to be a great swimmer to do this :D

 

We all took our turns dancing/swimming/hugging/kissing and belly riding.

When done you view the DVD and it was extremely reasonable($35) which we bought (even better because it was just our group) (1 DVD and duplicated to all)

They then had 3 still photos to show us ($15 for 1/$20 for 2/$25 for all 3)

Because of our earlier mishap They gave each of us 1 free photo

 

they certainly handled things very well! i totally recommend this if you've never experienced dolphins upclose and personal.

 

Juice it up

*sweet*

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you