A few months ago, I was at one of the all-time lows in my life and was frantically looking for something to take away the pain. My friend, Sam suggested I accompany his wife Judy at their timeshare near Puerta Vallarta and swim with the dolphins. It was something I did not know existed, let alone so close, but was ready for anything at that point. Figuring I had nothing to loose but a hundred bucks US, off I went for what was going to be an experience of a lifetime.
Judy met me at the bus and although we had never met before, hit it off as if we were old buddies. The best part was she turned out to be an expert on dolphins and whales, giving me insight and direction on the two types of dolphin visits, the encounter and the swim. An encounter involves a small group of people standing at the sides of a small pool where a dolphin does tricks and actually jumps up onto the side, allowing itself to be touched and stoke. The swim on the other hand is where you actually get into a large pool with the dolphins. There is a few groups of about 4 people. Each group is assigned 2 dolphins and a trainer. With the help of a life vest the swim lasts approximately 45 minutes and encompasses the perimeter of an Olympic size pool. I elected for the swim. We booked our space.
The day finally came and there we were listening to an instruction tape. Must admit, I was a little nervous when we donned our jackets and were heading into the water. The dolphins approached. My fears disappeared as I knew instantly these animals would never hurt me. The trainer put them through their paces, all the while throwing fish. The dolphins rolled and tumbled all around us, gently nudging and letting each of us touch and fondle them at will. Strangely, they would give us their tummies to rub and joyfully they swam with us as we gradually circled the water. Without exception, we felt safe and somehow felt akin with them. It was like being with a trusted friend and for that time the experience was all that existed in the world for me. The dolphins seem to touch your very soul.
At the half way mark the trainer asked for a volunteer to stay apart from the rest. I'm there, no problem. Simultaneously the two dolphins jumped up and kissed me on both cheeks. Those kisses ran through my body and at that moment, there was just me and those two gentle creatures. What is it that makes us love them so? Still I don't know, but one cannot help but be drawn in. The culmination of the swim was holding the fins and belly to belly glide along as he swiftly carries you across the length of the pool at an amazing speed. What a thrill! We said goodbye as they dove and jumped, clapping and racing, strutting their stuff in a grand finale.
Later I found out that there was work being done in that place with dolphins, and handicapped children, pregnant women, even human birthing. For some reason, these mammals appear to have a calming, healing effect on people. I saw pictures of an actual birth in the presence of dolphins; amazing.
Did I feel completely restored to my former self after that wonderful visit? No, the process takes a little longer than that, but I can say that during those wonderful moments in time, I forgot everything and became one with the dolphins. It's an experience I will never forget. I urge all of you to swim with the dolphins. It's well worth the price of admission. For more information call our office at 766-4200.
