On the southern Caribbean island of Curaçao, visitors of all ages can interact with some of the 21 trained dolphins at the Dolphin Academy (phone +5999 4658900), located at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium in Willemstad.
In the “Dolphin Encounter” package, up to six people and a trainer stand in water and gently interact with a dolphin (15-20 minutes for $89 adult or $44.50 child).
“Dolphin Swim” is in the lagoon (30 minutes, $159).
In “Dolphin Free Dive,” snorkelers can dive, then hold the dorsal fins of two dolphins and be pulled to the surface (30 minutes, $169).
Combination packages — “Encounter and Swim,” $199; “Encounter and Snorkel,” $209; “Swim and Snorkel,” $299, or all three, $329.
On the “Open Water Dive,” certified scuba divers swim with dolphins in the open ocean (times and prices vary; reservations required).
You must sign an “assumption of risk” waiver. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Bring a bathing suit, towel and sunscreen.
