A Great Date Idea: Dolphin Encounters!
By Art Gib
Thinking of fun and creative things to do on a date is one of the great challenges of the singles scene. Fortunately, if you are single in Florida, there are plenty of fun activities to do. Guys, most gals love dolphins: if you want a “wild” time on your next date, check out some fun ways to get up close and personal with marine life.
Dolphins have enjoyed an incredible resurgence in popularity for the last 40 years, thanks in part to the “Flipper” television program and high flying performance shows which have become must-see events at various marine parks around the country.
Did you know there are over 40 species of dolphins? The most commonly recognized is the bottlenose, of “Flipper” fame. They come in a variety of looks and sizes, but they all have these two things in common: they are intelligent and most women think they are cute because of their friendly appearance!
The driest way to enjoy these loveable mammals is to visit and aquarium or Marine Park. All reputable marine facilities in South Florida keep dolphins. Watching dolphins through glass is an exciting experience because you can watch how they swim and interact with one another. Marine Parks have regular shows all day long where the dolphins’ cleverness and strength are put on display through carefully choreographed routines.
Many parks offer further “dry” encounters by keeping dolphins in petting pools from time to time. Buy your date a container of small fish and she will love to have the mammals feed right from her hand. The dolphins are so tame that they don’t even mind an occasional pat on the head.
If you and your date are on the adventurous side, there are also plenty of places in South Florida that offer a wetter, more up close and personal encounter with dolphins!
Structured programs are often held in a natural lagoon setting, where you are visit with a park’s resident dolphins. These are usually “awareness” educational programs, where you spend up to an hour learning about the mammals’ history, anatomy, intelligence and habits before entering the water. A naturalist or trainer is with you at all times, and, because the animals are in a contained area, you are guaranteed to see, touch, and interact with them.
Many companies offer dolphin encounters in a completely wild and natural ocean setting. These trips are either half or full day and are based on a boat. Naturalists usually have a pod of dolphins which they follow with the boat and passengers. You and your date, equipped with snorkeling gear, will be able to jump in the water and observe these fascinating animals close up and personal while they go about their real life routines.
Swimmers are not allowed to initiate contact with the dolphins in the wild, but the mammals’ natural curiosity often guarantees an up close and personal encounter. Of course, the dolphins are not doing any trained behaviors and there can be no kind of guarantee for what kind of experience with them on this kind of trip.
What better way to impress a date than with the gift of an encounter with one of nature’s cutest creatures? Check it out!
About The Author
For great information about South West Florida singles, contact the good people at Great Expectations (http://myswfloridasingles.com/). Art Gib is a freelance writer.
