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Facts about Dolphins

In Puerto Plata, the world's first fully interactive ocean park

At Ocean World, you swim with the dolphins, and the sea lions — and the sharks

by Ron Añejo - The POP Report

PUERTO PLATA- The brand new, $30 million Ocean World located in the exclusive Cofresi resort area isn't about just sitting around and watching "Flipper" dance on his tail in the water — it's about jumping in and dancing with him.

It's not about strolling past gigantic aquariums teeming with coral reefs and tropical fish and sharks— it's about actually getting inside the aquarium and swimming with them.

"This is the first park of its kind, where you're interactive with all the animals sea lions, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, tropical fish and tropical birds," says Eric Bogden, director of operations.

Eric is an18-year veteran of Sea World parks in the States. He was netted by Ocean World's owners to manage the design and completion of this unique park's exhibits.

This is the second park operated by the same owners. Their first one, Dolphin Encounters, is a huge success located on Blue Lagoon Island near Nassau.

Ocean World is brand new and some of the exhibits will open over the next several months. "We're training the sharks right now. Just this morning I had one sitting on my lap," says Eric proudly. When the shark pool is ready, your friendly shark will stick his jaws out of the water for a photo op with you.

Open a scant six months, the dolphin swims and encounters are already selling out, attracting more than 100 people per day. Dolphin Swims, the ultimate experience where you actually get towed around the lake by a friendly pair of dolphins, are limited to 10 people twice daily, and are sold out more than a week in advance. And while we had to settle for a Dolphin Encounter, where up to 30 can participate; it turned out to be an unforgettable experience just the same.

"These animals are super sociable and want to have a good time," explained one of the three trainers who were assigned to our group. "So the more you whoop it up, clap and have fun, the more they will respond and interact with you."

Indeed, this isn't about sitting in bleachers and watching animal tricks from a distance. This is about getting into your bathing suit and sitting with just a couple dozen people on a floating deck, with three trainers attending and three dolphins sharing an enclosed pool not much larger than a jacuzzi.

This is about standing in shallow water as a 400-pound dolphin comes up erect in front of you. You hold his fins, and, as the trainers whistle a quick five bars of merengue, you feel the power as he dances in your outstretched arms.

This is about standing in shallow water as Boomer, the newest arrival at Ocean World, comes right up to you for a hug, pressing his body against your chest, head on shoulder. And you feel the strength, the power and the gentle affection of these incredible mammals as they wiggle their snouts against your cheek for a friendly kiss.

"I was amazed with the qualiity of the whole event," said Jan Maclean, a veteran diver who has swam with dolphins and whales in the open sea. "It was obvious the trainers were completely wrapped up in what they were doing. They really care about the animals"

"I found the setting to be spectacular," said Jean Hall on vacation from Montreal. "It looked like a magazine picture of the Carribean. I've never been to a place where the public is invited to touch, dance, stroke and feed the animals. Being that close to such a large animal, standing stomach to stomach with him was incredible."

Ocean World has become a must-see in Puerto Plata. It's open every day but you'd do well to reserve in advance.

Visit the Ocean World website