My first stop of the day at Ocean World in Puerto Plata was to see the dolphin show. It was the perfect introduction to one of the best child and adult playgrounds in the world. As a passionate animal lover, places such as Ocean World, tend to make me a little nervous at first, as you never quite know if the animals are being treated humanely. However, after being taken behind the scenes and taught Ocean World’s philosophy on their animal care, I have no doubt that not only are their animals being treated humanely, they are also being spoiled with lots of love!
After the dolphins were introduced by their trainers, they began their show, which delighted the entire crowd.
It would not be my last time with them, as the dolphins and I had a special date later in the day. For now it was time for me to play with the sea lions. Unfortunately, no cameras were allowed during my interactions with them, however I can tell you it was definitely a highlight of my time at Ocean World. Who knew that sea lions were so friendly and affectionate? They gave me my first kisses of the day, a theme that would repeat itself with almost every single creature I encountered (minus the tigers of course!).
Then it was time to leave the water for dry land. A different kind of species was awaiting me. . .
Thanks for your informative post!
You’re so welcome! Hope you go to the DR!!!
Those dolphins are so beautiful! I’m so glad they’re being treated well, too – like you said, I always worry when I visit a place like this because sometimes the conditions really can be awful.
They can be so awful, right!?! But Ocean World goes above and beyond to make sure that the animals are ALWAYS happy!!! I agree, they are SO beautiful.
Great photos! Animal shots are always so difficult for me.
They are difficult, because you never know what they’re gonna do! Thank you so much sweetie!!!
Now that looks like a fantastic performance. You really captured the dolphins well – love the shot where one appears to be smiling 🙂
It was SUCH a fantastic performance! Thank you so much for your kind words re: my photos! I heart that photo too 🙂
No cameras! Don’t they know that blogging with pictures is your speciality?!
I love dolphins, how awesome that you got to see this show!
I love them too, but my interactions with them only got 100X better!!! Don’t worry, I took a million other pics that I promise to share. It was kinda nice to put the camera down for a moment, I’m sure you understand?
Ohhh I hope you go diving with them! I was dying to do it in Roatan but I just couldn’t stomach the cost. Have to leave a few things for when I’m rich and famous.
I went diving today and it was totally unreal! One of the BEST experiences of my life to date!!! You MUST save your $ and do it.
Such a fun place!
I love dolphins! Went to so many when I was a kid visiting my grandparents in Florida. Magnificent creatures
Dolphins are the best, they really are! I can’t wait to share more pics of them!!!
I’m glad to hear that you felt like the dolphins were well-treated since I know that’s always a concern with places like this. And I can’t wait to hear more about your special dolphin date!
It was a concern of mine as well, but I can guarantee without a shadow of a doubt that the dolphins are treated with so much love, kindness, and respect!
I know they say that the animals are always treated with care & love, but it always makes me sad seeing such beautiful animals held in captivity and trained to do tricks. Especially with whales and dolphins. They naturally live in an endless ocean, and then they are contained into such small pools.
I recommend that you watch the movie The Cove. Its a really well executed documentary that I think you would enjoy!
I too have a lot of the same concerns you have. Trust me, I was hesitant to go to Ocean World at first. I’m crazy about animals. I’ve been a vegetarian for over a decade! But, Ocean World was built on the principle of rescuing endangered animals. The animals there are so happy, you can easily tell. And they NEVER make an animal do something they don’t want to do. I witnessed a dolphin preferring not to participate and they fed her some fish and let her swim away. I will definitely watch The Cove!
Gorgeous pics!
Thank you!