We were 3 people with 2 dolphins. we were never without touching a dolphin for more than 10 seconds. we were in the water for 45 minutes. i can not describe how awesome this was. the trainers really are out to have you interact with the dolphins constantly and in an enjoyable way. RUN TO DO THIS IN CURACAO!

I just visited Curacao on a cruise and my sister and I did the dolphin swim. It was the most amazing thing I have done; if you have never done something like this before, spend the time and money to experience this. It seems like the time for the swim vaires a bit, since when we went, we were only in the water for about 45 minutes and it seemed to take longer than expected for them to orientate us, but like I said, the wait was well worth it. I would also suggest that if you are visiting on a cruise ship, you should make reservations directly with the academy on the day of your port to Curacao. It was considerably more expensive scheduling through the ship ($209/pp)rather than booking directly ($149/pp). Family/friends can also go and watch/take pictures for an additional fee if they don't want to participate.

We were in Curacao for one day, on a cruise. We looked on internet before we left England so just got on a bus and went to the academy. Had to wait a while for the next swim to begin, but well worth it. Other people on our ship had booked the dolphin encounter through the ship, and its not nearly as good as the swim. In fact, they were watching me and asking how I managed to do it! Answer: do your homework! The environment where the dolphins are kept is lovely, you don't feel that they are being treated badly at all, in fact, the opposite. The swim takes a little over an hour, the first 15 mins is with the trainer teaching you how to behave with the dolphins. Eg you have to swim with your arms crossed over your chest so you don't poke the dolphins eyes out with your outstretched fingers etc. The dolphins are their No. 1 priority. You need to be quite a strong swimmer as you are out there for 45 mins swimming (they provide flippers) but you can't touch the bottom. There were 5 people in my group and each of us took our turn with the dolphins, we did 'the kiss' (so sweet!) and the dancing, and the best bit for me was where two dolphins swim up either side of you, you catch their fins, and they pull you through the water! My husband sat watching and took photos but the academy have a professional photographer there and you view the photos immediately after the swim and pick which ones you want to buy. I suggest you buy the CD. I didn't and now I only have those 5 photos. It was easily the best thing I've ever done in my life...