When we booked our Mexican Riviera cruise with our friend Sharon, there was one thing that we absolutely had to do. One thing that had been on Sharon’s bucket list since she was young. One thing that would make the whole trip for her: swimming with dolphins.
We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day when the cruise ship ported in Cabo San Lucas. After taking a water taxi to the shore, we enjoyed a morning of relaxing and swimming on a public beach, ate a delicious lunch of tacos and seafood chile rellenos at Captain Tony’s Restaurant & Bar, and then returned to the marina to meet the Carnival representatives who’d lead us to our dolphin swimming excursion with Cabo Adventures.
The marine mammal center was just a short walk away, located directly on the marina, and the check in process was simple. You can’t wear any jewelry or accessories in the pool, but there are lockers available. We didn’t have any cash for the locker deposit, but the clerks offered to hold our Sail & Sign cards instead. Because the water can be a bit chilly, they also offer wet suits to borrow, but we opted not to.
After a short wait, we met Jose Luis (a.k.a J-Lo), the dolphin trainer who would be leading our experience. He helped us into life-jackets and explained the rules and how the session would work. We were paired with another small group, and then Jose Luis introduced us all to Ali Tuk, an 18 year-old bottlenose dolphin who literally greeted us with a splash!
Jose Luis then instructed us to take a seat on the shallow ledge of the pool and explained that each of us would get to interact one-on-one with Ali in three different activities: a dance, a kiss, and a swim. Then I was volunteered to go first! I was a bit nervous, but plunged into the cold water and awaited further direction.
Ali swam up to me and emerged from the water, and Jose Luis told me to grasp his pectoral fins and do my best jig. I felt silly, but Ali chirped and giggled and we danced! When we finished, Jose asked Ali if I was a good dancer, and the dolphin squealed, clapped his fins, and nodded his beak. I guess my dancing is dolphin approved!
Jose then instructed Ali to give me a quick peck on the cheek, and it was Nate’s and Sharon’s turns after that. They each did their dances, were judged (Sharon’s skills were dolphin-approved too, Nate’s not so much), and kissed as well. What made me jealous (or not so jealous) was, unlike me, they both got some tongue action!
After we were all judged for our dancing abilities and properly smooched, it was time for a swim. We had three options: hold on to Ali’s pectoral fins while he swam backwards, hold onto a pectoral fin and dorsal fin while he pulled us along swimming forward around the surface, or do the same while he plunged you into the depths of the pool.
Feeling brave, I almost went with the third option when it was my turn, but then remembered I just had lunch and decided being pulled under water at a high speed might not be the best idea. So instead, I opted for the first . I was worried about Ali tugging my weight around, but nevertheless, he was impressively strong and quick!
Before saying goodbye to Ali, we ended our time together with a water fight! Jose had us return to the edge of the pool and told us to playfully splash Ali as he swum by. What we didn’t realize was the brute force witch which Ali would do the same. A definite reminder of a dolphin’s strength, it was like being sprayed with a firehose!
When our session ended, we had the opportunity to review and purchase photo packages. For the safety of the dolphins you’re not allowed to bring cell phones or cameras into the facility, but staff take professional photos and videos you can buy. They’re a bit expensive, but they offer different packages in a range of affordability.
Overall, we had a really fun time at Cabo Adventures! Jose Luis was friendly and hilarious, and Nate and I could tell Sharon had a great time. And we absolutely adored Ali. It was an experience to remember!
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