Rather than
sign up at
AKR to
snorkel with
d o l p h i n s
($65) or scuba with dolphins ($75), I enrolled in the
two-day Dolphin Specialty Course for $160. Classes
are scheduled around dive times, so I only missed
one regular dive.
The first afternoon I learned about dolphin physiology
and anatomy, information mainly contained in
the attractive paperback text I received as part of the
course. The next morning the other student and I
went with the instructor to close by Bailey’s Key,
where one phase of the dolphin encounters occurs.
There we met and examined the three resident
adult dolphins while their two adolescent calves (all
conceived and born at the institute) frolicked around us.
That evening we had another illustrated lecture
about dolphin intelligence, learning and social
behavior (they hang out with each other like
teenagers). And the following afternoon we practiced
issuing commands that, amazingly, the dolphins
understood and carried out, including the
exciting final ride.
It’s a new course, started in November, and I recommend
it heartily. Julio Galindo, the owner of
Anthony’s Key, has been instrumental in establishing
a marine sanctuary on the Northwest side of Roatan,
and the Institute is largely his creation.
Whatever one may think of the capture and training
of dolphins, it is clear that these creatures are
thoroughly enjoying life!