DOLPHIN CAY ATLANTIS

In the Atlantis Paradise Island complex, the Dolphin Cay attraction adds to the world's largest open-air aquarium and welcomes you in a serene, almost intimate atmosphere at the edge of its pools. In 2005, the Gulfport Oceanarium in Mississippi was completely destroyed after Hurricane Katrina. Fourteen dolphins, twenty-six sea lions and a seal were left to fend for themselves. Domesticated and without any hunting skills, they had to be helped by volunteers. The first dolphins were placed in a back-up pool, the others in hotel pools and the sea lions in the home of an oceanarium specialist. Then transferred to Seaworld Park in Orlando temporarily, some were repatriated here in Atlantis. Today about forty dolphins and a few sea lions are waiting for you for a swim supervised by pros. This team of specialists dedicated to these mammals is also in charge of the largest underwater wildlife rescue and care center in the Bahamas. This experience can be enjoyed with the whole family since you can walk up to your waist. It begins with an awareness lesson with the projection of a video (in English) and ends with half an hour of intimate interaction. The program also includes a meeting with sea lions. Visitors are provided with wetsuits, lockers and the possibility of staying for the day on the artificial beach surrounding the pool.