Getting to know an animal in their natural habitat is one of life's rare pleasures, and an experience that will ensure your kids become lifelong conservationists. Find out about swimming with dolphins programs.

Getting to know an animal in its natural habitat is a fantasy many parents share with their children. But short of becoming a Jane Goodall or Diane Fossey, swimming with a dolphin is as close as most of us will get.

My first adventure with dolphins was 10 years ago at Theater of the Sea (305/664-2431) in Isla Morada, Florida Keys, a time before animal rights activists began to decry the commercialization of these ventures. The dolphin experience begins with a 20 minute orientation and lecture on dolphin habits and biology, then 20-30 minutes in life vests and snorkels romping with the dolphins in a 300 square foot lagoon. Of course, the dolphins were much better and faster swimmers, and teased us incessantly by swimming underneath and tickling us with their dorsal fins. The excellent trainer then signaled them to "tow" us each around the lagoon by letting us hold onto their fins. They also performed their amazing feats, including walking backwards on their hind legs, and jumping and twirling à la Flipper. It was, and remains, an unforgettable experience. This program is offered year-round and costs $175/PP. Ages 3+ may participate, but kids under 7 need a parent to accompany them.

Dolphin Encounters

More recently, on Nassau Paradise Island (1-800-Atlantis), I had the good fortune to share a non-swimming dolphin splash program with my 5-year-old son and about a dozen adults and children (ages 4 and up). Following Hurricane Katrina the dolphins at the Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi were displaced, and 16 were rescued by the Atlantis Dolphin Cay. The dolphin encounters last for 90-120 minutes, with 30 of those minutes spent in the water. The trainer assured us the dolphins only came within the confines of their pier structure when they chose to, swimming freely in the lagoon otherwise. He then led us in small groups onto an underwater platform so we could meet the dolphin. We had the pleasure of interacting with 22-year-old Jake, who swam over to be petted on his smooth, leathery back, then on his bluish pink tummy, before swimming over to his next client. The persuasive trainer convinced all the adults to hold a "fish reward" between their teeth, so Jake could stretch up and remove it while brushing our chins with poky whiskers. He played some more, stood upright and applauded all of us, then proceeded to swim in circles slapping his tail against the water until all of us were drenched. Needless to say, kids and adults were delighted, and even Jake seemed to have a good time, judging by the way he wistfully hung around the pier as we left.

How and Where

Dolphin swims have come full circle in PC terms. What was once a primitive, if exploitive, vacation adventure is now sold as a "spiritual healing" technique that is also supposed to promote life-long interest in environmental conservation. Any way you look at it, it is great fun. Although 10-13 years of age and strong swimming skills are prerequisite for all 'swim with a dolphin' programs, even small children will love a 'dolphin encounter' held in shallow water or on a pier.

Rates range from about $100-$175 for dolphin encounters and swimming with the dolphins. All programs include a more-or-less educational introduction to the animals, plus how-to information about marine conservation, environmental awareness, and follow-up action.

Safety

The Humane Society of the United States recommends the following precautions to make sure your swimming with dolphin experience is safe for all:

• Demand adequate care and conditions for dolphins, like requiring large pool size and feeding them restaurant-quality fish
• Insist on the provision of refuge areas, where dolphins can go at will if they do not want to interact with people
• Insist on limited working hours for the dolphins
• Demand low swimmer-to-dolphin ratios (no more than two persons per dolphin)