The Stylish Traveler
I’ve kissed a Dolphin before (and plenty of frogs) but smooch a sea lion? I pass.
Even though he is adorable and clearly interested in taking things to the next level, I can’t get past the whiskers of my gentle new friend at Dolphin Cay Atlantis in Paradise Island.
Let’s just say I’m not into facial hair.
While we don’t exchange so much as an air kiss, his big blues definitely capture my heart at this huge habitat devoted to marine life. Dolphin Cay became his ‘home’ when Hurricane Katrina made him homeless.
Our trip to Paradise Island started out as a luxe beach and golf escape to The Cove, a snazzy all-suite hotel where every room has an ocean view. (What’s not to like?)
While it’s part of the massive Atlantis complex, the hotel is set apart, a sophisticated alternative to the more family-oriented hotels and activities that are a short shuttle ride or pleasant walk away.
I didn’t plan to set foot in the ‘touristy’ attractions but after my brief encounter with this sea lion, I’m hooked. Let’s just say it was love at first sight.
Even though I read plenty about Atlantis and experienced dolphin encounters elsewhere, I wasn’t prepared for the enormity of the place. Or the attention to detail. Or how much fun a visit would be.
Dolphin Cay Atlantis is the world’s largest open air marine habitat, home to over 50,000 marine animals and 250 species in 14 lagoons containing eight million gallons of water. We spend an afternoon ogling 100 lionfish, over 150 sharks, brilliantly colored tropical fish, iridescent jellyfish and a tank filled with 750 lobsters.
Over 20 dolphins live in seven inter-connected pools that mimic what marine life would be like in the wild thanks to a constant change in surroundings and seasonal change in temperature.
In addition to comfy accommodations for all marine life, the place has two state-of-the-art fish hospitals and ‘restaurant quality seafood’ for its sea creatures. But if the habitat becomes too confining for any of them they are released back into the wild.
I want to try one of several dolphin, stingray or sea lion experiences including “trainer for a day” which means I could spend 7 hours with a trainer and marine specialist working all day long with the marine animals.
Sadly, we run out of time but there’s always next time.
Paradise Island is a short non-stop AirTran flight from BWI.
We’ll be back.
For more information:
http://www.atlantis.com/thingstodo/dolphincay.aspx
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