On this Swim with Dolphins in the Wild Mazatlan Excursion, you will have the opportunity to not only observe, and possibly swim alongside, these wonderful wild dolphins in their natural habitat, but you will also be contributing to research and conservation projects as you will be accompanied by experienced biologists and naturalists as they collect data.
This fun and informative Mazatlan Dolphin Shore Excursion will begin when you meet with your friendly, English speaking shore excursion guide just outside your Mazatlan cruise ship pier. Then you can step into your air-conditioned transportation for a 15-minute ride to the marina where you will meet the dolphin excursion captain and crew. Climb aboard your boat and you're off for a wild dolphin adventure cruise excursion of a lifetime!
Your professional wild dolphin swim excursion staff will also be more than willing to answer questions about the dolphin world since that is one of their primary goals, educating folks in a fun way about the wonders, and the delicate balance, of the marine environment.
Since everyone's safety and comfort, including the dolphins, is of primary concern, children must be at least 12 years of age and accompanied by an adult to enter the water with the dolphin pod. Children 6-11 can come along as well, but they will observe from the boat and need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
You will be entertained by outstanding commentary about the local Mazatlan marine ecosystem and learn from the experts about the life of a dolphin in the wild, which can actually live 40 plus years. During the dolphin swim excursion itself, the crew will be taking photographs of the dolphins and their markings, collect data and will deploy hydrophones that will allow everyone to eavesdrop on the complex dolphin whistles that are used for communication between pod members.
Then, depending on the sea conditions, you will enter the water to swim along with the wild dolphins. Dolphins are highly intelligent, family oriented, and very playful. You might have the pleasure of seeing these agile creatures spy-hop (rise vertically to view surroundings), or they might follow your dolphin swim excursion boat to conserve energy, known as bow-riding. They also use what is known as echolocation, similar to bats, which is a type of radar system that allows them to know their surroundings including both predators and prey. Knowing you had the opportunity to observe, possibly swim with the Mazatlan dolphins in the wild, and contribute to research makes for a great day, but there's more.
Once your amazing wild dolphin swim shore excursion comes to an end, you will be taken to some great snorkeling locations at both Venados (Deer) and Pajaros (Bird) Islands. On the way through the Bay of Mazatlan to the snorkeling sites, there is always a good chance of close encounters with other fascinating marine life like sea turtles, sea lions, manta rays, and a great diversity of marine and coastal birds. Once you reach the first site, the crew will demonstrate the included snorkeling gear and assist you with both putting it on and entering the water. You will then enjoy a guided snorkeling experience to view the diverse life that is under the surface. You will see coral, sponges, and a wide variety of tropical fish. Once your first snorkel is completed, the boat will move to the next. When you have finished the snorkel, the staff will assist you back on board the boat.
Then it's time to sit back, relax and enjoy a traditional torta (Mexican sandwich) along with seasonal fruit and bottled water, or a soft drink on the boat. Once your Mazatlan Wild Dolphin Swim Excursion comes to an end, you will be returned to your Mazatlan cruise ship pier terminal.
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