Parasailing and Dolphins

see all photos »

One of the reasons I wanted to go to Mexico was to swim with dolphins. Some day I'll swim with wild ones, but for now I had to find a reputable place to do it. I chose Vallarta Adventures, a company that also offers canopy tours, jeep safaris, snorkeling tours, whale watching tours, and more. They have a good reputation and from what I experienced are well-organized with good customer service and a helpful staff.  Our dolphin swim leader seemed to genuinely love the animals and was a friendly, down-to-earth guy from, funnily enough, northern California!

see all photos »

HOWEVER, despite the above, I really didn't enjoy the dolphin swim. Once I saw the pool and the dolphins I felt a deep ache inside and knew I was supporting something that didn't sit well with my beliefs.  It broke my heart to see those loving, intelligent, beautiful creatures living as captives in a pretty small pool. Though we had to shower before getting in, I know that wasn't enough to get all the thick layers of sunblock and make-up off our tourist skins, and many people were wearing jewelry even though the literature suggested they shouldn't because it can nick the skin or eyes of the dolphins as we ride on them.  Also, the dolphins' lives are hard work! They do trick after trick, jumping through the air and carrying heavy humans on their backs through the water (yes, they're strong, but still, this has to get old day after day).  The pairs do rotate, but I asked about their schedules and during busy season (November through April) they work literally all day long, with group after group back to back filing into the water. During the off-season they have it better, but there are still days that they'll get huge cruise tours or other events that keep them busy.  The trainer who lead us expressed his frustration with this schedule for the dolphins, and, I imagine, himself as well. But it is a business and they want to make a profit as all businesses do.  I wasn't entirely sure about my doubtful feelings at the time, just that I didn't like the fact that these animals had to work for our entertainment.  Since this dolphin encounter, I've done more research about the impact of dolphin swims and centers like these, and it's really not pretty.  If you're interested in this topic, check out these links: Swimming with Dolphins, Dolphin Encounters Present Ethical Questions,  Both Sides of the Debate:  Pros and Cons of Dolphin Swims.  And a hopeful organization: The Dolphin Project.

Now, as for parasailing (as you can see by the pictures here), it is a fantastic water activity for anyone who likes to be up in the air! I've done skydiving, hot air balloons, and have also been parasailing before and it's just a gentle, safe way to float through the air.  Sure it gets your heart pumping since you're high above the ocean, but unlike skydiving there's no face-melting freefall. Try it!