My children have had the opportunity to participate in another dolphin swim program (Bahamas) and the Seaquarium program was a costly ($800) disappointment. The staff that was to initially greet us was late (no fun to wait in the heat and humidity of a Miami summer), and while we all kept asking when the program was going to get started, only the gentleman at the front gate seemed to show the slightest bit of interest. When the staff finally arrived, we were given a quick tour of some of the Seaquarium venues. It was noisy and the guide spoke softly and so fast that she was hard to understand. Most of the group didn't hear the presentation because they were lagging behind as they fought their way through the crowds. The actual orientation seemed more focused on getting waivers signed and ""pitching"" the photo packages then in providing any education on dolphins and their habitat. By the time we finally got in the water, everything was rushed since the trainers wanted to get the program in before it started to rain, so the experience really consisted of riding a boogie board while being pushed by a dophin to one end of the ""pool"" and then being dragged back by a dolphin to the other end of the pool. There was very little interaction with the dolphins. In the other swim programs, you don't stand on a dock in waist deep water, but are actually giving life vests so you're in the water with the dophins. In the other program, you're interacting with the dolphins throughout the entire time you are in the water. If this experience at the Seaquarium wasn't so expensive, it would have been laughable. The only people who could possible say that this was a great experience are people who have never had the opportunity to experience a ""real"" swim program! Pass on the Seqaurium and check out one of the other swim programs available!
Pros: Most convenient Swim Program to Ft. Lauderdale
Cons: Expensive, disappointing, the facility is run down, the staff is apathetic
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