Winner of the World Travel Awards - Caribbean's Leading Adventure Excursion Operator 2012

Dolphin Cove is proud and honored to have been awarded the Caribbean's Leading Adventure Excursion Operator for the second year in a row by the World Travel Awards.

Mr. Stafford Burrowes CEO, in an interviewed expressed how proud and honored he was to accept this award on behalf of Dolphin Cove and gave credit to his well trained staff. 

For the full interview and pictures of the event please follow the link below:

http://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-caribbeans-leading-adventure-excursion-operator-2012

Dolphin Trek - A Fantastic Experience!

Experience the magic of interacting with dolphins in a whole new way.

Dolphin Cove's Dolphin Trek Experience allows you the opportunity to play with your fascinating dolphin friends on the sea floor!

With the well trained Dolphin Trek staff you always feel so safe!  The helmet has constant air circulating through it and makes you feel like an astronaut, discovering a whole new world!

Imagine walking along the bottom of the dolphin lagoon on a stone path, viewing colorful sea life along the way.  A well trained guide leads you on the excursion.

Enjoy the Sea Life!

 
A trainer then guides a dolphin to you.  You get to hold the dolphin and get a kiss or two (against your helmet).

Group Hug!

Belly Rub!

Interacting with dolphins this way, in the quiet of the under sea experience is so serene.  Even though you are under water with other guests, when the dolphin kisses you against your helmet you almost feel like it's just you and that amazing dolphin in the tranquility of the sea floor.

Experience the Tranquility

A wonderful experience not to be missed!!

I did it myself and had a blast.  The trainer actually commented that I never stopped smiling and looked like an excited child that had never seen a dolphin.   The secret is....that's exactly how I felt!

Too Excited!!

The Story of Misty

In April 2002, Dolphin Cove received a call from some local fishermen claiming that a young Dolphin was beached off the coast of the Island.  Within minutes our marine animal rescue team was mobilized and heading to the scene to see if there was anything that could be done to assist the animal.  On arrival, the rescuers found a sad scene it was a young dolphin, possibly a year old, very thin and only 4 feet long beached on the shore.  Efforts were made to locate if the pod was nearby but there were no signs.  The team made several attempts to take the animal to deeper waters and release her in hope that maybe she was beached by accident, but it became apparent after the dolphin continued to beach herself that she was much too weak to be left behind.

The rescuers brought the young animal back to Dolphin Cove, placing her in a natural lagoon but isolated from the other Dolphins.  Our consultant marine veterinarians, tops of their field, were called and were quickly en route to Jamaica to assist in the rescue.  

Head Trainer performing basic husbandry procedures

 

 

"April" after being transported to Dolphin Cove

After being examined by the veterinarian, the dolphin now dubbed “April” (because of the month that she was rescued in) was given only a 20% chance of survival.  Regardless of these odds the owners and operators of this family run park, Mr. and Mrs. Stafford and Marilyn Burrowes, insisted on doing everything in their power to give April, who had quickly captured their hearts and the hearts of their employees, the best chance of survival.

April was found to have ulcers in both her mouth and stomach and was unable to eat or digest her food properly; she was fed through a tube a liquid fish diet and given medication to help with her condition.  It was a long road to recovery but April was strong and under the vigilant 24 hour care of the vets and animal rescuers she was soon showing a vast sign of improvement.

Animal Rescuers and Dolphin Trainers ensure that "April" is released gently into Dolphin Cove's natural lagoon

April was soon jumping the fences of her isolation area to interact with the other dolphins, imitating their behaviors including trained behaviors such as dance, tail present and tail walk all on her own.   

She loved the sessions with the trainers and her time with the other dolphins and quickly integrated herself as a member of their pod, capturing the hearts of her pod as quickly as she had captured the hearts of her handlers. 

"April" playing with other Dolphins at Dolphin Cove

After much deliberation, the vets and animal specialists ruled that due to her need for ongoing medical treatment and her obvious attachment to her new pod, April would be unable to be returned to the wild and survive.  Dolphin Cove was granted the permit to keep April as part of their family.

Mr. and Mrs. Burrowes had four sons but had said that if they had ever had a daughter; Misty would have been her name.  So it seemed only fit that April be officially named Misty.

Mr. and Mrs. Stafford and Marilyn Burrowes and their precious Dolphins at Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Misty continues to bring joy and happiness to the hearts of all who meet her.  She is now a healthy 8.5 feet in length and 330 pounds. 

 

One of the greatest stories of Misty here at Dolphin Cove was when we were visited by a seven year old girl who was autistic, she had never spoken a word and during her kiss with Misty she spoke for the first time, two words: “Dolphin! Misty!”  Immediately invoking tears from all who were lucky enough to witness such a miracle including other guests, the child’s parents, teacher and the dolphin trainers. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Misty is truly a unique and amazing animal, loved by all, and definitely a gift from heaven.

Misty "the heart" of Dolphin Cove

Dolphin Cove Negril

Nestled right on the coast near the town of Lucea you will find Dolphin Cove, Negril; surrounded by beauty and overlooking the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. 

Rolling Hills to the Back....

....Beautiful Caribbean Sea in the front!

Dolphin Cove, Negril is home to our family of beautiful Bottlenose Dolphins, 2 gentle camels, 2 nurse sharks, 4 stingrays (barbs clipped) and a family of flamboyantly colored peacocks.

Meet our Dolphins!

Proud Father

Happy Mother and her Babies

Pet and play with Sharks!

Guests will enjoy petting the camels and interacting with the stingrays.  There is also a lovely beach area right in front of the stingray lagoon where guests can relax on complimentary beach chairs. 

Camel pet!

Interacting with stingrays!

Our touch tank is filled with exotic sea creatures, like lobsters, sea urchins, star fish and more ... kids in particular love to be able to interact with these fascinating animals. 

There are so many exciting plans for the future of Dolphin Cove, Negril including a lazy river ending at a beautiful beach!  (shhhhh...that's a secret! but too exciting to keep quiet!)

We hope to see you all soon in beautiful Dolphin Cove Negril!

Leaping dolphins!

Plan your perfect wedding day! Feb 18-19th, 2012

"Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale"

- Anonymous

Dolphin Cove is the most amazing setting for the most romantic day of your life, whether it be an unforgettable proposal or a fairy tale wedding.  

This weekend, February 18th-19th, 2012, join us at the Wyndham, Kingston, Jamaica, for the Wyndham Wedding Spectacular.  Everything you need to plan your perfect day all in one location, with fantastic prizes to be won!

See you there!

Dolphin Cove - Share in the Love this Valentine's Day!

Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty.  She is the mother to Eros, commonly known as Cupid. 

Aphrodite is said to be born from the Sea Foam.  Her symbols include Doves, Swans, Roses and Dolphins. 

Aphrodite

It is no wonder then that Dolphins have always been associated with love.  This Valentine's Day Dolphin Cove wishes to share this love with a very special promotion, starting from February 11th -14th, 2012.

We hope to see you all as we celebrate love this Valentine's Day, 2012.

Happy Valentine's Day! From our family to yours!

Feel the Love!!

Sea Keeper Program - Be a Trainer for the Day!

Imagine waking up in a tropical Island and heading to Dolphin Cove for an experience like no other.

When you chose to be a Sea Keeper you are choosing to spend the day working alongside top Dolphin Trainers and sharing in their love for these amazing Mammals.

You will assist in food preparation and Dolphin feeding sessions. 

The trainers will explain to you the hand signals that they use to communicate with the dolphins and then you will have the opportunity to use the signals you have learned to ask the Dolphins to perform behaviors; allowing you to experience dolphins in a totally new way.

While working in the Sea Keeper program you will also have the be working with sharks and stingrays, widening your appreciation for all the creatures of the Sea.

Dolphin Cove offers two Sea Keeper programs:

A 4 hour program which includes: A whistles, Notebook, Sea Keeper Certificate, 1 5X7 Photo and a Soda/Drink.

And

An 8 hour program which includes: All of the 4 hour program details, Lunch, Encounter Swim Program and a Program DVD.

At the end of the day you will receive a Sea Keeper Certificate to keep as a memento of your day as a Dolphin Trainer.

Who knows maybe these few hours amongst these wonderful creatures and amazing Animal Professional will start you on the path to a brand new career!

Wyndham Wedding Spectacular - Feb. 18-19, 2012

The Wyndham in Kingston Jamaica is having a fantastic Wedding Spectacular on February 18-19th, 2012 at the Grande Independence Ballroom, Wyndham Kingston, Jamaica.

This event will feature many top wedding locations, top designers, photographers, and more!

A "must attend" event for anyone planning a wedding in Jamaica.

Among the gate prizes will include 5 nights at any Wynham Resort and a Designer Gown by Nandi Chin, a top designer, who in June 2011, was the winner of Bride’s Magazine’s Operation Dream Wedding Dress competition.

Nandi Chin's creation is featured on this cover of Brides Magazine

 Please be sure to drop by and visit Dolphin Cove's booth which is one of the top wedding locations in Jamaica. 

Dolphin Cove, where every wedding is a fairy tale come true!

This could be your wedding photo!

Tickets on Sale at Wyndham Kingston and Kerry, Man Woman Home.

Hope to see you there!

Get a Hug from an Iguana!

Do you love Iguana's? 

If you don't, you will after your visit to Dolphin Cove. 

Dolphin Cove has the most cuddly .... If it is at all possible ... Iguanas that you will ever meet. 

The Iguana's at Dolphin Cove lounge over your shoulder as if they were babies.  Anyone who thinks reptiles can't be loving, obviously don't know Dolphin Cove's Reptiles.

"The key is to treat them like they were your own children", one of the Dolphin Cove reptile handlers explained, "if you love them and care from them like they were your own babies, they will respond with trust and love."  Beautiful words and a testament to the love and dedication all the Dolphin Cove handlers have for the animals under their care.

The Iguanas at Dolphin Cove are fed on a diet of vegetables and fruits.  They receive daily visits from the in house vet and a lot of love from their handlers. 

So make sure you visit Dolphin Cove's reptiles and get a great big hug from one of these misunderstood and super loving creatures!

Beta - Our Mischievous Dolphin!

Beta is one of our beautiful Dolphins here at Dolphin Cove. 

She always has a mischievous look in her eye and is so very smart!

Too Cool!

"Can you do this?"

When she is not hanging with her best friend Cometa ....which is normally very funny as they look like two old ladies gossiping as they swim practically "fin" in "fin"...you'll normally find her chasing fish and searching for treasures at the bottom of her natural lagoon.

Beta and her BFF Cometa

End of their program DC superstars and BFFs jump together

Just to show how smart this girl is...the trainers actually started rewarding her for bringing different objects that may have drifted in with the tide and settled at the bottom of the lagoon to help keep the lagoon clean.

Beta actually started hiding objects and bringing them up when she felt like being rewarded.  One such object was a garbage bag that a trainer had in his kayak, Beta managed to steal the bag from the kayak and hide it in the bottom of the lagoon.  She was asked to retrieve it but instead of bringing the entire bag (thereby getting only one reward) she would tear the bag one small piece at a time and hand it to the trainer .... getting multiple rewards. 

As much as the trainers searched they could not find her little hiding place and so had to wait until she had completely torn the bag and brought it back piece by piece.  This took almost a week.

Months later after a trainers gold necklace went missing .... the trainers did eventually find Beta's hiding place under a large rock....and stuffed in a hole below the rock ...was a snorkeling mask, some keys, a couple ship cards that had dropped into the lagoon and the trainers gold necklace.

Beta still has her special hiding spot but has since moved the location....again leaving the handlers in the dark about her secret place.

Beta is a unique Dolphin with a unique personality and a mischievous heart that only makes her handlers and the staff of Dolphin Cove love her more and you will too!

Beautiful Beta in her first modelling gig!

A Dolphin Cove Myth - "El Fantasma"

Dolphin Cove has been open since 2001 and ever since the opening their has been stories of mysterious sightings of a Dolphin swimming along the outside of the dolphin lagoon.  Before anyone can take a picture, or even go near him, he disappears without a trace.

Phone calls have come in over the years from fishermen in Runaway Bay, 20 minutes West of Dolphin Cove, and Tower Isle, 20 minutes East of Dolphin Cove, of this lone Dolphin who wreaks havoc on the fishes in their fishing zone.

All sightings have given a description of a large dolphin with a white patch on his back that travels alone.

The Dolphin handlers, at Dolphin Cove, believe him to be a male as on his occasional visits all of the older females exhibit signs of coming on heat....perhaps he is very cute!!

He has been affectionately named, El Fantasma (a Spanish word meaning The Ghost), due to the fact that no one is able to come close to him without him vanishing.

Will we ever be able to come close enough to take a picture of this elusive Dolphin?  He really does seem to enjoy his occasional and random visits to drive our females wild!

On your next visit keep on the look out, just beyond the Dolphin Lagoon, maybe you will be the lucky one to finally get a picture of El Fantasma!

Dolphin Babies!

Dolphin Cove has been blessed to have five healthy and beautiful babies born in their breeding program. 

Dolphins have a gestation period of 12 months and will lactate for 18 months.

Dolphin babies known as "calves" are born tail first and are approximately 39–53 in length, weighing 22–44 lbs. 

The calf once born usually sinks to the bottom as it is not able to swim yet, the mother quickly lifts her calf to the surface for it's first breath and then spends about 3 minutes teaching the dolphin to swim; which it quickly learns....even though it looks a bit clumsy for a while.

In caring for her calf, a mother dolphin stays close by and attentively directs the calf's movements. The calf is carried in the mother's "slip stream," the hydrodynamic wake that develops as the mother swims.

Calves nurse under water, a process that takes approximately 15 - 30 seconds.  The mother's milk is more like a gel, allowing the baby to get a great deal in a very short period of time. 

Dolphins are also born with a mustache (tiny hairs on their upper rostrum (mouth)), one of the major characteristics of a mammal.  This mustache helps the calf in breast feeding and will eventually fall out.

Dolphin Cove truly loves their babies and it is amazing to watch as the handlers night after night perform their vigilant 24 hour watches, with the veterinarian checking in constantly, just to ensure that the babies and mothers receive the best postnatal care.

Stingray Interaction! - Don't Be Afraid.

There is a great deal of fear associated with swimming with stingrays, but at Dolphin Cove there is nothing to fear.

The well trained stingrays have had their barbs removed, humanely, by Dolphin Cove's in house marine veterinarian. 

It is like cutting a finger nail and does not hurt the animal.  In fact the Stingrays at Dolphin Cove do this behavior voluntarily, (meaning aside from a handler supporting the animal on the surface of the water, the stingray is not restrained).

By removing this barb, guests are now free to enjoy the wonder and beauty of these misunderstood creatures without fear of being harmed.

When beginning your stingray interaction, you are first placed on a floating platform and given some information about these amazing creatures.  The highly trained handler will pass the stingray along the platform allowing all guests participating to feel how soft and smooth the skin of the stingray really is; truthfully it kind of feels like a giant mushroom!

The guests are then invited to enter the lagoon individually, as a couple or as a family, to hold the large stingray all on their own. 

You will be amazed at how relaxed the stingrays are as you hold and pet these beautiful creatures.  

After your alone time with your new found friend.  The handler then fits you with a mask, snorkel and snorkeling vest and allows you to snorkel freely in the stingray lagoon. 

You will see these creatures in a whole new light as you watch them gliding gracefully and peacefully by you. 

...but the stingrays are not alone! Their natural lagoon is home to a variety of sea creatures that come and go, lobsters, sea slugs, squid, octopus and a variety of colorful, tropical fish.  You will, however, see very few conch as the stingrays find them DE-LI-CIOUS!

Trust me, you will have a new understanding and appreciation for these fascinating creatures when your stingray encounter comes to an end.