A little over two months ago, I married my best friend (more pictures to come) and it was everything I dreamed it would be. Frank and I were married on the Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship in the Port of Long Beach. It was a small wedding as we were limited in the number of guests we could have, but it was beautiful! Following our wedding, we set sail for a seven day cruise to the Mexican Riviera, with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. It was an awesome trip!
One of our stops was in Puerto Vallarta and we had the opportunity to swim with the dolphins (an excursion you can purchase through Carnival Cruise). It was so awesome! Unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I was a little anxious at first because I wasn’t sure if it was going to be in the ocean or in a pool or what.
We departed from the cruise ship on a bus and headed to the location of the Dolphin Signature Swim. When we arrived, we headed to the dolphin pool and changed into our bathing suits. We had to take off all our jewelry (rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc) and put all our stuff in a free locker right next to where we were gonna be swimming. Then they gave us life jackets to put on and explained to us how the dolphin swim would work. Then it was time to get in the pool. I didn’t really think about it and had put my makeup on before heading to the Dolphin Swim, but it was all good. While some people dove in and did cannonballs, I sweetly slid into the pool and didn’t get my face or hair wet – ha ha!
Swimming with the dolphins was really fun! We each had a turn to hang on to the fins of the dolphins and they pulled us through the water across the pool. It was a lot of fun!!
Next, we got to pet them. I am amazed at how soft and smooth dolphins are! They regenerate new skin a few times a day and are basically one giant muscle. They are amazingly smart too!
Oh and then we got to kiss them – ha ha! Never done that before.
And what is swimming with the dolphins without dancing with them in the water, right? Ha ha – we did that too!
While we were in the water, we also had the opportunity to dive down with the dolphins. I was a little nervous (worrying about my makeup getting everywhere and holding my breath in the water), but I did it! The first time, I didn’t really take a long enough breath, so the second time, I really prepared myself. However, I think I prepared myself too long because while I was breathing in, we had already gone down into the water and I got a big huge gulp of salt water! I freaked out a little under the water and had a moment with that dolphin. You know like in the movie, “Bridesmaids,” when Megan said the dolphin looked into her eyes and saw her soul? Well, I had one of those moments. I think the dolphin saw the fear in my eyes (after all, have you ever started choking on water underwater) and immediately headed up so I could get a breath of air. It was a little scary with the big gulp, but overall an awesome experience!
After about 45 minutes in the water, it was time to get out and watch the dolphins put on a little show for us. They were so fun to watch! I was sad to say goodbye to them, but will always remember this awesome adventure of swimming with the dolphins with my amazing husband on our honeymoon to the Mexican Riviera!!!
We had an amazing time Swimming with the Dolphins in Puerto Vallarta on our honeymoon! Along with these pictures, we also purchased a video of our adventure. Check it out!
Have you ever been swimming with the dolphins? What shore excursions do you like to do when you go cruising?
Oh wow sounds like you two had the best time!
I especially like the dolphin pictures.
how awesome that must have been,they look so gentle,,this is something id like to do
I really enjoyed your video and pictures. This is something I have always wanted to do and now I want to do it even more. It looks like so much fun.
I have never been on a cruise, but I have swam with the Dolphins before, it was during my very first trip to Cancun Mexico, our hotel helped set it up and it was the best thing EVER! It is surprising just how smooth they feel. I wasn’t scared of them, but I didn’t like the little fish that were in there with them, they kept getting too close for comfort, LOL! When they let us pet their tummy we thought of puppies! LOL
What a cool experience that must have been! You guys look so happy 🙂
That would be so amazing! I love dolphins. They seem so friendly and affectionate.
They are so beautiful! It looks like a nice, clean facility. I swam with manta rays in the ocean, but never dolphins!
How friendly dolphins are! Swimming with dolphins is definitely on my bucket list. It looks so much fun!
I went swimming with dolphins a few years back and it was an experience I’ll never forget! I think everyone needs to experience it in their lifetime!
Thanks for sharing such great photos! Looks like you had a blast. This is on our bucket list for… someday:)
Wow, looks like an awesome experience! I would love to swim with dolphins.
You guys were able to get some great photos. I’ve never been swimming with dolphins like that!
What an amazing experience! It looks like you all had a wonderful time!
What a unique and memorable adventure! It still amazes me that dolphins are so insanely smart.
I’ve never gone swimming with dolphins (or danced with them, either). Congratulations on all of the exciting things you did with this cruise, including the wedding.
My bucket list includes swimming with dolphins. I am in love with how many awesome shots you got with them!
So cool! Dolphins are like people of the sea. Lol. They are so smart and friendly
What an amazing experience! I have always wanted to try this myself. Your pictures are fabulous!
This looks like so much fun. You captured some amazing pictures of this event. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I’m so envious. I would love to do this! I am a huge dolphin fan. This just looks like so much fun. You took some amazing pictures. I literally almost feel like I was there with you all. Thanks for sharing it so well.
This is absolutely amazing and something that I would just love to do. You look so happy Shannon!
This looks amazing! I am actually schedule to swim with the dolphins in Cancun next month myself…you made me so excited already you had a blast!!
This would be such an incredible experience! It looks like you all had a wonderful time!
Oh man! That looks like so much fun! I would love to swim with dolphins at some time.
What a cool experience! You’re so lucky!
What a cool experience! Definitely something you will always remember forever.
I’ve never done this. It’s been a dream of mine to go out into the ocean and swim around with a family of dolphins but alas no ocean or dolphins near me.
I would love to swim with dolphins. Looks like fun!!
This looks like it was so amazing. I have always wanted to swim with the dolphins. I am hoping to be able to do it in the next year or two.
In or out of the water, you take the best pictures…It’s that smile!! Congrats of your wedding. Swimming with dolphins is a dream of mine.
What a fun time it looks like you all had on your honeymoon. I love the photos, I have never seen dolphins before and would love this type of experience!
What an incredible adventure! Swimming with dolphins has been on my bucket list for a long time but we havent had the opportunity to.
Oh my gosh your pictures are beautiful! It looks like so much fun, that’s definitely something me and my husband would LOVE to do!
Great photos! My husband and I did the same thing on our honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas. So much fun!
We’re going on our 1st cruise this summer. This has always been a bucket list item for me and you bet I’ve signed us up already!! I totally can’t wait!
It looks so fun! I’d probably try to slink in all slow and cool so I didn’t mess up my hair as well LOL. Definitely looks like a trip to remember!
I’ve never been swimming with any animal. What a fantastic experience. Congratulations on your wedding!!
What a wonderful adventure, I’ve always wanted to swim with the dolphins, you got some great pics!
First may I wish you heartfelt congratulations to you and your husband on your recent marriage!! How wonderful. I think having you ceremony on board the ship and then going on your honeymoon is so romantic. I think dolphins are such amazing animals and I’ve always thought it would be amazing to “swim” with them. It looks like you both had a blast.
Congratulations on your marriage. I am so jealous that you got to swim with dolphins. It’s on my bucket list.