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Wet & Wild: Travel Ideas & Activities for
Dolphin Enthusiasts Things to do while on
vacation Things to do while on vacation Read the Fine Print. You’re headed to the vacation destination of your dreams. Exotic wildlife, breathtaking scenery and adventure await you around every corner. You want to see and do it all, so you book a spot on some guided excursions that promise to deliver the natural experiences you seek. But do these tour outfits really hold the same values that you do to protect natural resources and tread lightly? Look beyond the brochure. Don’t be afraid to ask for qualifications and references. Business reporting organizations (like the U.S.’s Better Business Bureau), tourism offices and environmental protection groups can help. Take to the High Seas.
Wild dolphin and whale watching expeditions give you a front row seat
as these aquatic acrobats put on a show in their own backyard. You’re
bound to see some wild antics as dolphins hitch a ride along the bow of
your boat, chase a fish clear out of the water or just frolic with pod
mates. Don’t forget your camera!
A novel approach…helping dolphins while on vacation! Research and conservation organizations are now combining business with pleasure. Instead of spending your vacation poolside, why not participate in a dolphin population study, observe the habits of wild dolphin pods or pitch in during a beach cleanup operation? You can visit exotic destinations (or stay close to home), have fun and help dolphins all at the same time. Some popular and well-regarded eco-travel companies
include: Just for Kids.
Make your family's summer vacation both fun and educational. At "sea
camp," kids learn about the ocean and its inhabitants through exciting,
hands-on experiences. But be sure to choose a camp that is truly animal
friendly. Some theme parks and aquariums also offer day camps and longer
programs for kids that involve keeping dolphins and other marine mammals
in captivity. Remember, the only true education about dolphins comes from
witnessing them in their natural habitat interacting with other dolphins
and living their lives in the wild. Cast your vote for Cetacean-Free by only visiting
aquariums and parks that don't keep marine mammals captive!
In North America, more than 6-dozen aquariums do not keep captive dolphins
or whales as part of their exhibits. And this list is growing every day.
Before you plan your next visit to an aquarium call ahead to make sure
that they don't keep dolphins captive as part of their display. Through this film and others, you will learn about
and witness dolphins foraging, communicating, interacting with other dolphins,
and living their lives as a celebration in the deep blue ocean. Why not
organize a movie night for your kids and your friends with dolphins as
your theme? There's a gold mine at your fingertips…tap
into it! Explore the Internet for sites
relating to dolphins, whales and other cetaceans. Many sites offer Real
Time videos of dolphins in the wild or being rehabilitated at stranding
centers. Learn about the biology and the behavior of wild dolphins, the
controversy surrounding keeping them in captivity and the threats to their
survival. Eavesdrop on dolphins' private conversations!
Ever wondered how dolphins communicate with each other and what they sound
like? Well, now you can get a bit closer to understanding them by visiting
some cool sites on the Internet that have links for Real Time movies of
dolphins and dolphin sound files. Take Action! Get active by sponsoring a beach-clean up in your state so you can help protect dolphins by saving their environment. Follow these links for information: When you're tired from all of
your adventures…curl up on the couch with a good book.
There are countless books about dolphins and the captivity industry so
take a trip to your local library or bookstore and go crazy! Suggestions offered in this fact sheet are not meant to be endorsements for organizations, websites or materials not specifically related to Wild For Dolphins and should be used as a reference only.
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