February 1998

Vol. 13, No. 2     What's this?

AKR Dolphin Specialty Course

from the February, 1998 issue of Undercurrent  

Rather than sign up at AKR to snorkel with d o l p h i n s ($65) or scuba with dolphins ($75), I enrolled in the two-day Dolphin Specialty Course for $160. Classes are scheduled around dive times, so I only missed one regular dive.

The first afternoon I learned about dolphin physiology and anatomy, information mainly contained in the attractive paperback text I received as part of the course. The next morning the other student and I went with the instructor to close by Bailey’s Key, where one phase of the dolphin encounters occurs. There we met and examined the three resident adult dolphins while their two adolescent calves (all conceived and born at the institute) frolicked around us.

That evening we had another illustrated lecture about dolphin intelligence, learning and social behavior (they hang out with each other like teenagers). And the following afternoon we practiced issuing commands that, amazingly, the dolphins understood and carried out, including the exciting final ride.

It’s a new course, started in November, and I recommend it heartily. Julio Galindo, the owner of Anthony’s Key, has been instrumental in establishing a marine sanctuary on the Northwest side of Roatan, and the Institute is largely his creation.

Whatever one may think of the capture and training of dolphins, it is clear that these creatures are thoroughly enjoying life!