Cove

This popular cove, adjacent to Dunn’s River Falls along the A3, allows you to swim with bottlenose dolphins. Three dolphin packages are offered, notably ‘Swim with Dolphins, ’ which grants you 30 minutes in the dolphin lagoon. Professional trainers direct the sociable dolphins, who display an almost goofy desire to please. For the most expensive experience, the thrill-seeker grabs the dorsal fins of two dolphins and is lifted from the water. Even more adventurous visitors can touch and feed sharks – under the Cove’s watchful supervision. And if direct contact doesn’t appeal, basic admission includes an aquarium and pools with tropical fish, sharks, stingrays and eels, as well as a mini zoo with exotic species to be experienced on a ‘Jungle Trail.’ If the prices don’t deter you from visiting, you should also consider the wellbeing of the dolphins. The Jamaica Environmental Trust (JET; www.jamentrust.org) opposes the display of captive marine mammals, as mortality rates increase during capture, transport and captivity. The trade and harvesting of wild dolphins also has an adverse impact on local populations (most of the ones on display in Jamaica were captured in Cuban waters). At the time of writing, JET has been trying to ensure proper governmental oversight of the facility and prevent another dolphinarium, proposed near Lucea. Reservations are advisable in winter. Bring a towel and leave your jewelry at the hotel.