Anthony's Key Resort (AKR)
is the home of the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS), a
complete marine laboratory and educational facility for the study
of dolphins and other marine creatures. Located right on the resort
property, this facility provides easy and convenient access to a
wide range of dolphin experiences.
Dolphin
Orientation
Before snorkeling or diving with the dolphins, guests are
introduced to the dolphins at the main facility, while the trainer
provides a pre-dive orientation on how to behave with dolphins.
Guests have an opportunity to touch, stroke and pat the animals
while learning the basics of dolphin courtesy.
Dolphin Greeting
When the guests arrive at the dolphin snorkeling facility, the
trainer first greets the dolphins as a matter of courtesy. Each
trainer is entrusted with the personal care and feeding of two
specific dolphins. There are a total of 19 dolphins at AKR and each
has its own name.
Dolphin
Introduction
Guests are introduced to the dolphins in small groups while the
trainer provides positive reinforcement with a dolphin snack. Since
dolphins love to eat, they associate the newly arrived guests as
being a good thing.
Dolphin
Snorkeling
Guests have an opportunity to
snorkel with the dolphins for a period of 45 minutes as they tour
the snorkeling facility and observe the playful antics of these
highly intelligent, creative creatures.
Dolphin at Sea
The dolphin scuba dive takes place in the open sea about one-half
mile from the resort. It begins with the arrival of the dolphin
boat. The dolphin patiently wait on the surface as the trainer
gears up in scuba and the guests dive to the sandy floor, 50 feet
below.
Dolphin Play
Once everyone is acquainted, the dolphin will begin to play with
the trainer. It is a spontaneous interaction between dolphin and
diver. Quite often the dolphin will race away, beyond the limit of
visibility, and then suddenly return to resume play. This dolphin
interaction continues for 30 minutes.
Dolphin Jump
At the conclusion of the dolphin scuba dive, the dolphin will often
make a graceful surface jump as a way of saying thank you. The
dolphin enjoy the scuba dive experience just as much as do the
divers.
Dolphin Discovery Camp
AKR operates a Dolphin Discovery Camp for children ages 5 to 14.
During a week long program, the children learn about bottlenose
dolphin and have an opportunity to interact with these creatures on
several occasions. As always, the interaction begins with an
introduction at the institute's floating raft.
Swimming With Dolphins
After introduction the children, dressed in floatation
jackets, enter the water and swim with the dolphins. The kids are
accompanied by a trainer who explains what the dolphins are doing
and how to act with them.
Dolphin Tummy Rub
The dolphin trainer has the dolphins roll over on their back, so
the children can rub their tummy and learn how incredibly friendly
these creatures can be.
Dolphin-speak
If we could understand what these dolphin squeaks and clicks
mean, we would probably learn that the dolphin is saying ''come
back to AKR and play with me.''
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