Swimming With Frida

Common misconception, swimming with dolphins is only for children!  I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive when Frida, a dainty 8 foot, 785 pound dolphin nosed close for an introductory kiss. She reeked of mackerel; however, her playful nature quickly won me over. My dolphin encounter left me transfixed and craving another hour in the tank.

Knowledgeable trainers introduce you to a gentle, friendly dolphin in a shallow water pool. The encounter begins with a soft touch to her smooth skin, reward her with a fish and continue the amazing interaction of play and swimming. Frida clicked her approval and nuzzled me for more fish! Beautiful and intelligent creatures, an up close personal interaction is beyond thrilling. A learning experience in a well-managed park introduces the general public to these bright creatures.

Most people don’t have an opportunity to witness Bottlenose dolphins in the wild. The unique opportunity to observe and learn in the protected sanctuary of these centers, directly with live animals increases public awareness and adds appreciation of wildlife.

Several deep dives to the bottommost of the tank holding onto Frida’s dorsal and pectoral fin was exhilarating. A swim mask allows you to enjoy the amazingly fast swim through the water, her flukes just grazing your toes. Despite her obvious strength, she was playful and gentle. Showing off, splashing, nudging and displaying high leaps and  twists for fish treats. I had no idea the size and sharpness of their teeth, Frida patiently let me check her teeth and marvel at the length of her tongue, in trade for a fish, of course.

In the secure environment of dolphin and marine mammal educational facilities experts can examine aspects of dolphin biology that are difficult or impossible to study in the wild; people can observe, up close, these remarkable brilliant creatures.

Not only do we interview the brightest guides, inspect five star hotels and meet management, we go to extreme measures to assure your enjoyment in a dolphin tank!

Journey to the best centers in Cabo and Punta Mita, exclusive encounters of course!

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New York New York!

Bursting with blossoms, spring in New York is popping. A long family weekend recently included these activities with our superb New York ground team. Teenagers in tow, we love the Crosby Street Hotel in Soho, something for everyone; kids can explore on their own for trendy and hip shops.

Many of our clients provide a destination city with no instructions or requests, they trust us to seek out the unusual, add the traditional museums and theater and off they go! Our local team expertly manages every minute and is available for any last minute requests.

With rain showers on the horizon, we began first day with a car tour highlighting Central Park, pointing out areas to be enjoyed later in the sunshine. Mosey toward Harlem to view the iconic Apollo Theatre, President Clinton’s office, Strivers Row; ending the sightseeing at the classic temple of comfort food, Red Rooster. Showcasing the culinary neighborhood traditions and Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s rich background. And yes, we can achieve reservations despite the sold out status!

The afternoon is devoted to museums and shopping. Evening theater – so much to choose from right now!

Next morning tour the Manhattan Harbor in a private iconic Water Taxi with a traditional New York lunch on board. View the Statue of Liberty from the unique perspective of the waterfront and learn more about New York’s historic skyline – with private guide. It’s not fancy, but great fun, the boat looks like an old-time Checker cab and is all yours to privately enjoy all morning.Up close viewing of the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge completed in 1883. The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, and the view from underneath is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

The World Trade Center Site, see history in the making as the construction cranes rise from the World Trade Center site where, once completed, One World Trade Center will be 1,776 feet tall.

Once on land visit the Empire State Building, built during the American Great Depression in 1930, this astounding building has 102 floors and 6,500 windows, and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. We have VIP tickets allowing a view from the 102nd floor. Most visitors stop at the 86nd floor.

Finish up with the Greenwich Village tour in the adjacent Meatpacking District for a walk on the Highline, the elevated railroad that is now a wonderful park with amazing views of the river and some great avant-garde architecture.

Driver drops you off to graze at Eataly, a great collection of gourmet food purveyors. The marketplace is the city’s ultimate destination for food lovers to shop and taste and savor – an extravaganza includes a premier retail center for Italian delicacies and wine, a culinary educational center, and a diverse slate of boutique eateries.

Evening theater, again. We have best seats at any and every play.

The city that never sleeps is a playground for families. A much longer list of private exclusives can be added to a Journey.