Are you looking for a really unique experience for your family? Maybe you're looking to give your child a gift, but just don't want to buy anymore STUFF. Well here's something that may be just right for you...
We were recently invited to participate in and review the Dolphin Encounter Program at the Georgia Aquarium. In April, this new program was added to other interactions available at the Aquarium, including the Beluga & Friends Interactive Program and Journey with Gentle Giants (the swim or dive with the whale sharks programs). Even newer is the Sea Otter Encounter, which became available late May!
What kids don't love dolphins? Since they arrived at the Aquarium, the dolphins and their AT&T Dolphin Tales Show have been a highlight for visitors. Now you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with one of these gentle animals - and you just might not want to leave when it's over (I'm starting to wonder why I didn't become a dolphin trainer - I think that would be the best job ever.)
Our visit was a surprise for Drew for his 8th birthday. (I had to keep it a secret from Jack, since you have to be 7-years-old to participate.) When we first arrived at the Aquarium and I told him what we were going to do, he gave me his typical, "oh whatever" look. But as you can see from these pictures, it was by no means a "whatever" moment. When we left, Drew just looked at me and said, "Mom, that was the most AWESOME thing EVER!!" 
Meet Lily....
So what makes it so awesome?
This is a poolside animal interaction - you aren't actually swimming with the dolphins (though expect to get splashed!). And while you might want to jump on for a ride, I promise you'll enjoy just being up close and having one-on-one time with the animal.
When we arrived, we were greeted by one of the trainers, who took us to the pool. There was another mom and her daughter with us - at most four people interact with one dolphin. Drew and I took our place on one side of the trainer and knelt down. We were then greeted by "our" dolphin for the encounter, Lily, who swam right up to the side of the pool.
We were instructed on how to use hand signals to have Lily "speak" to us, wave and more. And of course we rewarded her by feeding her fish....while learning some interesting facts about dolphins including their eating habits. Also we learned to stay away from touching the blow-hole at the top of her head - since that's how she breathes!
We learned about her body as we rubbed her belly and her dorsal fin. So soft! Lily took it all in stride - staying perfectly still, basically floating on her back so that we could touch her, then rolling over so we could "pet" her sides as well. 
Belly rubs!
That's no shark! See the rounded fin?
Drew had the most fun when were able to play a little football with her. He threw, she retrieved, and I took the ball out of her mouth (and then rewarded her with a fish). A bit like playing with our dog!
I personally loved being able to "hold" her. I put my arms under her fins and was able to feel her weight - the pressure of approximately 300 pounds! Needless to say I didn't do it for long, but it was an awfully neat experience. We were both sad when it ended, and while shorter than I expected (at about 20 minutes), it was not something we'll ever forget.
Next Up - One day I'd love to interact with the Belugas! This is a more in-depth program (approximately 2 hours - and in a wetsuit.). Sounds like a great gift idea!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cost: $59.95 plus tax per person; $53.95 plus tax for Annual Pass Members. Price includes a souvenir photo. Please note that Encounters are add-on experiences and are not included with your Total Ticket; Dolphin Encounter price does not include general admission access to the Aquarium or to the AT&T Dolphin Tales show.
Who: All participants must be age 7 and older. All guests under 16 years must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests under the age of 18 need a waiver signed by a parent/ guardian. Space is currently limited to only 4 participants per dolphin per program.
Reservations: Reserve your spot today online HERE or by calling 404.581.4000.
About Georgia Aquarium
On November 23, 2005, Georgia Aquarium officially opened its doors to the public. As the world’s largest aquarium, Georgia Aquarium features more animals than any other aquarium in more than ten million gallons of water. Through a path of more than sixty exhibits, the Aquarium tells a global water story, with features modeled after the greatest zoos and aquariums in the world. Each majestic exhibit is designed to inspire, entertain and educate.
Publisher's Note: We were invited to experience the Dolphin Encounter free of charge in return for this review. Opinions, however, are my own.
