Dolphin Experience at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Interesting write up about dolphins I found online.

Humans cherish and admire beings who possess noble traits. The resourcefulness, confidence and grace of dolphins endear them to our hearts and minds. It is because we search for the same characteristics in ourselves that we cherish these magnificent animals.
We like to think that dolphins enjoy being around us as much as we do them. Is it possible that dolphins share our company simply for diversity? Some species can become bored with their own kind. Who gets more out of the relationship: the human or dolphin? They provide us with insight into the realms of anatomy, behavior and communication. Still, our curiosity pushes us to learn more. Although we admire other animals, dolphins remain high on our list of species that fascinate us.
Scientists believe that marine mammals are descendants of animals that once lived on land. The skeleton of a dolphin supports this theory. There is a modified form of hands in the front flippers of a dolphin. Two small, unattached bones located behind the rib cage are believed to be remains of the pelvic girdle, to which hind limbs once attached. Most people wouldn’t know it, but dolphins have a common ancestor with hoofed animals, specifically cows. With so many cow lovers out there as well, it wouldn’t be a surprise. 

True or false, Stingrays

If you have been to one of our Dolphin Cove locations you know we have stingrays as a added attraction.  You are able to snorkel, swim, and touch these beautiful creatures.   Here are some interesting facts for you to decide if they are true or false.   (Hint, they are all true)  Never fear because at Dolphin Cove we do NOT remove the barbs that can kill you,  We clip them (for your safety and because it is cruel to remove them) Stingray Facts Stingrays are diverse group of fish characterized by flattened bodies. They can be found in oceans in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. Stingrays like warm and shallow water. Most of their time, they will be hidden on the ocean floor. There are 60 different species of stingrays. Some of them are threatened.

Interesting Stingray Facts:
Largest stingrays can reach 6.5 feet in length and weigh up to 790 pounds.
Stingrays are close relatives of shark. Like sharks, they don't have bony skeleton. Their skeleton is made of cartilage, same material that builds our nose and ears.
Their flattened body ends with long tail that usually contains spine and venom. Spine can be serrated in some species.
They use spine and venom to protect against predators. Stingrays can kill a lot of different animals, including humans.
Ancient Greek dentists used stingray's venom as anesthetic.
People that live in the areas where stingrays can be found use their spines to make a weapon (daggers). Venom remains deadly even if it is extracted from a dead stingray.
Their eyes are located on the top of the head, but they don't use eyes to find prey. Stingrays have electro-sensors which help them detect electrical charges that prey emits.
Mouths are located on the bottom side of their body. When they catch clams, shrimps, and mussels, they will crash and eat them using their powerful jaws.
Besides mouth, they have gill slides and nostrils on the bottom side of their body.
They swim by moving flippers up and down. These movements are similar with movements of the wings in birds and it is sometimes said that stingrays "fly" through the water.
They are usually solitary, but they sometimes swim in the groups. Group of stingrays is called "school".
Most of their time, they will be hidden on the ocean floor. Shape and color of their body allow them to slip under the sand and become invisible for enemies.
Stingrays give birth to 2-6 young stingrays each year.
Baby stingrays are born fully developed; they look like miniature versions of adult animals. Babies take care of themselves from the moment of birth.
They live 15-25 years in the wild.

Prospect Outback Adventures

Our sister site www.prospectoutbackadventures.com is running a special.   This and every Thursday till further notice.   

This an every Thursday we are offering a special for you. It includes an Open Air Jitney ride to tour the estate, a Camel ride and includes Dunns River falls for only $69.00. Free transport from Ocho Rios and a special rate of transport from Montego Bay and Negril for only $25.00

Please check them out on facebook or their webpage www.prospectoutbackadventures.com

Customer comments / reviews

A large part of my job is to try to ensure our guests are happy and have a good visit with us.  This sounds like a fairly easy job for a wonderful place like dolphin cove Jamaica.   Unfortunately it is not always.  There are times when things just don't go as expected.  From a missed bus to people not liking the food to staff just not being their best that day we get it all.   For the most part people are very pleased with their experience however those that are not we must deal with.   For example the other day a young lady lost her cell phone.   She was from the USA and as a result had the phone off for making / receiving calls.  This meant we were unable to call it.   Thank goodness it was an iPhone and had the Find my iPhone app installed.   We were able to track the phone down and find it on the park in the safe hands of one of our staff.   We were on the way out of my office when the staff member was walking it up to the office.   The guests were very pleased to get their phone back and we were very pleased to be able to help.    The guest was so happy that they offered a "tip" however we refused.  They did ask to take a photo with us on their phone and that we were happy to do.   It seems like a fairly small thing but I can assure you that losing your very expensive phone while on vacation was a big thing to them.    We rely on customer feedback both online and in person.   I would love to be able to say if you have a good time tell the world if you have an issue please tell us. This is not always practical but one can always hope.   When you are next at the park please take a moment to tell us how we did.  If this is not practical you can contact us at info@dolphincoveja.com or leave a review on trip advisor.

Dolphin Parenting

I have been reading up on Dolphin Parenting,  not the type you read about where it is the polar opposite to tiger mom.   It seems that a dolphin is by all standards a great parent.  They assist their offspring for unto six years.  They teach them all they need to know to survive from feeding to how to protect themselves.   When a baby (calf) is born the pod assists and helps the young take their first breaths by pushing them up out of the water to breath.  They provide a great child hood for a wonderful "childhood"   We at Dolphin cove have had the opportunity to be party to our dolphins giving birth and watching the love that comes from not only the parents but the entire pod.   It is a magical experience.  

Dolphin Cove Jamaica - Swim with Dolphins | Amstar dmc

http://www.youtube.com/v/lbsUTYgNIlQ?autohide=1&version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=qxGjtORqQ9WbUVRxnlmBTg&feature=share

Dolphin Cove Jamaica - Swim with Dolphins | Amstar dmc

http://www.youtube.com/v/lbsUTYgNIlQ?autohide=1&version=3&autohide=1&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=qxGjtORqQ9WbUVRxnlmBTg&feature=share