Encounter dolphins in Panama City Beach

Swim with the marine mammals at Gulf World Marine Park.
Dolphins soar through the air in a show at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Fla. PHOTO CREDIT: Wesley K.H. Teo

Dolphins soar through the air in a show at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Fla. PHOTO CREDIT: Wesley K.H. Teo

At Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, a pair of dolphins silently swam up behind me, one on each side, and gently lifted me partially out of the water. I hung on tight to their fins for the ride of my life, gliding effortlessly through the pool as though I were a dolphin myself. Whoooooosh!

I have been mesmerized by dolphins ever since I was introduced to the playful creatures when I vacationed in Florida as a child, and this experience only increased my sense of wonder. When I heard about Swim Journey, the park’s newest interactive program, I couldn’t wait to jump in the pool with the aquatic stars of the daily shows. It’s the only place in the world where guests can interact simultaneously with two dolphin species – Atlantic bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins. There is no other facility in North America that has the latter species in human care.

Rachel Hudon, a marine mammal specialist and trainer, signaled to Ivan, a rough-tooth dolphin named after the hurricane that stranded him in 2004. She showed me how to hold out my hands for a “handshake.” He popped up inches from my face and presented his flippers (pectoral fins). A pleasure to meet you, Ivan.

Next, I was introduced to Mako, a mischievous 3-year-old Atlantic bottlenose. Hudon told me to stand by for a kiss. I got a big, wet smooch.

The two showcased their considerable talents for me, propelling themselves several feet in the air to touch a buoy suspended over the pool, then dove gracefully back in the water. In the wake of their tremendous splash, I felt like a tiny rowboat in a storm. It was thrilling to see their aerial acrobatics from this vantage point instead of seated in the audience.

While we were drying off in the Florida sun, I asked Hudon what it takes to motivate these intelligent animals to exhibit certain behaviors. She explained that they have individual “dolphinalities,” her word for dolphin personalities, and, like people, they are all motivated by something different.

“They each have different likes and dislikes, things that we call more reinforcing or less reinforcing. It’s up to us as trainers to figure out what those preferences are based on their behavior and responses so we can make their lives full and enriching here, “Hudon said.

Dolphins love toys, such as dive rings and buoys, and once a trainer discovers a dolphin’s favorite, he or she can use that as a reward. Some dolphins just like a good rub down, the same way dogs like to be petted by their owners.

Hudon said Mako and Ivan have very different temperaments.

“Mako loves a lot of action. He’s very reinforced by novel things. He’s got a lot of energy, just like every 3-year-old boy you have ever met,” she said. “Ivan is very intelligent. He likes a faster pace. He focuses very hard on what you are asking and aims to do things perfectly, but Mako gets distracted.”

Most dolphins at Gulf World were rescued after an illness or injury and would not be able to survive in the wild. Others were born there or another accredited facility.

Despite that, Hudon knows Gulf World is not without its critics, but she says after visiting, some become less disapproving.

“Sometimes people say, ‘I was really skeptical about places like this, aquariums and dolphinariums, but having seen how you all take care of and interact with the animals, I can see how you make a difference in their lives.’”

Gulf World educates children about ocean conservation and emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of the environment.

The one that got away

A fishing trip provided the perfect chance to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. Kelley Girl Charters takes groups miles out into the Gulf of Mexico to catch red snapper, grouper, king mackerel and many other species, and dolphins often make an appearance. My fellow anglers and I were entertained by the leaping marine mammals, but they weren’t there for our amusement. The sly little rascals were following the boat, and we soon learned why.

I had practically forgotten that I was there to fish, not photograph dolphins, when I felt a strong tug on my line. I had a bite! I thought it must be a fish the size of a whale because I couldn’t reel it in without help from a deckhand. He struggled too, caught in a tug-of-war he seemed unlikely to win. Finally, the line slackened, and he brought in what I expected to be a trophy.

Eeewww! Yuck! A fish head dangled from the line. The deck hand laughed. A hungry dolphin had eaten my dinner, and we were looking at what was left of a Spanish mackerel.

Did I mention dolphins are highly intelligent?

Well, the thief did sing for his supper, so to speak, frolicking through the waves and practically posing for photos. It was a fair trade.


IF YOU GO

Panama City Beach

Activities

Gulf World Marine Park. 15412 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Fla. 850-234-5271, gulfworldmarinepark.com

Kelley Girl Charters. 5550 N Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, Fla. 850-866-5694, kelleygirlcharters.com

Stay

Tidewater Condominiums. 16819 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Fla. 877-752-3880, wyndhamvacationrentals.com

Eat

Firefly. 535 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach, Fla. 850-249-3359, fireflypcb.com