The Moorea Dolphin Center, located on the grounds of the Moorea Inter-Continental Resort (formerly the Dolphin Quest Program), has 4 bottlenose dolphins that were born in lagoonariums and have not lived out in open water. They spend their days interacting with children and adults in a variety of programs, including local school field trip groups.

The basic program, conducted with onsite trainers, is part education and part entertainment. As a participant, you may gently touch the dolphin as instructed by your guide and applaud when it performs dramatic  water “tricks” on cue. The Apnea Program even allows you to swim under water with a dolphin in tandem, just the two of you, for the length of the pool, several times. Of course, there are deliberate photo ops for each person as delightful souvenirs. And a video that is available for purchase.

I have done this myself and have to admit that it was quite thrilling. I never knew dolphins were so strong. I had to hold on tight as mine pulled me beneath the surface and along the bottom. I was surprised I could “hitchike” and hold my breath for that long. 

People are naturally drawn to dolphins and you can see guests standing at the bridge throughout the day, observing the ongoing activities. It engages anyone and everyone who passes by, to be at least a spectator or to sign up for this close encounter.

If you prefer a more free and natural setting, then yesterday’s tour with Nani & Heifara would have served that purpose well. If you feel you need a little more direct contact, this will have you soaring. 

Generally, people are excited to have this rare opportunity but I have heard some concerns voiced for the welfare of animals that live in captivity. I can say that the dolphins seem to be well cared for and certainly have  a large fan club.