Anthony's Key Dolphin Dive Suspended?

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Kimela

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We're going to Anthony's Key in February and were hoping to do the dolphin dive. I thought it was 'in the wild' and would be cool. I wrote to the resort and they said it has been suspended. Anyone know why? If it's like the Manta Dive in Kona, sometimes the critters just don't show up. I wonder if that's happened and people complained? I figure they're wild and do what they want. Yes, you pay a premium - and we did, and didn't see any mantas - but it is what it is. Is that what happened here?
 
The interaction for their dolphin dive took place in the wild but involved dolphins in captivity. They release them, they follow the boat to the site, then do their thing which often entails disappearing for awhile. The dolphins may spend much of their time "caged" but leave and return to it voluntarily. In fact, one of their dolphins Hans came from the wild, started showing up at the dives, would follow the other dolphins back to the cage, and eventually coming into the cage. Of course, at any time these dolphins could easily jump over the 12" high sidewalk to "escape" if they wanted.
 
Then how can Anthony's know now whether or not the dolphins won't be there in February?
 
Then how can Anthony's know now whether or not the dolphins won't be there in February?

They are not canceling it because they think the dolphins won't be there. The dolphins aren't leaving the security of a protected environment and guaranteed meals. Animal rights activists all over the world are putting pressure on places that offer such encounters. Here's one. Swimming with dolphins - Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA
 
Yes, but that was happening long before this yet Anthony's seemed to carry on.

if this indeed why it's stopped, I can't help but think there's more to the story
 
Yes, but that was happening long before this yet Anthony's seemed to carry on.

if this indeed why it's stopped, I can't help but think there's more to the story

I remember AKR saying several years ago that they were ending their dolphin program. Sometimes it takes awhile to put this into effect. I remember thinking the 2015 dolphin dive we did happened just in time for us and was surprised when we returned in 2017 to see it still offered.

Google "caged dolphins" and you'll see there are hundreds of organizations putting pressure on others in every way they can, ranging from appeals to conservationism to lobbying for legal bans. Maybe Roatan/Honduras is making AKR stop?
 
You can see in this thread where another member reported in 2017 that AKR website said the programs had been discontinued. And obviously they weren't. So regardless of what they say in an email or on their website, I'd wait and see.
 
It seems strange that they still list it on their website - with a description of 'going to 60 feet' but say is has already been discontinued. Maybe, as @ReefHound suggests, it will be operating while we're there but they are non-committal?

I think I'd rather see them by chance, in the wild, than for them to come for the Pavlovian dinner bell like the sharks. Which means I may never swim with dolphins ... and that's ok too. There's plenty for me to enjoy in the ocean. :)
 
No need to sign up in advance. If they are still doing them, you'll be instructed where to sign up in your welcome orientation, then do it that afternoon. If you do the dive, you'll get an introduction to them at the pens where you'll learn all about dolphins and get a demonstration of their skills. They are fed there but the trainer does not feed them on the dive.
 
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