I have a good friend that is looking for a Dolphin/Whale/Turtle...week of vacation. She DOES NOT DIVE, but is an excellent swimmer and can snorkel. Any Ideas???If there is a LAND BASED operation that is environmentally slanted, I could suggest that also...She is in TX/OK area so West Coast or Gulf is preferable, Carribean OK also...
Thanks!
Environmentally slanted?? Do you mean land-based tours?
I am guessing that Belize might be a good choice for a mix of water and jungle type activities. Lots of snorkeling there.
Another option is the Bahamas as they are more likely to see dolphins and turtles - places like Bimini have specific dolphin snorkeling trips.
There is also a dolphin program at Anthony's Key in Roatan.
Some of the places in Caribbean have caged dolphins, like Cozumel, Riviera Maya, etc. but I really don't recommend those. The dolphins are not treated well, not given medical attention, and are only fed when they perform.
One of the best places to see whales at the surface is Hawaii Dec-March but you aren't allowed close to them. Or you can do one of the Whale snorkel trips off Dominican Republic offered by Aggressor and Nekton liveaboards Jan - March each year. They are booked up way in advance and not cheap but you are guaranteed to snorkel every day with whales.
Utila is known for its whale shark populations, and people dive and snorkel with them during the season (I think it is March-May). Also, there are whalesharks that show up during July-August off Holbox, Mexico (just NW of Cancun) and you can snorkel with them there. Many people also see dolphins and mantas on those trips.
Hope this helps give both of you some ideas.
robin
