Important Information
The interaction program is time based. Missing the starting time of an interaction is equivalent to a “no show”. Start times are not flexible. Parties should arrive no later than the stated time on the reservation, to commence check-in. Participants must be here on time or be aware that we reserve the right to sell the slot.
Programs are not cancelled due to inclement weather. Participants must be here for trainers to determine cancellation or postponement due to lightning.
We reserve the right to cancel or amend the program content and price without notice.
Policies and Restrictions
Our maximum group (pod) size for the Atlantis Dolphin Encounter (Shallow Water Interaction) is 10 people, 6 people for the Atlantis Dolphin Adventure (Deep Water Interaction) and 6 people for the Atlantis Royal Swim; we can only guarantee that everyone in a party will be in the same pod if they are in an exclusive pod or private interaction. Please contact us directly for more information about exclusive pods and private interactions.
Wetsuits or vests are provided and are required. Participants must wear appropriate swim suits underneath the wetsuit. Only Dolphin Bay wetsuits/vests will be permitted in an interaction.
Please do not apply any type of tanning oil prior to entering the water. Tanning oils can wash off into the lagoons and can harm the animals. Sunscreens and sun blocks are permitted if applied in moderation. Any excess should be removed prior to your experience. Please keep in mind that you will be wearing a wetsuit which does provide some sun protection.
Dolphin Bay is a smoke free facility.
Guests should be aware that all of our programs are conducted in English.
For the health and safety of our animal collection if you have come in contact with or been exposed to a beached or stranded marine mammal in the past 24 hours you must not participate in our programs.
Under the EHS Marine Mammal Regulations of 2008, Dolphin Bay advises the following:
- Dolphin Interaction programs present some potential risk of injury.
- Anyone who restrains, pulls or grabs at a dolphin shall be immediately removed from the program without recourse.
- Participants must not touch the eye, blowhole or private regions of a dolphin.
- The participants should only touch the animals under the direction of the dolphin trainer.
- Entry to various non-interactive areas is prohibited to visitors.
- Showering facilities with soap are available for guests before and after interaction sessions.
- No jewelry or loose articles may be worn during any of the programs.
- Food and drinks must not be consumed on the beach area of the lagoons.
A person shall not be permitted in any interactive program for any of the following reasons:
- A person is unable to comprehend, or disregards safety instructions.
- A person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or otherwise similarly impaired. The determination as to the fitness of a person to participate in an interaction will be made solely at the discretion of Dolphin Bay management.
- A person is unaccompanied and unable to participate alone due to a physical or mental impairment.
Beach Pass Observers must remain on the beach and are not permitted to enter the water at any time or to climb onto the rocks or walk along the walls on the sides of the lagoon.
Cameras and Video Equipment
Filming or taking video of any kind is not permitted at Dolphin Bay.
Guests with cameras are not allowed in the water at any time.
Age & Program Requirements
For all of our interactions, a parent or appointed guardian must participate in the programs with all children under the age of 12. A ratio of 3 children per 1 adult is accepted.
For the Atlantis Dolphin Adventure (Deep Water Interaction), participants must be a minimum of 8 years of age and be confident swimmers.
For the Atlantis Royal Swim, participants must be a minimum of 12 years of age and be confident swimmers.
The Atlantis Dolphin Adventure & Royal Swim takes place in water up to 3m (10 feet) deep. Guests are required to be able to swim without the assistance of a life jacket during the programs. Failure to comply with this important safety regulation will result in the participant being removed from the program immediately. If available, the participant will be rescheduled into an Atlantis Dolphin Encounter (Shallow Water Interaction). No refunds or partial refunds will be extended due to the change or removal from the program.
Children must be able to comprehend and follow instructions. Note: For the Atlantis Dolphin Encounter (Shallow Water Interaction), young children may need to be held by an adult during participation due to their height and abilities. This adult must be a participant in the program.
Special Needs & Physical Impairments
Dolphin Bay will make every effort to provide the necessary assistance for persons with special needs and/or physical impairment so that they can enjoy the experience, however under the EHS Marine Mammal Regulations of 2008 it is required that a primary attendant be present in the water throughout the interaction.
If you are pregnant and are interested in experiencing a dolphin interaction, please consult your physician. Please inform the Reservation Agents at extension 61030 once you are at Atlantis of any medical conditions that could affect your participation.
Reservations
A major credit card or room charge is required to hold a reservation; personal checks or money orders are not accepted. 100% of the balance is due upon reservation.
All Packages Include
- Wet suits and/or Vests are provided and required
- Towels
- Bottled water/Soft drinks
- Changing rooms, showers
- Lockers will be available for guests during the interaction
Availability
Reservations are subject to availability. If a participant arrives 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, they will be counted as a “no show”. Please know that your scheduled time is for the mandatory check-in and not for the interaction itself.
Arrival
Dolphin Bay is located on the far eastern side of the Aquaventure Waterpark. On the day of your interaction simply check-in at the reception courtyard located at the entrance to Dolphin Bay at the time of your reservation. If you are a day guest visiting us you will first need to check-in at the Aquaventure Ticketing Plaza Dolphin Bay windows. We will need your name or confirmation number for the check-in. If you are booked with a voucher please bring this with you to avoid being charged for the interactions.
Cancellation, Refunds and Rescheduling*
- Full refund if reservation is cancelled 72 hours or more prior to scheduled event.
- 50% cancellation fee will be applied from 72 hours up to 24 hours outside the scheduled event.
- 100% cancellation fee will be applied if cancelled within 24 hours of scheduled event.
- We offer one complimentary rescheduling if requested 24 hours or more prior to your visit. Further changes to your itinerary will be provided for a fee of AED 90 per person. Failure to give 24 hours advance notice will result in rescheduling request not being granted and no refund issued.
- No shows are charged 100% of their reservation amount.
Programs are not cancelled due to inclement weather.
*Group policies differ.
Dolphin Bay reserves the right to cancel or amend program content for reasons such as: Severe weather, water conditions and animal well-being.
Our dolphins and staff thank you!
