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Hi to all and i hope you can help, I have a group on the Carnival Miracle Sept 09, We were orig supposed to visit Tortola and We had a group of 20 who wanted to swim with the dolphins, They were extremely disappointed that our port was changed, After checking we found the Sea lion swim in St Thomas at Coral G that got everyone excited again, only to find out that the day we are in port (Friday) they are closed,, I am sick about it and now have to let them all know ( and half are kids who are first timers)... Is there any alternatives close by? within ferrying? or chartering to head to Tortola, or is this a lost cause....
Thanks for any help or suggestions
Pat
I would ask that you do a little research about the dolphin excursion in Tortola and decide to stay on STT or venture over to STJ for the day. Here are some links with some very good information and then you can decide for yourself.
http://www.wspa-usa.org/pages/272_what_s_wrong_with_swimming_with_dolphins_.cfm
http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=1254011&page=1
http://www.dolphinproject.org/help-stop-export-of-us-dolphins.html
http://www.onevoice-ear.org/english/campaigns/marine_mammals/victory_caribbean.html
It really isn't feasible for cruise passengers to visit Tortola from STT, because the travel times just aren't conducive. Also since Sep is usually the slowest month for tourists, many concessions close for a few days during the month.
What about a Wave Runner/snorkel excursion? The kids should love that.
Hello Pat,
Coral World's hours change during the summer months. With fewer ships during that time of year and particularly in our slowest month September, I would think they would be open on all the ship days that month. Are you going by the hours they have online right now or did you contact them to double check hours for summer/September? If they are open they have the sea lion encounter and also shark and turtle encounters.
In order to make suggestions for other activities, what is the age range for the children?
--Islander
Hi, Thanks for your replys, I am going by the hours listed on their site, We are in port on Friday Sept. 25th I do hope they change their hours, i cant imagine their not being open on a ship day, we have ages from 5-10 who have their heart set on it as well as one adult whos main interest going on this cruise is to swim with the dolphins or sea lions, of course all the parents of the children will want to go also...
Also off topic from the excusions, we have a couple wanting to get married in St Thomas on the beach we r in port 7am-4pm any suggestions? i will post on another topic
thanks
Pat
Hello Pat,
For ages 5-10, Coral World would be terrific. Their summer hours are usually different as mentioned before, send them an email and ask about the hours on Sept. 25th. Contact info. should be on their website http://www.coralworldvi.com. Hopefully they are open!
If not you could do a beach day. Grab some sand pails and things for the kids to build castles; frisbee and other games. The Butterfly Farm is nice, kids might enjoy that also.
--Islander
