Hi there, Robyn! Welcome to planDisney, and thank you for stopping by with your question! I’m so happy to help you plan for your upcoming Disney Cruise Line vacation.
When we sailed on the Disney Fantasy a few years ago, I was absolutely blown away by the natural beauty of St. Thomas as we pulled into port. We spent the day relaxing on the beach, but if I could do it over again, I’d definitely book a Port Adventure, especially one that includes time at Coral World Ocean Park, which continues to receive rave reviews from guests . If you have any animal lovers or future marine biologists in your group, they’re going to be in heaven!
To help answer your question, I reached out to Coral World directly, and I’m happy to share what I learned. For the
Dolphin Experience, all participants are provided with life jackets, and the initial interaction with the dolphin takes place on a submerged platform that’s about knee-deep in water. This area is accessed by a short flight of stairs, and it’s where your group will first meet your dolphin under the guidance of a marine mammal specialist.
For the non-swimmer in your party, they are welcome to stay on the platform for the entire experience if that’s where they feel most comfortable. If they choose to participate beyond that, they’ll have the option to enter deeper water (which is about 20 feet deep) to continue interacting with the dolphin. This portion takes place in natural ocean conditions, so depending on the day, the water may be a bit wavy.
The total interaction time with the dolphin is just under 30 minutes, and photographs are available for purchase so you can capture the magic! If your non-swimming friend prefers to stay dry, another great option might be the
Coral World Comeback Tour, a guided experience through the park’s exhibits without getting in the water.
No matter what you choose, I hope your time in St. Thomas is splash-tastic, Robyn! If you have any more questions before you set sail, we’re always here and happy to help.
Eean