Girls just want to have fun, and swimming with dolphins is one of those activities that always brings out the smiles, laughter, and excitement. After more than 30 years in the dolphin swim business, I cannot tell you how many times I have heard a group of ladies say, “John, we want an adventure!”
That adventure might be for a bachelorette party, a girls getaway, a birthday celebration, a mother-daughter trip, or just a group of friends who need sunshine, relaxation, and something unforgettable to do together.
The good news is this: dolphins never disappoint.
Whether your group wants a deep-water dolphin swim, a shallow-water dolphin encounter, beach time, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, or a tropical vacation, there are several great destinations to choose from. The harder part is deciding where your girls trip should be.
For Dolphin World guests, the main choices are on the East Coast in Florida, or on the West Coast in Hawaii.
In Florida, you have three great choices:
For West Coast visitors, the top choice is:
Each destination has its own personality, travel style, and vacation feel. Here is a helpful breakdown of the pluses and minuses for each girls getaway location.
1. St. Augustine Beach, FloridaSt. Augustine is a great starting point for a girls trip because it gives you a little bit of everything. You have the history and charm of the oldest city, beautiful beaches, restaurants, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and, of course, the opportunity to swim with dolphins St Augustine.
For travel, St. Augustine is fairly easy to reach. Many guests fly into Jacksonville Airport or Daytona Beach Airport, then drive to the St. Augustine area. Once you arrive, your group can decide between staying near the old city, where you have restaurants, sightseeing, and nightlife, or staying closer to the beach for a more relaxed vacation.
The dolphin programs are a great fit for mixed groups because there is something for everyone. Ladies who are comfortable swimming can enjoy the Dolphin Swim in deep water, while others can choose the Dolphin Encounter, which is a non-swim program in shallow water.
St. Augustine is best for girls groups who want a classy, beachy, historic getaway with dolphins, good food, and a more relaxed Florida vacation feel.
The Florida Keys are one of the most beautiful places in Florida for a girls getaway. If your group wants warm weather, clear water, seafood restaurants, tropical drinks, sunset views, and dolphins, Islamorada is a wonderful choice.
The dolphin programs are located in Islamorada, in the Upper Keys. Most guests fly into Miami, rent a car, and drive down. The drive itself can feel like part of the vacation, especially once you reach the Keys and start seeing the water on both sides.
Your group can stay in Key Largo or Islamorada for a more relaxed tropical atmosphere. You will find beautiful resorts, waterfront restaurants, tiki bars, and peaceful sunset spots. If your group wants more nightlife, bars, and late-night energy, you can also stay in Key West, but remember that Key West is about a 2-hour drive from Islamorada.
The Swim with the Dolphins Florida Keys programs include both the Dolphin Swim and the Dolphin Encounter, making it a good option for mixed comfort levels in the water. Also in Key West we have a Wild Dolphin Tour.
The Florida Keys are best for girls groups who want a tropical island-style vacation with dolphins, sunsets, seafood, and a relaxed but fun atmosphere.
3. Orlando / Discovery CoveOrlando is probably the easiest destination for most girls groups because Orlando International Airport has flights from just about everywhere. It is also one of the best destinations for groups that want plenty of hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, theme parks, and activities.
The dolphin experience at Discovery Cove is different because it is part of an all-inclusive day resort. Your dolphin program is only one part of the day. You also get to enjoy food, drinks, snorkeling, beach areas, lazy river-style relaxation, and beautiful tropical surroundings.
For a girls trip, this can be a very easy choice because your group does not have to plan every little detail. Once you arrive at Discovery Cove, much of your day is already included.
Orlando is also great if some of the ladies want to add theme parks, shopping outlets, International Drive restaurants, or nightlife before or after the dolphin day.
Orlando is best for girls groups who want convenience, easy flights, all-inclusive fun, and lots of extra things to do before or after the Swim with the dolphins Orlando.
For West Coast visitors, Oahu is one of the most exciting places to plan a girls trip. Hawaii has a special feeling that is hard to describe until you are there. You have the tropical weather, ocean views, Polynesian culture, Waikiki Beach, great hotels, amazing restaurants, and beautiful scenery everywhere you turn.
The swim with the dolphin Oahu programs in Oahu include the Dolphin Exploration and the Dolphin Encounter. The Dolphin Exploration includes deeper-water interaction, while the Dolphin Encounter is better for guests who prefer a shallow-water experience.
Many girls groups stay in Waikiki Beach, where there are world-class hotels, shopping, nightlife, restaurants, and beautiful beaches. From Waikiki, your group can travel to the dolphin program and also enjoy other Oahu attractions during the trip.
Oahu is a bigger vacation commitment than Florida, but for the right group, it can be a once-in-a-lifetime girls getaway.
Oahu is best for girls groups who want a big tropical vacation, beautiful scenery, Hawaii culture, and a special dolphin experience in paradise.
How to Choose the Best Girls Trip DestinationThe best dolphin girls trip depends on the personality of your group.
Choose St. Augustine if you want history, beaches, dolphins, restaurants, and a relaxed Florida getaway.
Choose the Florida Keys if your group wants sunsets, tropical water, seafood, island vibes, and a more laid-back vacation.
Choose Orlando if you want easy flights, lots of hotels, theme parks, restaurants, nightlife, and an all-inclusive dolphin day.
Choose Oahu if your group wants Hawaii, Waikiki Beach, tropical beauty, and a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
No matter which destination you choose, the most important thing is to plan early. Dolphin swim programs have limited space, and girls groups usually need several spots at the same time. The earlier you book, the better chance you have of getting the date and time you want.
A girls trip should be fun, easy, memorable, and full of laughter. Swimming with dolphins checks all those boxes. Whether it is a bachelorette party, birthday celebration, mother-daughter trip, or just a getaway with your best friends, the dolphins bring everyone together.
I have seen so many ladies walk into a dolphin program excited, nervous, laughing, and ready for something different. Then they come out smiling, hugging, and talking about the experience for years.
That is why I always say: dolphins never disappoint.
So gather your girls, pick your destination, and plan early. Whether you choose St. Augustine, the Florida Keys, Orlando, or Oahu, your dolphin adventure can become the highlight of your trip.
John the Dolphin Expert
Dolphin World
Call: 800-667-5524
Visit: DolphinWorld.org
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