Dolphin swim in Grand Cayman?

[KABOOM2929]

Does anyone know if there are dolphin swims available in Grand Cayman? I cant seem to find anything online. If so please leave recommendations

 

Thanks

[bruce-r]

Not yet, and hopefully never.

[drew sailbum]

Two different Swim With The Dolphins (SWTD) facilities have been proposed in Grand Cayman. Many, though not all, of the permits necessary to operate have been granted.

 

There is a grassroots opposition to these proposals citing issues from humane treatment, to the ecological impact of nutrient runoff from the wastewater.

 

Dolphins are a highly social species and range long distances hunting in family groups. This social structure is disrupted in captivity.

 

Dolphins need access to cool water to shed excess body heat from their high metabolisms. The surface waters of Grand Cayman are never as cool as dolphins need. The few dolphins which do pass through the area have access to deep water to cool themselves. Dolphins are not normally present in Cayman's waters on a yearround basis.

 

Waste discharge from SWTD facilites has been shown to be particularly high in phosphorous. This excess nutrient runoff has been demonstrated to spur algae growth which can choke and kill coral reefs.

 

Whether SWTD facilites ever open in Cayman is yet to be seen. The current government has halted any future proposals, but for now is allowing the two proposed facilities to continue development. They must still gain wastewater discharge permits.