Dolphin Watching - Tenerife - 14th April 2006

Place: Puerto Colon?, Tenerife
Date: 14th April 2006
Boat name: Royal Delfin
Boat type: Catamaran?
How many people it carries: -
Company name: -
Trip length: 4 hours 30 minutes
Successful or Unsucessful: Successful
Who was on trip: Me, Mum, Dave
Wildlife seen: Bottlenose Dolphins, Short-Finned Pilot Whales, Seabirds

The coach picked us up at about 11.45am and arrived at Puerto Colon at about 2pm. We boarded our Catamaran, called the Royal Delfin, at 2:30pm. There was no room on the top deck, so I went down stairs in the indoors bit.
Gosh the journey was awful. I suffer from motion sickness so it wasn't in the slightest bit nice. Our first dolphin sighting was a lone bottlenose dolphin. It was bow riding at the front of our boat which was very cool. It didn't stay around long, and then the boar went out in seach of more dolphins.
We came across about 5. Some were bow riding and leaping. There was also a calf! They disappeared after about 7 minutes and the boat searched for more. We then came across quite a lot of dolphins, I have no idea how many, and they were frolicking about. It was very good to watch. Once again they disappeared and the boat didn't find anymore. I felt very ill so laid down and had a little sleep. After food was served up, which I rejected, the boat set off back, and on the way we saw a few dolphins and 2 Pilot Whales, both alone. The Pilots kept disappearing but occasionally did a few small breaches. They didn't stay long and we then set off back to Puerto Colon. I was glad to back on land.

Pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562810988XTeBin

Loro Parque - 12th April 2006

Woo Loro Parque! It was so cool. But gah, the Orca Ocean was still closed :(.
We got to Loro Parque at 12:15pm. At the entrance, mum bought my a backstage ticket, but I never went because it was gunna be about 1.45 hours on my own, but I don't mind because all 3 of us are gunna do it on Monday.
We started off at the Parrots and walked through the aquarium and sea lions until we got to the dolphins. The dolphin show started at 1.30pm, but whilst we waited, we climbed to the top of the dolphin stadium, looked over the edge and saw the orcas!
Wow. It's so weird seeing Keto, Tekoa, Kohana and Skyla, I really can't tell you how weird it was. Tekoa wasn't around much, but Keto, Kohana and Skyla were in the bigger of the back pools, atleast I think its bigger.
I then watched the dolphin show. It was okay, but y'know, the normal dolphin show stuff. I then checked out the orcas again until the guards kicked us out.
We had lunch and then saw the chimpaneezs and marmosets. Then I saw the penguins. The penguin exhibit is really cool. Apparently it has won 4 gold stars. And there was real ice on the walls as you walked through. I was spazzing about that lol.
We then went to the gorillas, and there was one male running past the glass and throwing leaves and stones at it, as if he wanted to challenge us.
Me, mum and Dave then watched the 3.45pm Sea Lion show. It was quite good. After the sea lion show we walked back to the Dolphin stadium, but had to wait ages until we were ket in. I ran to the top of the dolphin stadium, and watched the orcas. U even missed the dolphin show to watch the guys. They were a lot more interesting whilst the show was going on. I saw them being hosed down and fed. I got some great shots.
Before the dolphin show, though, Kohana and Tekoa weren't really about, Keto was logging and Skyla was chewing on the wall lol. She's a cutie. After the show had finished we left the park at about 6.15pm.
It was a cool day. But wow, I was so close to the orcas when I saw them being fed. It was great. Well I wasn't sooo close, but I was close as possible.

Pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562651451OJuiJB

Dolphin Encounter - Marineland France - 25th October 2005

Place: Marineland Antibes
Date: 25th October 2005
Species: Bottlenose Dolphin
Main Cetacean Name: Silver
Other Cetacean Name: Fenix and ?
Trainer: -
Time in pool: -

At 12:15pm, I had a dolphin encounter booked, so headed to the new dolphin lagoon. I was the only English speaking person, which wasn't cool. We watched a short film about dolphins, then put on our waders and went to the pool. There were around 30 of us, and there were 3 dolphins: Silver, Fenix and another (forgot its name). We touched Silver's rostrum and beak, and the trainers spoke about the dolphins, luckily one trainer knew English and translated for me, and we gave the dolphins some hand signals. We touched Silver one last time, and then it was over at 1.40pm.

Marineland France - 25th October 2005

I got to the park entrance at about 10.10am, but the que was huge huge, so I got into the park about 10.50am. Me and my parents headed to the orcas and Kim, Sharkan, Inouk and Wiki were in the show pool.

We watched the 11.30am orca show which lasted til 12.00pm. After the show Freya and Valentin were in the show pool. At 12:15pm, I had a dolphin encounter booked, so headed to the new dolphin lagoon. I was the only English speaking person, which wasn't cool. We watched a short film about dolphins, then put on our waders and went to the pool. There were around 30 of us, and there were 3 dolphins: Silver, Pheonix and another (forgot its name). We touched Silver's rostrum and beak, and the trainers spoke about the dolphins, luckily one trainer knew English and translated for me, and we gave the dolphins some hand signals. We touched Silver one last time, and then it was over at 1.40pm.

I had lunch and then left my parents, and walked about the park. I went to go and see the dolphins in the new lagoon, but unfortunatly they were in the smaller pool, without the glass. I then went and watched Inouk, Wiki and Sharkan in the back pool and looked at the penguins, seals and sea lions.

At about 3.00pm I went back to the orcas. Valentin and Freya were still in the show pool. I watched the orca and pirate show at 4.00pm. I liked it. But I noticed that the trainers didnt do any water work, or the orca kiss, like they did last year. After the show I watched the sea lions by the dolphin lagoon, and then watched the orcas. Sharkan, Inouk and Wiki were in the show pool. But they were really un-interactive. They were just laying by the trainers cove doing very little. Only later did they start doing come laps. I didnt exactly get any interactions, but Wiki came up to the glass and watched my orca stuffie, and followed it along the glass.

At 7.15pm I watched the orca night show, which was really cool, and then my and my parents left the park.

Pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562639660ZUtBOm

Marineland France - 30th October 2004

We got to the park at 11:30 and again I missed the start of the orca show. When the show was over they did training sessions with Freya, Inouk and Sharkan. When Sharkan's training session was over they just left her in the show pool, whilst Kim was in the back pool and Wiki, Inouk, Val and Freya swam in and out of the three middle holding pools. I felt so sorry for Sharkan because she was all alone in the show pool and she looked so sad/bored. We then went to see Kim and he just lapped the back pool. We then looked around the rest of the park and then had lunch. We came back to the orcas and they did another training session with them. Sharkan was learning to jump and spit at the crowd. A few times Sharkan would splash her trainer like crazy and I was wondering if she got the signal wrong or if she was being aggressive. Freya was learning to get on the slide and shake her head with her mouth open. Inouk was target jumping, Kim was learning an alien kind of behaviour and Wiki was doing random behaviours. We then watched the first part of the 4:00pm pirates and Orcas show and then left at 4:10pm to catch our train.

*Overall the day was Ok but I was disappointed that they wouldn't put any orcas into the show pool with Sharkan, so I didn't get any interactions.

Pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562619972bDINfM

Marineland France - 28th October 2004

Oh how it rained. We got to MLF at 11:40 and I ran to the orca stadium and just caught the end of the show. When the show finished Wiki, Inouk and Sharkan were left in the show pool. I ran down to see them and got out my stuffed orca. I waved it at Wiki and she splashed me!! Wiki, Inouk and Sharkan were then moved into the side pool and I watched them for a while. Kim, Freya and Valentin were in the show pool and I watches their training session. When their training session was over they just lapped the pool. I asked a trainer if Sharkan was pregnant and they said "No, Sharkan isn't pregnant"... So no little orca on the way.

It rained and rained so me and my mum went to see the Sharks. We then went to see the Penguins, Seals and Sea Lions and then went to take shelter in the new dolphin stadium. It's quite good. When the rain got a bit lighter me and my mum went and had lunch. After lunch I went back to the orcas and Wiki, Inouk and Sharkan were in the back pool. I watched them for a while and Inouk started spy hopping near me, and I say his little eye looking at me :)! We then went to the dolphin show, and while I stood my the pool taking photos this guy in a mask came right up to me and scared the crap out of me XD!! I took a seat and watched the show. The Dolphins were good, but then this Sea Lion came on, and a lady hidden some where was talking, as if it was the Sea Lion talking. I didn't understand any of it, so I didn't think very much of it.

After the Dolphin show we went to the aquarium and museums. We came back to the orca stadium and watched Freya, Kim and Valentin lap the show pool until the 4:00pm pirate and orca show started. After the show, the trainers threw 2 barrels and 2 targets into the water and Freya and Valentin were playing with them! Freya was so cute! A bit later we went to the gift shop and I bought Dolphin and Orca PJ's and a dolphin poster (I thought I'd picked up the orca poster, but I picked up the dolphin poster and didn't find out until I got back home =P) and then we got something to eat. We went back to the orcas and Inouk was in the show pool with Valentin and Freya. I saw Inouk at the glass and ran, but I wasn't quick enough and he went. I then very patiently waited for 1 whole hour for Inouk to return to the glass and he did, and this time I was quick enough! I love that little cutie! He interacted with me 5 times! He nodded his head, waved his pecs and stuck his tongue out as I waved my stuffed orca at him! Val even came past and stopped for a few seconds!!!! Probably because he was wondering what Inouk was doing :). At 7:00pm we watched the special Halloween show at the orca stadium, but we had to leave at 7:20pm to catch our train.



*Overall the day was good apart from the non stop rain through out the day, but it was great because Wiki splashed me, I interacting with Inouk and had a brief interaction with Val!!

Pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562607924VoHBmt

Beluga Encounter - Mystic Aquarium - 19th August 2004

Place: Mystic Aquarium
Date: 19th August 2004
Species: Beluga
Main Cetacean Name: Inuk
Other Cetacean Name: -
Trainer: Justin
Time in pool: 20 minutes

At 2:30 it was time for my Beluga Encounter! Our trainer, Justin, took the six of us to a room. We put our waders on, but mine was too small >.<. We then talked about Belugas, Cetaceans and stuff, and finally we went in the water at 3:05.
Our Beluga was Inuk, he is such a sweetie! A few weeks before, during an encounter, someone fell on the poor guy and he got totally spooked out, but he did an awesome job with us!
We got in the water with him and then gave him a rub down and then gave him a pat on the tongue. We then got to stroke his teeth, they were quite blunt. We then got to choose if we wanted to be splashed or feel him suck your hand. I wanted to be splashed, but Justin made me do the other thing. I clenched my fist, put it by Inuk's mouth, and then he sucked my fingers in his mouth! I didn't expect it at all, it felt so funny! We then got to look inside of his mouth and watched him swallow some fish, and then Justin made him sing. He sounded so cute! We then got to have a pose photo with Inuk, got to wiggle his rails and touch his fluke. After 20 mins in the water we got out. It was such an awesome experience!!!

Whale Watching - Boston - 16th August 2004

Place: Boston, America
Date: 16th August 2004
Boat name: -
Boat type: Two decks
How many people it carries: -
Company name: -
Trip length: -
Successful or Unsucessful: Successful
Who was on trip: Me, Mum, Dave
Wildlife seen: Humpback Whales, Seabirds

We set off, and the boat was travelling super fast. I was on the top deck, wit the wind blowing in my face. We were travelling pretty fast for a long time, until we slowed down and came across 2 Humpback Whales! It was a mom and her 3-5 month old calf! The mother was called Istar and it was her 12th calf. We watched them for a long time, and the boat people showed us how you could see their white flippers underwater.

Pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562801012KPqiSY

MarineLand Canada - 14th August 2004

I got to the park at 10:20 and met Kristine. We went to FC, and watched Kiska and her 6 day old calf. We then went to Kandu and Hudson, and watched the petting session. We then went back to the under water viewing area and watched Kiska, her calf and Nootka do the show from under water. We went back to Hud and Du and watched them for a while. We then went to the Belugas, and once again they didn't interact. After the Belugas, we went to see the Bears. Those Bears are so cute!!! Me and Kristine went back to FC to see if Britt was there but she wasn't. We decided to get some lunch and just as we were heading out of FC, we bumped into Britt and her mom. Because me and Kristine were hungry, we agreed to meet up in the line for tickets to pet the orcas.
When we had eaten, Kristine and I met Britt and her mom in the line. Britt showed us some adorable photos of Shouka!! I was so jealous Kristine and Britt got to meet her!
While we were queuing up, Kiska had leapt out of the water to try and catch a seagull!! I never saw it, but we heard a loud splash and a seagull squeaking.
After we got our tickets we queued up for about 25 minutes. Me, Kristine and Britt chose to pet Kandu. I pet Kandu, and fed him 1 fish and then he swam away to the gate. The trainer had to get him back by slapping a target on the water. When he came back I fed him 2 more fish and then pet him.
After the petting session, Britt and her parents went and got some lunch, and agreed to meet at the Belugas. We still had a lot of time before we had to meet them, so we went to the FC under water viewing area and watched the orcas. We headed off the the Belugas, and Britt and her family weren't there. We stayed at AC for ages and Britt and her family still hadn't turned up. I thought they may have come early, whilst we were at FC, waited and left. So we left AC to go to FC, and met Britt and her family on the way. We split up again, as Britt and her family wanted to go to the Belugas, and me and Kristine wanted to see the Orcas. We went to Hud and Du, and interacted with Huddy.

Later we watched Nootka perform. We hung around the orcas for most of the day, watched Nootka's show 2 more times, and watch Kiska being fed, 2 times.
Kristine and I made friends with a guy who worked there, Dan. I asked Dan when they would name the calf, and he said they would normally name it around birth, but they are going to do a poll.
When Kristine left, Britt and my family headed for Dragon Mountain. Britt didn't ride it but I did. It's so cool!! We left the park at 9:03pm.

Pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562605610VRGNJf

MarineLand Canada - 13th August 2004

I got to Marineland at 9:30, and because I had some time before Kristine turned up, I went in the park. At the time, I didn't know Kiska had given birth, and I went to FC. AND I SAW THE CALF!!! The calf is soooooooooooooooooooo adorable! She is 5 days old!! She reminds me of Skyla.
When it was 10:00 I went to the park entrance to wait for Kristine. Kristine turned up at 10:20, and she yelled at me, "Kiska's had her calf!", and I said "I know" and showed her some of the photos I took, and then we went to FC. We watched the calf and Kiska lap for a while and then looked at Nootka. It's so depressing watching her floating at the surface alone. I feel so sorry for her, that all her calves have passed away, and her only living calf, is Splash, but she can't see him. We went to see Hudson and Kandu (who were in the back pool, whilst Nootka was in the old orca tank by her self). Kandu was in his "special spot" as I call it, by the gate, and Hudson was lapping and sometimes stopping to "talk" to Nootka.
Later Kristine and I did the orca petting session and we got to pet Kandu!!!! Kandu is so big, but such a sweetie!!! We then went to Artic Cove to see the Belugas. They were so funny! They'd blow these "rings" and then suck them up. Unfortunately they wouldn't interact. And their new habitat is really nice. I still can't believe 20 Belugas were all squashed together in on of the FC tanks! We went back to the orcas, but it started to rain so we then went to the aquarium and watched the show, and when it finished saw the dolphins, at the under water viewing area. They wouldn't interact either.
A little later we went back to the orcas and we interacted with Hudson. I waved my stuffed orca, and then he would imitate it!! Then Hudson spy hopped and touched my stuffed orca with the end of his nose!!!! He is such a cutie!! Kristine then took out some photos of orcas (e.g Algonquin, Neocia, Splash, Shouka)
Kristine later got tickets for the next petting session, and while she was doing that Kandu came over and interacted with me for a brief second!! Kristine came back and we petted Hudson.
Later we went to the under water viewing area and watched Kiska and her calf. Man, her calf is cute! We then watched Nootka do a show. I guess her show is the most exercise she does in a day. Apart from her shows all she ever does is float at the surface... the poor girl.
We hung around the orcas for a while and then went back to the Belugas. I petted and fed Denise. Denise is so pretty! We then went back to the orcas and at 7:15, me and Kristine left the park.

Pics here: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562577756skpHnz