Swimming with dolphins
A rare opportunity to interact with these lovable animals
Swimming with dolphins is an experience that is not easily forgotten. For many people an encounter with these lovable and sociable animals brings joy and happy memories. Kids love this trip, for them this is definitely one of the highlights of a holiday in Thailand.
Oasis Sea World in Chantaburi province on the Gulf of Thailand at around three hours drive from Bangkok offers the rare opportunity to meet and interact with dolphins.
The two species of dolphins that can be seen here, the irrawaddy dolphin and the pink humpback dolphin can be found in the wild in this area. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining and the chance of seeing one in the sea is very slim.
This centre started out around twenty years ago when local fishermen brought in some accidentally caught dolphins. Since then the number of dolphins has increased due to a breeding program. This centre has multiple basins, one of which is dedicated to swimming with dolphins, another one for the breeding program and one for a dolphin show.
A new basin has been build where visitors are able to swim with dolphins, ensuring the animals in the breeding centre will not be disturbed.
Some dolphin facts
Dolphins are very intelligent animals that can grow very old, up to 60 years. They eat some five kilos of fish, shrimps, crabs etc per day and usually they swim slowly, although they can reach a speed of up to 20 kilometers per hour. To get their food, they closely work together as a school herding all the fish together, giving them no chance to get away.
As any interaction with animals usually brings benefits to people, an encounter with these gentle creatures is believed to have a very positive impact in people’s well being.
Interacting with dolphins
Studies have shown that interacting with dolphins relieves stress and can reduce feelings of depression. As dolphins are intelligent animals, they are able to interact with people in a way that can improve mental health and reduce depression. Apart from that it is a fun experience for everybody, especially for children.
This centre offers an opportunity to not only see, but to interact with these lovable animals, an experience that not many people have. It can also be educational and make people aware that conservation efforts should be made to ensure these animals survive for the next generations to see.
Since Oasis Sea World is a three hours drive from Bangkok, it would be best combined with a stay on the island of Koh Chang, which is close by.
Entrance fees
Admission charged at the ticket booth is (Thai Baht):
Sports & Fun Activities