Rudolph Brown photoOCHO RIOS has added yet another tourist attraction to its growing number, in the form of a marine enclave, where swimming with dolphins will be the major attraction of "Dolphin Cove" located close to Dunn's River.
The resort, which took a year to construct and came in at a cost of US$3 million, was conceived and is operated by Stafford Burrowes, who designed the complex around what used to be his house.
The four-acre property boasts 15,000 feet of beach front. There is a pavilion, which will provide information on the dolphins and instructions on how to swim with them, a restaurant, gift shop, snack counter and an area where one can take pictures with the friendly sea mammals.
The move is the latest in a number of attractions likely to come to Ocho Rios. Local entertainment mogul Chris Blackwell's company Island has plans for a US$16 million entertainment "village" located at the western end of Ocho Rios (between Reynold's Pier and Turtle Beach) scheduled to be opened to the public later this year.
Hotel magnate Karl Hendrickson acquired the Ocho Rios Ruins Restaurant with its spectacular waterfall providing its centre piece and has plans to use it as a tourist attraction.
The dolphins are housed in a 300 by 200 foot pen (15 feet deep) with the deep blue sea providing a fitting back drop. There are plans for the dolphins to have access to the sea, a move that will allow them to live a more natural existence before returning to the pen as and when they are required to.
The complex also houses sections which showcase nurse sharks, sting rays and other exotic sea creatures and there is also a jungle trail featuring iguanas and snakes.
The beach area will offer snorkelling alongside other beach activities.
Dolphin Cove will have a staff complement of 40 to 50 people, including dolphin experts from Mexico.
Mr. Burrowes said: "The idea for Dolphin Cove was conceived some three years ago when I wanted to keep a pet dolphin at my home here only to be told I would need special permits. I then set about trying to create an attraction where people can come and swim with dolphins, relax and enjoy a marine complex practically on the sea with lush vegetation as a backdrop.
"This venture is the first of its kind in Jamaica and I must say that it was accomplished with the assistance and support of JAMPRO, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and the Ministry of Tourism. Dolphin Cove will be open to the public in a further three weeks and we have been promised zoo status for the different animals we have here."
He added: "The dolphins had a bit of a traumatic experience getting here last Friday when the plane carrying them to Jamaica from Mexico had to make an emergency landing at Cayman due to engine problems but they seem quite settled and are adjusting to their new environment in Jamaica."
The first four bottle nose dolphins arrived at the end of last week, with plans for a further six to join them later in the year.
The first complement of dolphins is comprised of two males and two females weighing approximately 400 pounds. The females are 25 years old with the two males being considerably younger at six (dolphins live up to 55 in captivity).
Dolphin Cove has the capacity to entertain 500 people a day and the entry fee is expected to be set at US$15. There is a further charge of US$119 to swim with the dolphins and US$69 to have an encounter with them.
Florida's Seaworld has recently opened a new attraction called Discovery Cove where there is a charge of US$175 to swim with the dolphins.
There will be a concessionary rate for locals who wish to swim with the dolphins.
Dunn's River will no longer be the only attraction that Ocho Rios can boast of.
There are plans for another two Dolphin Cove attraction resorts located in Montego Bay and Negril respectively.
