Getting up close and personal with marine life at Ocean World

Ocean World’s slogan is “a once in a lifetime experience,” and it is, for children of all ages.

After three years of construction and an investment of more than $200 million, Ocean World, the Dominican Republic’s newest jewel in its tourism crown, officially opened its gates on December 16, 2006. The aquatic park offers a unique experience where guests of all ages can not only see and learn about wildlife, but also get up close and personal with animals that would normally scare the wits out of the average animal lover.

The facility’s popularity has boomed in such a way that even Hollywood celebrities, such as Sylvester Stallone and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger have already gone through its turnstiles, leaving their smiling pictures on a prominent wall. And the band that played on Opening Night? The Beach Boys.

The brainchild of German investor Ludwig Meister, Ocean World was developed by Dolphin Encounters of the Bahamas, a highly successful dolphin park in Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau. Activities go beyond just a “swim with the dolphins” experience to offer “an adventure like no other that allows kids and adults alike a chance to really learn and interact with dolphins, sharks and sea lions and to have an opportunity to touch, feel and smell the treasures of the ocean.

For guests, the experience begins right from the entrance, where all vehicles coming into the facility are doused by a raging waterfall that marks the beginning of the “up-close-and-personal” experience. Guests can choose of the type of package they would like to purchase. Some include just a tour of the facility while other packages give guests a the opportunity to interact with the various of species trained to work with people, including dolphins, sharks, sea lions and a pool of sting rays. For those who prefer to snorkel, a tank with more than 2,000 species of fish and an artificial reef is available.

For those who decide to dive into a day with the animals, the rewards are too many to number. Eight sea lion natives of Uruguay entertain guests, even blowing kisses. Some even take time to “pet” their human visitors. A total of 11 dolphins from Honduras, Cuba and Japan interact with guests, who during the experience learn about the dolphins’ lifecycle, habits, habitats and health.

The Ocean World concept includes a marina with 104 water docks and 216 dry docks, and a full-service center where visitors can restock. In addition, Meister has built a Las Vegas-style facility next door to Ocean World that houses fine restaurants, a casino and live Broadway style shows and revues that when fully-functional could play to crowds in the thousands.

On the agenda are plans to build a boutique hotel on the pristine beaches next door to take advantage of Cofresi’s accessibility through Puerto Plata International Airport or through the Marina. We’d like to think of Ocean World as an oasis of fun and adventure,” said Antonio Lopez, director of marketing. “The idea was born out of being practical and offering a service to these tourists. However, we wanted to take it a step further and transform Ocean World into a bona-fide destination on a sailor’s map.”