Ultimate Dolphins

Throughout time dolphins have represented virtues that humans value the most. In addition to their outwardly gentle nature, curiosity and developed social organization, dolphins also display an exuberance and athletic ability that are nearly unmatched in the animal world. Their spectacular, gravity-defying leaps, tail-walks and graceful underwater maneuvering are breathtaking to observe up close.

A wonderful opportunity has been created to give Photo Safaris participants an unparalleled chance to intensely photograph dolphins and their remarkable behaviors in a stunning tropical paradise.

Twenty bottlenose dolphins are the subjects of ongoing research at a tropical island wonderland in Honduras, a short plane trip from Houston. These dolphins are semi-wild in that some are exercised during open-ocean swims on a daily basis. Although they can all “escape” at any time, they seem to appreciate their association with people.

The Ultimate Dolphins wildlife models shoot allows all participants to photograph individual dolphins and groups of dolphins in a variety of natural and staged activities. Tight face shots, and leaping and tail-walking behaviors are arranged with friendly, willing subjects. A rigorous photo schedule highlights dolphin photography from boats and beach. We also have exceptional access to them in their living enclosure. Working with a trainer from raised docks and low platforms, photographers have excellent views of dolphins swimming in a clear, shallow, natural lagoon. The shoot’s highlight is five leaping sessions at sunset, and five morning leaping/tail-walking sessions from an open boat. We have also arranged a session for participants to shoot in an enclosed lagoon with underwater cameras to create impressive underwater shots of dolphins swimming—or you can simply savor the thrill of close interaction with these animals as they approach you. Additional sessions are available for a fee.

We stay at a world-class resort that offers excellent meals and accommodations on a lush tropical island. Special arrangements at a fantastic new location near the resort allow photography of toucans inside their enclosure, macaws in beautiful settings, a jaguar and an ocelot in natural enclosures, and howler monkeys in mangroves. This trip is great for stock photography, offers a wonderful interaction with dolphins, and is truly a photo shoot you shouldn’t miss!