Dolphin encounter at Sanctuary Bay

Sanctuary Bay is a natural lagoon of about nine acres in Freeport, and its dolphins live in ocean enclosures rather than tanks. On the encounter you walk down a ramp onto a platform sunk about three feet under the water and stand while a trainer brings a bottlenose dolphin up to be touched and, if you like, kissed. Staff photographers shoot the whole thing, and the photos are sold on site.

A few rules come with it. Children under 16 need a parent who also takes part, and everyone has to manage a ladder. At some tides the ramp is steep, which matters for anyone with limited mobility or in a wheelchair. Tanning oils, jewellery and food are kept off the docks, and only biodegradable sunscreen is allowed.

Afterwards there is a bird patio with parrots and cockatoos, tortoises, a bar and a shop, and a 56-foot glass-bottom boat goes out from here as well. The longer dolphin swim and an eco-snorkel are booked separately. Sanctuary Bay is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.