Family dolphin watching holidays

HEALTH

Be generous with the (eco-friendly) sun block. You may not notice the sun because of the ocean spray or chilly winds – but the water will magnify it, and you can get burned without even noticing. Cover up when snorkelling – your back, legs and bum can get burnt! Speak to your tour operator if you have back problems – some of the smaller boats may not be suitable, especially if out in rough seas. They can also advise you on how to minimize the impact of waves. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a land-based tour with shorter times out at sea. Some regions have rougher water than others, and larger boats are more stable than shorter boats. Take medication with you if you are worried – ginger is also a good, natural remedy. You may spend a long time scanning the ocean – wear good sunglasses with UV protection to save your eyes from the reflective glare. Polarising lenses may also help you see more clearly. Some regions, including Sri Lanka and Kenya, will require specific vaccinations and other health precautions including antimalarial tablets. Mosquito-borne dengue fever is also prevalent in some destinations, including Sri Lanka and Fiji. Check the CDC website for up-to-date health advice for your destination.

Other wildlife

Having unleashed your child’s inner marine biologist with the sociable, somersaulting cetaceans, expert guides can introduce them to many other marine species, such as whales, manta rays, manatees and basking sharks. While dolphin watching with kids, you can snorkel or scuba dive submarine caves and interesting rock formations where fish flutter in La Gomera, visit vast colonies of sea birds in Scotland, and study monk seals and turtles in Greece – soon enough the whole ecosystem will start to fall into place.