Swimming with Dubai's dolphins at Aquaventure Waterpark
We are now below sea level, making our way through the tunnel. Though we’re guided by miniature spotlights, it’s still dark. After about ten minutes the beaming sunlight of Dubai blinds our eyes - it must be about thirty-five degrees and I’m dying to cool down in the pool. Finally, we find ourselves on Palm Island where our destination is only minutes away. There it is: Aquaventure Waterpark. Unable to contain my excitement as adrenaline pumps round my body, I practically jump out of my seat. This is so much more than I have been expecting; even the front entrance is impressive. It feels so empty, as our echos bounce of the tall beige brick walls, moving through cracks and crevasses in the stone cold floor. The weather is incredible outside - unbearable for long periods of time, but I’m not complaining. As we get closer to the exit the heat catches our skin from the arch door, bringing through that golden tan. The burning sensation on the soles of my feet makes me eager to hop straight into the cool water.
I can feel the dynamics from the outside as the crowds of people are screaming and laughing inside. Oh my gosh - this is awesome! The hundreds of palm trees, mountainous rocks and brightly coloured flowers are amazing. The rides and slides tower above us, and the sound of rapid water which strikes its sides forcing it over onto our heads, enough to make me squeal.
Gradually we make our way through as many rides as possible. Each ride gives different feelings: the ‘Leap of Faith is of horror, while the ‘Lazy River’ is of calmness and relaxation. The Leap of Faith is exactly like you can imagine, sky high, near-vertical drop and to top it off, waiting at the bottom is a shark infested tank. My biggest fear is heights and as much as this slide looks enticing, my nerves get the better of me. If I were to go again, though, I would definitely have to conquer that fear.
We approach a ride called ‘Aquaconda’, which has the world’s largest water slide tube at 9.2 metres wide. We’re sitting in a huge six man dingy, fearlessly counting down: three, two, one… I’ve got such mixed feelings - I want to cry, laugh and scream all at once. We’re being launched in unpredicted directions; my tummy is in stitches and I’m struggling to breathe. You should see my dad’s face - it’s an absolute picture - he’s terrified. The pressure of water varies depending on the rides, reaching, at their highest, speeds of 60mph. My ears and nose are clogged with water and my mouth is full from laughing in hysterics.
My feet are starting to hurt as we amble to the opposite side of the resort, searching for food stalls to regain our energy after our long and eventful day. We pass the aquarium and Marine Animal Experiences, home to thousands of aquatic animals and plants, admiring their quirky colours and majestic movements in their enormous natural-like habitats. We wander over to Dolphin Bay, which is in a quiet location at the edge of the resort. You can interact with the dolphins in deep and shallow water surrounded by sand just like at the beach. My parents have surprised me: as a birthday gift, I get the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do; they are the most beautiful and intelligent creatures. We slide into our wetsuits and have a quick briefing, where we meet our group leader to finally get in. The dolphins’ skin is silky soft, kind of thick and rubbery, and they’re smaller than I’d expected. Water splashes in my face as they pull me effortlessly at speed through the water and spin me around in circles; they are so powerful and yet so careful. Though vocal and loud, they are far from aggressive - they make sounds like echos and whistles. It is truly incredible and is an experience that I will never forget.
Isabella Gillam, Year 12
I can feel the dynamics from the outside as the crowds of people are screaming and laughing inside. Oh my gosh - this is awesome! The hundreds of palm trees, mountainous rocks and brightly coloured flowers are amazing. The rides and slides tower above us, and the sound of rapid water which strikes its sides forcing it over onto our heads, enough to make me squeal.
Gradually we make our way through as many rides as possible. Each ride gives different feelings: the ‘Leap of Faith is of horror, while the ‘Lazy River’ is of calmness and relaxation. The Leap of Faith is exactly like you can imagine, sky high, near-vertical drop and to top it off, waiting at the bottom is a shark infested tank. My biggest fear is heights and as much as this slide looks enticing, my nerves get the better of me. If I were to go again, though, I would definitely have to conquer that fear.
We approach a ride called ‘Aquaconda’, which has the world’s largest water slide tube at 9.2 metres wide. We’re sitting in a huge six man dingy, fearlessly counting down: three, two, one… I’ve got such mixed feelings - I want to cry, laugh and scream all at once. We’re being launched in unpredicted directions; my tummy is in stitches and I’m struggling to breathe. You should see my dad’s face - it’s an absolute picture - he’s terrified. The pressure of water varies depending on the rides, reaching, at their highest, speeds of 60mph. My ears and nose are clogged with water and my mouth is full from laughing in hysterics.
My feet are starting to hurt as we amble to the opposite side of the resort, searching for food stalls to regain our energy after our long and eventful day. We pass the aquarium and Marine Animal Experiences, home to thousands of aquatic animals and plants, admiring their quirky colours and majestic movements in their enormous natural-like habitats. We wander over to Dolphin Bay, which is in a quiet location at the edge of the resort. You can interact with the dolphins in deep and shallow water surrounded by sand just like at the beach. My parents have surprised me: as a birthday gift, I get the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do; they are the most beautiful and intelligent creatures. We slide into our wetsuits and have a quick briefing, where we meet our group leader to finally get in. The dolphins’ skin is silky soft, kind of thick and rubbery, and they’re smaller than I’d expected. Water splashes in my face as they pull me effortlessly at speed through the water and spin me around in circles; they are so powerful and yet so careful. Though vocal and loud, they are far from aggressive - they make sounds like echos and whistles. It is truly incredible and is an experience that I will never forget.
Isabella Gillam, Year 12