We did this last year and it was the highlight of our trip- easy 5/5. This year, dropped to a 3/5. What changed:
1. This year we were on the newer big boat that the captain seemed proud of. We didn’t care for it. So big you lose the personal touch. For example, when trying to get into the boat from the water, smaller boat = attentive captain and crew members there to lend a hand. Bigger boat- you feel like another number to generate revenue. Both myself and mother in law had harder time getting in boat and no one there to help. Also, bigger boat, takes forever to get off the boat Into the water. Even the captain said the early bird in the water gets the worm. By the time we were in the water it should be called the Dolphin Chase, not the dolphin swim.
Last year, we stopped 3x and saw dolphins. This time was 1x.
2. Captain- Simon last year set the bar high. I should have called and scheduled our excursion when he was there. Charlie - he was fine, just seemed pretty serious and like he was watching the clock.
3. Snacks- the pineapple was amazing. Probably should have had more pineapple. There was plenty of packaged snacks/sandwiches which was nice.