In Reply to: Swimming with the dolphins posted by mbali on Monday, 17. August 2009 at 12:10 Bali Time:
We did the swim with the dolphins at the Melka hotel in Lovina last month. We didn't stay at the hotel, but had 3 days at Rambutan cottages which were wonderful. The dolphin swim was good, we had about 30mins in the water with them, myself and our 3 kids (aged 14, 12 and 8 while Dad took photos), and another 2 children they put with us (which was a shame, as the other 2 kids were quite young and really didn't want to be there, but parents stood poolside and videoed them crying!) We got such a long time as we started in one pool, but that dolphin wasn't too keen, so eventually moved to another. The staff in the pool with us were lovely, they helped my 2 younger girls with getting close to the dolphin, but were always cautious of us not stressing her too much, she had the option to move across to another pool area, but then would come back when ready for another pat.
The kids really did enjoy it, was one of many memorable experiences in our Bali holiday. Checked our credit card and cost was AUD$132 for 1 adult, 3 children (this was a family rate they had, that's usually 2 adults, 2 kids, but we altered).
I wouldn't do as a day trip, Lovina is just lovely, it's really worth a couple of days at least. There's a lot to see on the way there and back (Candi Kuning Markets, Lake Braten temple, Treetops ropes experience at the Botanic Gardens, Git Git Waterfalls, also Munduk Waterfalls, Gesing Giant tree and Lovina hot springs all of which we did and thoroughly enjoyed).
Bloody Ron (from Sanur Beach Villas) did tell me you can also swim with the dolphins just off Sanur, so if your time is limited that may be a better option for you.