A Traveler's Experience

A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (FL)

Some people swim with dolphins, who knew that you could paint with dolphins too! While traveling the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Highway, we decided to stop in Marineland, south of St. Augustine, Florida. It turns out that Marineland was founded in the late 1930s. Its claim to fame is that it was the world's first Oceanarium, the concept/idea behind modern day Sea World and other aquariums. They have a paint with the dolphin program at Marineland where you can buy the opportunity to paint with the dolphins. You get to pick out the paint colors and hold the canvas while the dolphin paints a picture for you! The dolphin holds the paint brush in its mouth with one of those foam water noodles. You get to keep the painting and have your picture taken with the dolphin to remember the fun and excitement! My "modern art" was painted by a 32-year old dolphin named Alvin. I thought that this was something new and different and love my artwork!

Marineland is currently doing some reconstruction of its dolphin pools so you should call ahead to find out if the park is open to the public. Their phone number is 1-888-279-9194 or visit them at www.marineland.net.