DOLPHIN COVE'S owner Stafford Burrowes can hardly put a foot wrong nowadays. Acting on a longstanding belief that a swimming-with-the-dolphins facility in Ocho Rios "would create wonders" for the tourism industry, Mr. Burrowes has seen his attraction grown into what is today one of the more popular attractions in the Caribbean.
But how did it all started...from the concept...to what Dolphin Cove is today? "The idea for Dolphin Cove was conceived some six years ago, when I wanted to keep a pet dolphin at my home here," Mr. Burrowes said, leaning back in his chair while sporting that majestic smile of his. "I was soon to realise that it would be easier said than done, especially after been made aware of all the special permits I would need."
ATTRACTION
He added: "I then set about trying to create an attraction where people could come and swim with dolphins, relax and enjoy a marine type complex, practically on the sea with lush vegetation as a backdrop. This venture is the first of its kind in Jamaica, and I must say that it was accomplished with the assistance and support of JAMPRO, the Natural Resources Conserva-tion Authority (NRCA) now NEPA and the Ministry of Tourism. Dolphin Cove has since been assigned zoo status for the different animals we have here."
He noted that the dolphins are housed in a 300 by 200-foot pen (15 feet deep) with the deep blue sea providing a fitting backdrop. They currently have access to the sea and could -if they wanted to- leave Dolphin Cove for a more natural existence. So far, according to Mr. Burrowes, none have ventured to leave the facility.
What Mr. Burrowes didn't have to say though is that since opening its doors to the public nearly four years ago, the attraction has not only become a favourite of cruise visitors, but it is running a close second to the world famous Dunn's River Falls in terms of popularity. And having been given the green light recently by the Environment Ministry to expand the facility, many in the resort town are predicting that it wont be too long before Dolphin Cove assume the role as the number one attraction on the north coast.
NO SECRET
And what is the secret to his success? "There's really no secret," Mr. Burrowes said. "It is simply a matter of creating your own little niche...having a quality product that people will love and will want to share with their families and friends...that is the secret to the success of Dolphin Cove."
Mr. Burrowes was also quick to add that Dolphin Cove wasn't just all about making money, noting that "we have never failed to open our doors -especially to children- for others to share the experience. Yes, we are very big on charitable causes." His wife, Marilyn, who is also the marketing director of Dolphin Cove, pointed to a recent visit by a group of youngsters from the Windsor Girls' Home in St. Ann's Bay as "one of our better experiences for the year." "Watching them enjoy the facility...the smiles on their faces...was a thrill in itself," she said.
And what can we expect from Dolphin Cove for the remainder of the year. "We still have to fine tune our expansion plans," Mr. Burrowes said. "Once we have everything on stream we should have a facility that everyone can be proud of...should be the best of its kind in the Caribbean and a tremendous boost to the country's tourism offerings."
