Manati Park has a terrible reputation for their treatment of their dolphins. After promising reforms and renovations to improve conditions the ownership ended up doing nothing substantial except opening up a new facility, Dolphin Island. Yes the two facilities share ownership and utilize the same dolphins which have been reported as traumatized at Manati Park. IMHO neither of these facilities are worthy of support by tourists with an conscience who truly care about the treatment of these wonderful mammals.
The only dolphin facility in the DR which I will recommend is Ocean World in Cofresi. They have a wonderful park with caring handlers and trainers who are overseen by marine biologists who make the final decisions regarding all aspects of mammal care. The British Tour Operator Thomson's operates day trips from Punta Cana (flight/bus) to Ocean World and of course if you are on the North Coast, your transportation is included from most areas.
Gregg
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