jueves, 10 de septiembre de 2020

9 Things you should know about Ocean World.


Para la versión en español hacer click aquí.


Ocean World is equal to adventure and unforgettable experiences. Even if you've already been there, take a look to these 9 things you may not know about this unique place. 

9. It’s the first and only park of its kind.

Ocean World officially opened in 2004, bringing the first marine park in the north cost of the Dominican Republic. Up to date, it remains, the only facility in the area which offers close contact with dolphins, sea lions and sharks.

8. It is more than an amusement park.

In these 16 years of operation, the company has diversify its services and entertainment options, including:
  • Ocean World Marina, inaugurated in 2006.
Sunset over Ocean World Marina.
  • Events and Catering division, responsible for holding social events, weddings and national artist presentations.
  • Ocean World Terrace, former Discount Liquor Store, now one of the most modern, safe and preferred bar–restaurant by locals.
Ocean World Terrace ready for a party night.

7. A family owned business.

Ludwig Alfred Meister, German by birth but from Puerto Plata at heart, was the mastermind behind Ocean World. 

Mr. Meister, as he was called, was a visionary man, brilliant in business, and of excellent human quality. Meister believed in Puerto Plata, making it his home for this ambitious project and choosing it as his favorite residence until he passed away.

6. Stands out for its support to the community and the local economy, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Of the nearly 400 employees at Ocean World, 98% are Dominicans and almost all of them are from Puerto Plata, helping many families in the city.

The company solves a major issue faced by many bright young people looking for jobs after they finish their studies, which is, not having the experience that many positions require. At Ocean World, that's not a problem, they're in charge of continuously training and coaching their team.

Ocean World team celebrating celebrating the second consecutive year to earn TripAdvisor's certificate of excellence.
In total Ocean World won it 5 years in a row. IG @oceanworldrd

The company demonstrates with actions, its firm conviction that everyone deserves an opportunity and the diversity in its team proves it.

In addition, its gift shop and other activities in close contact with the Dominican culture, confirm the support that Ocean World gives to artisans, producers and local talent.

Puerto Plata will always be grateful to the Meister family, for giving so many young people, the opportunity to be part of a company, that more than a team is a great family.

5. Support good causes.

Both in sports and cultural celebrations; activities that benefits the tourist development of Puerto Plata and collaborating with non-profit institutions in the area, Ocean World is always present.

4. Has collaborated with the National Aquarium of the Dominican Republic.

Ocean World has had the opportunity to collaborate with the National Aquarium and other institutions, over the years. Highlighting their participation in relief works, rescues and educational talks. Caring for and releasing endangered species to their natural habitat.

Release of Sea Turtles, endangered species, into the Ocean.
 
The company also supports the national beach cleaning program each year, organized by the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and has participated in tree planting days.

3. It stands out for its good practices and sustainability. 

Did you know that Ocean World helps to keep Cofresí beach cleaner than other beaches in the area?

With its water treatment system, Ocean World filters and cleans sea water before filling its lagoons. Once inside, the water is in optimal conditions, to guarantee visitors, trainers and animals’ health. Then, it goes through other filters before returning to the sea.

As a result of this continuous process, Ocean World returns to Cofresí beach, over 6 million gallons of filtered better quality water every day, helping the beach to be cleaner.

Ocean World Dolphin Lagoon, one of the largest lagoon of its kind in the world.

The company is also working to eliminate single-use plastic within its operation and taking other measures that protect the environment, preserve the culture and support the local economy. 

For their efforts, Ocean World recently received the “Travelife Partner Committed to Sustainability” certification, in recognition of the various updates and investments, made in order to be sustainable in everything they do.

Hats off to Ocean World! That’s what being sustainable is all about. Operating without affecting your surroundings, leaving it as you found it or making it better.

2. It was the first company in the entire Caribbean to be certified by the “American Humane Association”.

Ocean World signage with Travelife and American Humane certification.

This certification, granted by the North American institution "American Humane", committed to guaranteeing the safety, good care and well-being of animals, confirms the commitment that Ocean World has to care for and protect its animal family.

Ocean World should be proud to have obtained this certification, in recognition of its good practices and the animal care they provide to the different species that live there. It takes just one visit and talking to one of the trainers to see how much they love the “children” under their care.

1. It is a pride of Puerto Plata.

For all the aforementioned and for how much fun you have in each visit, Ocean World is one of the most important attractions in Puerto Plata and the northern part of the Dominican Republic.

When visiting Ocean World Adventure Park, you can swim with dolphins, or interact with them in shallow water. Have a close encounter with sea lions and if you dare, feed sharks and snorkel with them. Yes, swimming with sharks is so cool! As a proof, I leave you my photo swimming with them; totally recommended.

Swimming with sharks at Ocean World, Puerto Plata.

The park has an aviary with more than 1,000 parakeets or love birds. They also have macaws and toucans. A pool and a beach area. A slide not suitable for the faint of heart and a beautiful fish tank.

Did you know that the aquarium at Ocean World houses more than 25 different species of fish? Interesting, right? One tip, check the mural about the importance of coral reefs, it is one of the many ways in which they teach how to preserve the environment and the oceans.

Coral reef aquarium at Ocean World, Puerto Plata.

Inside the park there are also bars and a restaurant with typical Dominican food, so tasty you'll "lick your fingers".

Now you know best, next time you're in the area, visit this pride of Puerto Plata. Ocean World is, without a doubt, a once in a lifetime experience!

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Thank you for reading and see you next time!