Frequently Asked Questions
1. For whom is dolphin assisted therapy at CDTC beneficial?
For people of three years and older with special needs like Autism, Asperger, Cerebral Palsy and Down syndrome, or psychological conditions like depression, PTSD and burnout. See the list of diagnoses for a complete overview.
2. Are patients limited by age?
Three years is the minimum age. In certain cases, it might be possible to make an exception. Please contact us if you need more information.
3. Does CDTC also treat adults?
Yes, certainly. Although many of our patients are children, we welcome more and more adults, for whom the program is equally beneficial.
4. Is there a program for siblings?
Yes. It is a crucial part of CDTC's concept to involve parents and siblings in the therapeutic context. At the CDTClub, brothers and sisters of special needs children snorkel and participate in an educational program about the sea. They enjoy a special dolphin day just for themselves and, very importantly, have the opportunity to meet other siblings who find themselves in a similar situation.
5. Does the family go into the water?
Yes. During the ‘family swim’, the accompanying relatives will get an idea of what the patient experiences in the water with the dolphin. We feel that this is tremendously important, because it enhances the shared character of the program. The whole family learns, grows and enjoys together.
6. What are the dolphins’ living conditions like?
We treat our dolphins with love and responsibility. They live in spacious natural lagoons with a constant flow of fresh seawater. The dolphins perform in therapy, and only for a strictly limited number of hours. They are provided with a high quality diet. CDTC has a specialized veterinarian on the premises.
7. What accommodations are available for the program?
We highly recommend Dolphin Suites, a hotel that offers comfortable accommodations to people with and without special needs. Dolphin Suites was especially founded by CDTC because most patients who participated in dolphin assisted therapy could not find suitable accommodation. Read more at www.dolphinsuitescuracao.com.
8. Can I get some money back from my healthcare insurance or from the tax authorities?
No, not usually. Unfortunately, healthcare insurance generally does not cover dolphin assisted therapy. However, a small number of parents have told us that their insurance companies did compensate part of the therapy costs, so do check with your insurer.
Tax authorities: parents have reported that they saved taxes by handing in CDTC's invoices.
9. My other children go to school during the year. Can I ask my school for permission for a special leave?
Yes, you can. Please contact us if you need support.
10. Where is Curacao located?
Curacao is an island in the southwestern Caribbean, just 56 km (35 miles) off the coast of Venezuela. It is a 9-hour flight to Amsterdam, a 2.5-hour flight to Miami and 45-minute flight to Caracas.
11. From where can I fly to Curacao?
Connections to Curacao can be made from anywhere in the world. Curacao has daily non-stop air services from the U.S., Venezuela and the Netherlands. Curacao also offers flights to Surinam, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and St. Domingo, Bonaire, Aruba, St. Maarten and Brazil.
12. Do I need a VISA?
Visitors from most countries may enter Curacao with a valid passport and stay for a period of 14 to 30 days. However, the below nationalities need a Visa to enter Curacao. (Please contact your local representation of The Netherlands to apply for your Visa.)
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Yugoslavia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirgizia, Croatia, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mali, Moldavia, Nigeria, North Korea, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Peru, Russian Federation, Serbia, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan, Vietnam.
13. Which currencies are accepted on Curacao?
The Antillean Guilder is the official currency. The U.S. Dollar and Euro are accepted at most tourist locations. You can withdraw Antillean Guilders and U.S. Dollars at ATMs all around the island. A vast majority of stores and restaurants accept international debit and credit cards.
14. How are the medical standards on Curacao?
The same as in Europe or the U.S. Curacao has the most modern hospital in the Southern Caribbean, two private clinics, two kidney dialysis centers and many multilingual doctors.
15. Is it possible to buy specific medication/diapers/diets on the island?
We cannot guarantee that certain types of medication and other important products are available, so we strongly recommend bringing all necessary equipment. Medicine should always be in your hand luggage.
16. Do I need to rent a car?
No, not necessarily. If you stay at the Dolphin Suites you can walk to the center. If your accommodation is farther away, or if you want to explore the island, renting a car is highly recommended. Contact us; we will gladly refer you to reliable and affordable car rentals (including ones with special needs vehicles).
17. Is it possible to rent a car in which we can take a wheelchair?
Yes, several car rental companies offer suitable cars and vans. Please contact us some time in advance so we can refer you to them.