On the last day of my holiday in September this year my husband treated us to a dolphin safari run by Pivo watersports. It operated from the Marina in Vilamoura. The trip was on a speed boat and we were assured we had an 85% chance of seeing dolphins.

There was 8 people on the boat with 6 in the nose of the speed boat and 2 in the back. We were at the very front and I noticed straight away I had nothing to hold onto if the trip was to get rough.

The person that took us out seemed quite inexperienced and took the boat out very deep into sea - never slowing down. He seemed to have no idea where dolphins would be. I have been on dolphin trips before and this seemed unusual.

As we got further out the front of the boat got higher until we were plunging down into the sea from 8 - 9 foot int he air. The force when we hit the water was both frightening and painful. I was terrified and was concerned I was going to fall out the boat. This lasted for over an hour by which time I had no desire to see dolphins - only to get back to dry land.

On return to the harbour 2 hours later I was in such pain I found it difficult to get off the boat. On returning from my holiday I went straight to my doctor and he informed me I had cracked a rib. The others in the front of the boat said they would never go on a speed boat again and they hadn't enjoyed it.

I would warn anyone thinking of going on such a trip to beware. Either sit in the back of the boat - or expect a very agonising ride. I certainly would never recommend it to anyone as I am still suffering 3 weeks after returning from holiday!