Quick Links
Interactive Experiences
Connect to Protect
Dolphin Research Center is located on Grassy Key in the heart of the fabulous Florida Keys. We're a little more than two hours from Miami and about an hour and twenty minutes from Key West. Please take travel time into account when booking your programs!
Bring your family to meet our family of dolphins and sea lions, all of whom live in natural, seawater lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a couple of hours or all day, experiencing their personalities in fun-filled, narrated behavior sessions. In between, watch educational presentations, visit the tropical birds, play in the Sprayground or simply enjoy the beautiful, outdoor Florida Keys setting.
| The heart of our mission is the welfare of every animal in our family. Whether they are born here, or come from rescue/rehabilitation centers or other facilities, each receives the finest possible care and a safe, healthy, enriching home for life. | Dolphins and sea lions choose to participate in sessions, including interactive programs from the docks or in the water. None are ever forced. Therefore, on any given day, program availability and times may vary based on the needs of the animals. |
. PROGRAMS
$20-35
per person
General Admission
Open 7 days per week 9.00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Last admissions at 2:30 p.m. Closed on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
$225
per person.
Dolphin Encounter
General Admission
Dolphin kiss
Dolphin handshake
Leave the platform and join a dolphin for a dorsal pull in deep water
Guided by your trainer, ask your dolphin for an interactive behavior through a hand signal
Ages
Must be 5 years or older. A paying participating adult (18+Yrs) must accompany a child 5-7 years old.Duration
30 minutes: Check-in and prepare for the Dolphin Encounter (change clothes, etc.)
20-25 minutes: In-water experience
$2189-2689
per group.
Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter
Includes a digital photo package of all members of your group; all-day admission; and a one-year membership to DRC for each guest!
Ages
Great for all ages! Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by a participating adult.Duration
30 minutes: Check-in and prepare for the Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter (change clothes, etc.).15 minutes: Meet with your Marine Mammal Trainer and discuss your goals and requests for your exclusive experience.20-25 minutes: In-water experience
$140
per person
Family Dolphin Splash
Includes all-day admission.
Ages
Great for all ages! Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by a participating adult.Duration
30 minutes: Check-in and prepare for the Family Dolphin Splash (change clothes, etc.).
20-25 minutes: In-water on a submerged platform.
$105
per person.
Memory Maker Meet
Bring home a one-of-a-kind painting for a souvenir and experience you will never forget!
Choose two colors and hold a canvas panel while the dolphin artist paints. Collaborate with your new dolphin friend to create a unique 11x14 inch painting.
Shake hands and flippers with your new dolphin friend.
Feel the smooth texture of a dolphin's skin as they glide under your hand for a back rub.
Ages
1 yr and Up. Children younger than 8 years old must be accompanied by a participating adult.Duration
30 minutes: Check-in and prepare for the Memory Maker interactive experience (use restroom, etc.).
15 minutes: On a dock with a Marine Mammal Trainer
$95
per person
Paint with a Dolphin
Hold your Dolphin Art shirt or 11 X 14 inch canvas panel while a dolphin paints it for you
Give your new artist friend a backrub from the dock
Ages
1 yr and Up. Children ages 1-7 years must be assisted in the program by an adult (Age 18+). Adult must pay General Admission.Duration
Approximately 10 mins on the dockCompare Tours
Add Tours