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Dolphin Encounter
20-25 minutes: In-water experience
Experience the unique thrill of a lifetime when you get an up-close look at the beauty and intelligence of our dolphins in this deep and shallow in-water experience. A memory that will last forever! Meet your new dolphin friend and see their personality shine through during a series of individual yet structured interactions. No two Dolphin Encounters are alike. Each dolphin is unique in personality and enjoys playing in different ways. Enjoy watching the dolphins, an educational narrated session, play in the Sprayground, or enjoy food and beverages available for purchase at Anchors Cafe, until your interactive experience begins and after it has concluded.
Includes
- 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
- Smile! A photographer will capture the big moments of you and your dolphin friend's experience, available for purchase. Please note: If you book within 24 hours of your program, you may not be guaranteed a photographer.
- General Admission so come and go as you please during operating hours for the day. (Pets are not able to attend or participate in programs. If you bring a pet, please arrange for an individual in your party to attend to the pet while the other members of your party participate in the purchased program.)
- Access to Sprayground, Veterans Garden, and Anchors Cafe.
- Watch narrated sessions and presentations.
- Observe training sessions, research sessions, interactive programs, and more.
- Free Parking (Bus parking is available on a limited basis).
- Speak directly with our animal care and education staff, who are always happy to talk with you about our animal family and marine mammals in general.
Dolphin Research Center reserves the right to cancel or amend program content and price without notice.
Please do not bring/use selfie sticks within the facility. Only floatable, waterproof cameras are allowed in in-water interactive program areas. Cell phones or non-floating, non-waterproof cameras are not permitted on underwater program trays, floating docks, or platforms. Drones are not permitted. Thank you for understanding.
FAQs
Full payment is required at the time of booking in US Dollars and will appear on your statement as Dolphin Research Center.
- Dolphin Research Center will charge an additional re-booking fee of $25.00 per participant should you request any changes to a reservation.
- You will NOT be charged if the change has been requested by Dolphin Research Center for any reason (such as hazardous weather).
- For reservation changes, please call 305 289-0002
Individuals and families/groups of up to 10 people can reserve online for Dolphin Encounter. For groups larger than 10, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org for assistance.
If your desired program is sold out, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Changeofclothes
- Between the months of November to April we strongly advise bringing a wetsuit to enjoy maximum experience in cooler water. Dolphin Research Center does not provide wetsuits. However, they can be rented from local dive shops if you do not own one.
Anyone coming to observe family and friends in a program must pay General Admission.
- Reservations are non-refundable.
- In the event of bad weather, DRC will make every effort to complete the program on the day it is scheduled.
- If a program is canceled by Dolphin Research Center due to hazardous weather, rescheduling, refunds or rain checks will be arranged at that time.
Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? Please contact our Coordinator prior to booking to help us determine what assistance we can offer and ensure we can provide the best experience possible.
Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter: $2189-$2689 (depending on date) for one to six people in a private group. Includes a digital photo package of all members of your group, all-day general admission, and a one-year membership to DRC for each guest! Your special swim experience will occur at one of our docks designated specifically for you and your party. Call 305-289-0002 for details and to reserve.
For safety and liability reasons, pregnant women are unable to participate in this program.
Your in-water experience will last 20-25 minutes. No two Dolphin Encounters are alike. Each dolphin is unique in personality and enjoys playing and interacting in different ways.
We know that many of you travel with your pets. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are always welcome at DRC and can enjoy the grounds with you. However, they are not permitted to go onto boardwalks, floating docks, or in the water. If you want to do one of our fun interactive experiences, your dog must stay with someone from your party who is not doing the program.