Overview
Dolphin Research Center… 25 years of Teaching… Learning… Caring…
for Marine Mammals and the Environment We Share
Founded in 1984 as a nonprofit education and research facility, Dolphin Research Center was built as a promise to the dolphins that live here to always provide them with a secure and loving home. Today, Dolphin Research Center is an international tourist destination with over 50,000 visitors a year. Their programs, practices and principles are shared around the world and they continue to dedicate their efforts to their original mission statement:
To promote peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between marine mammals, humans and the environment we share through research and education and to operate for the advancement of such research and education.
The health and well-being of Dolphin Research Center’s dolphins holds absolute precedence over all other interests. Dolphin Research Center will undertake no program or activity that compromises this basic commitment.
Every day is an adventure as guests arrive to enjoy and learn from the amazing dolphins and sea lions. Rather than present a scripted “show”, Dolphin Research Center features fun-filled, exciting narrated sessions. From high-flying athletics and dolphin fun facts to medical training and research demonstrations, no two sessions are alike. In between, guests enjoy a variety of educational presentations in the Dolphin Theater and on the causeway.
For guests who want a close-up introduction, Dolphin Research Center offers different interactive programs, including:
Trainer for a Day: A dolphin lover’s dream come true! Working alongside a trainer in their sessions, you’ll build relationships with the dolphins, prepare their meals and learn the cues used to communicate. Then, experience working with the dolphins yourself! This exciting, intensive all-day activity includes the Deep Water Dolphin Encounter and other fun, hands-on interactions.
Researcher for a Day: Immerse yourself in marine mammal science. Work side-by-side with research staff and trainers and be an active participant in dolphin research sessions. Learn to prepare test questions, compile data, conduct observational research, and more. Playtime and a Dolphin Dip session are also included.
Dolphin Encounter: Your adventure begins with an orientation where you learn about dolphins and what to expect when meeting them in the water. Then join the dolphins in the lagoon for a 20 to 25-minute structured swim filled with fintastic fun! Dolphin Encounter now offers two options. The Deep Water Encounter includes the energetic dorsal tow. For those who aren’t swimmers or who are uncomfortable in deeper water, there’s the Shallow Water Encounter.
Dolphin Dip: Share approximately 20-25 minutes of in-water, close-up time with the dolphins on a submerged platform. Learn about their “dolphinalities” and amazing abilities while playing games structured by the trainer. This is a group activity that’s wet fun for the entire family!
Play with a Dolphin: Dolphin Research Center is serious about having fun! Begin with a private discussion about dolphin behavior and the importance of play in a dolphin’s daily life. Then, bring toys to the dock to meet a dolphin and participate in a playtime session. Expect to get splashed!
Paint with a Dolphin: Pick your colors, and then join the trainers and dolphins for an exciting session. After you meet the dolphins, hold the T-shirt over the water while the dolphins paint your one-of-a-kind DolphinArt classic!
Meet the Dolphin: This is the perfect chance to make friends with a dolphin! Enjoy a fun-filled session from a nearby viewing area. Then give backrubs, shake flippers and meet your new Dolfriends!
Dolphin Research Center can assist individuals with special needs. Please let them know when you make your reservation.
DolphinLab: All About Dolphins!
One day not enough? Join Dolphin Research Center for a week in DolphinLab - one of the most respected, comprehensive and exciting marine mammal and conservation education programs in the world. The course includes a unique blend of seminars, observation time, and hands-on activities and proves that learning can be fun! Students meet Dolphin Research Center’s resident dolphin population and learn to respect each dolphin as an individual.
Activities in DolphinLab: All About Dolphins! include Dolphin Dip, Deep Water Dolphin Encounter swim sessions, dockside signal session, snorkel field trip at the coral reef and much more. Lodging and meals are included in the cost.
Whether they spend the day watching narrated sessions and educational presentations, participate in one of the hands-on interactive programs, or spend the week with Dolphin Research Center in DolphinLab, Dolphin Research Center knows the experience touches their lives in a myriad of ways. They take what they’ve learned and share it with others, expanding the vitally important conservation and environmental messages.
Every visitor is invited to become part of the Dolphin Research Center family!
Dolphin Research Center… 25 years of Teaching… Learning… Caring… for Marine Mammals and the Environment We Share
Email This Page
Click here to email this page of information on "Dolphin Research Center" to yourself or to a friend.
Affiliations |
- Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums
|
Reservation Policy
Advance reservations are required for Trainer for a Day and Researcher for a Day and recommended for Dolphin Encounter and Dolphin Dip. No reservations needed for Play with a Dolphin, Paint with a Dolphin or Meet a Dolphin, which are offered on a walk-in basis on the day of your visit.
All persons participating in either Trainer for a Day, Researcher for a Day or the Deep Water Dolphin Encounter must have a good command of the English language. If an individual is not able to understand commands given in English, they will not be allowed to participate and no refund will be given. A good command of the English language is not needed for Shallow Water Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Dip, Play with a Dolphin, Paint with a Dolphin or Meet a Dolphin.
Dolphin Research Center can assist guests with disabilities. Please let Dolphin Research Center know when you make your reservation.
Reservations are accepted up to six months in advance and can be made online at our website or by calling Dolphin Research Center's reservation line at 305-289-0002, seven days a week between 9:00am to 4:00pm Eastern Time. Due to the level of service given to each customer, the reservation line is often extremely busy. Your patience is greatly appreciated. No fax, e-mail, or voice mail reservations accepted.
Cancellation Policy
Payments must be made at the time of making your reservation. Paid reservations are not refundable, not transferable and cannot be changed to another time or day.
|
RELATED VACATIONS
In addition to swimming with dolphins, browse related adventure travel and active vacations in the following categories: Coastal Vacations
beach resorts, island resorts, kayaking, sailing vacations, scuba diving vacations, scuba resorts, shark diving adventures, surfing vacations & camps, whale watching tours, and yacht charters. Eco Adventures
canoeing, eco & jungle lodges, ecotourism, hiking & trekking tours, kayaking, polar expeditions, safaris, scuba diving vacations, scuba resorts, shark diving adventures, whale watching tours, and wildlife viewing tours. Unique Adventures
archaeological tours, polar expeditions, shark diving adventures, storm chasing, and supernatural tours.
|
|
|
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINES |
 |
6 issues
$7.95
Save $21.99! |
 |
 10 issues
$12.00
Save $33.00! |
|
Featured Adventures
