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All 1 Grassy Key Attractions »

Dolphin Research Center

58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050-6019
305-289-1121
Ranked #1 of 1 attractions in Grassy Key
4.5 of 5 stars 198 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Aquariums, Wharfs/ Piers/ Boardwalks
Activities: Swimming with dolphins
Owner description: Dolphin Research Center is a nonprofit education and research facility. Home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, we...... more » Owner description: Dolphin Research Center is a nonprofit education and research facility. Home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, we offer fun-filled narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations every half an hour. During your visit you can watch and learn all about these amazing animals including dolphin maternity, social groupings, physiology, natural abilities and more. You'll see how we care for them, how we're working with them in cognition and behavioral research and more. DRC also offers a variety of interactive programs including the Dolphin Encounter swim program, Trainer for a Day, Researcher for a Day and Paint with a Dolphin. We are actively involved in programs for people with Special Needs, as well as veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project, Military families, and others.Most of our dolphins were born here. Others have come to us for a variety of reasons -- including those who were injured and rescued as youngsters and later deemed non-releasable by the government. We are deeply committed to providing all of them with a safe, healthy, happy home for life. The well-being of the dolphins and sea lions is our top priority. Your visit and participation in programs supports the care of our marine mammal family, the maintenance of their natural sea water home, and the rest of our mission to educate others about these animals and the importance of conservation.Thank you for your interest in Dolphin Research Center! « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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198 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    154
    30
    6
    4
    4
Date Rating
Key West, Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

This is one of our favorite attractions down in the Keys! We currently live down a ways from Grassy Key, but this is my families favorite day trip. We've done meeting a dolphin & getting a t-shirt painted, and both experiences were great! I'm just sad that my girls are still so little, I'd love to "Swim" with the dolphins... More

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Santa Monica, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

What an amazing staff and facility. Everyone here shares the warmth of their community with each visitor. The dolphins are a joy to watch. I had the pleasure of swimming with Pax, an adventure I will cherish eternally. Thanks to all the staff you are amazing. Fran and Devin this wouldn't have been possible without you. Thank You! More

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Clio, Michigan
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I came to the Dolphin Research Center because it was a not for profit educational center. They have several programs were you can watch the trainer interact and work with the dolphins. The trainers explain the process of the research as they are doing it. The trainers genuinely enjoy their job and it shows in how they interact with the... More

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Charlotte, North Carolina
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The Dolphin Research Center is a not-for-profit center that does great work. They have some wonderful programs for kids & adults to watch trainers work with the dolphins, feed them and especially get in the water with them as well. We did the "dolphin dip" getting in the water with the dolphins and giving them commands. We got to touch,... More

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Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

If you have time make sure to visit here! We have done dolphin experiences all over the caribbean but really enjoyed this intimate adventure. It is on a smaller scale and everything is done to benefit the dolphins. If they don't want to participate, they are not made to. They wait til they are ready. Go early in the morning... More

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New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

The locals recommend the Dolphin Research Center over the other "swin with dolphin sites." It definitely was a lot more entertaining than Dolphins Plus. It's also the closest to Key West with the others being a bit more of a hike. The shows are fun and informative and it's a nice way to kill an hour or two. More

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Deep River, Connecticut
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The Dolphin Encounter (aka Dolphin swim) was worth every penny of the cost. The experience was magical and quite the thrill. The trainer was patient with all of the human participants and what pleasure it was to touch, 'shake hands with', request imitations, and be 'kissed' by a dolphin. The double dolphin pull was the ultimate thrill of all. All... More

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Tampa, Florida
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2012

I'll start by saying that since I'm family, my experiences with this place may be slightly biased. However, I've been assured by the friends who were with me that this place really is every bit as awesome as I think it is. We watched the research studies, etc. going on and spent some time on a dock interacting directly. General... More

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New Lenox, Illinois, United States
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2012

I made a reservation for the dolphin encounter. It was $189.00, and worth every last penny. I thought it was really pricey at first, but by the end of the day I understood why it was so expensive and didn't mind the cost at all. These trainers are absolutely fantastic. The dolphins are so happy, and they are taken care... More

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Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2012

Non-profit dolphin research, manatee & sea lion rescue assistance. Hard to describe connecting with our happier marine mammal cousins & not be changed for the better. Dolphins appeared to be healthy, active, and well-cared for. Highly recommend if in your budget. More

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