I swam with the dolpins at dolphin research centre in 2003 and it was a once in a lifetime experience and worth every penny. So much so I'm turning into a twice in a lifetime experience and swimming with them again in a weeks time, although this time I'm getting it videoed by their videographer for an extra $75. The thing I liked about the research centre was that they took the time on the educational part of the experience, rather than just let you jump right in there and splash around. Check out their website like Endeavour said, it has all the info about when and how to book and what to expect. The look on her face when she gets a big kiss or plays splash with one of the guys will be worth every penny you paid.

Hope you and she has a great time.

Also check out the one week DolphinLab Program details on the Dolphin Research Center web site for one who wants a true dolphin 'fix'.

I've done this program twice and can highly recommend it!

I took my daughter to swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove in Orlando a couple of years ago, and even though it was really fun, we were a little disappointed. We were with a group, and basically the dolphins were completely controlled by a handler and there was really no "swimming" with them. We were instructed to "now do this to the dolphin, now do that to the dolphin" and never had any real free interaction with them. So, you might be sure and check in to what kind of "swim with the dolphin" program the research center offers.

To squirrelgirl:

The Dolphin Research Centerl does a way better job than Discovery Cove. I can say this from my experience - dorsal pulls, foot pushes, etc as part of what's called a 'structured' swim.

I have always been more than a little 'irked' that Discovery Cove advertises 'swimming with dolphins' when that truly doesn't happen. I guess if they advertised 'Get in the water with dolphins', they'd get fewer takers...

In any event, there are a several dolphin swim programs in Florida that are one heck of a lot better than Discovery Cove. Unfortunately, these programs are down in the Florida Keys so they are not really convenient to Orlando except if the Keys trip includes staying over.

Can someone tell me how much of a drive is it from Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key from Key West ?

To tusahrm:

It's about 50 miles from Key West to the DRC - a little over a 1 hour drive.

The DRC web site: www.dolphins.org

Thanks Endeavour !