Dolphins Plus Bayside

Dolphins Plus Bayside

Dolphins Plus Bayside
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcome to Dolphins Plus! Here, our guests have the exciting opportunity to observe and interact with our marine mammal friends in a unique and stimulating environment. Our guests can experience our dolphins in their natural seawater homes on the Gulf of Mexico (Bayside) in Key Largo, Florida. Along with getting to interact with our marine mammals, guests will learn all about these amazing creatures, and the importance of marine conservation, from our knowledgeable and well-trained staff of trainers and instructors. Our dolphin swims are available to the public throughout the year and are a great addition to your Florida vacation. Meet and interact with our dolphins in our hands-on Structured and Shallow Water Dolphin Swims or snorkel freely alongside the dolphins in our Guided Natural Dolphin Swim program for the dolphin encounter of a lifetime. Our dolphins are always happy to meet new friends. So, come on over and jump on in. We’ll see you at Dolphins Plus.
Does not meet animal welfare guidelines
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  • Mike B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth every penny!
    This experience was worth every penny. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly and made sure that you got the experience you paid for. The Dolphins are incredible and so fun to interact with. Riding with the dolphins will be a lifetime top trip experience. I also liked the focus on dolphin conservation. Talking to the trainers, they put incredible thought into the quality of life for the dolphins and make sure they not only get quality care but also have enhanced life experiences.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 16, 2024
  • Trek43905890103
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Leo 🩷 the Dolphin, and Jessica the trainer, my newest friends for life
    The best!!! Leo was the best dolphin buddy ever🩷 and Jessica the trainer was great!! Staff was great from start to finish. Easy to find, beautiful place👍 I did the shallow water and LOVED IT! Next time I go....it will be full on swimming with them ☺️
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 23, 2024
  • NJDaniel
    Sydney, Australia199 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Playing with the dolphins
    Excellent staff and an amazing experience Being able to get so close to the dolphins was fantastic. Totally enjoyed spending time one on one with the dolphins. Shame that it cost so much more additionally for photos considering they are uploaded digitally.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 23, 2024
  • Lauren C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend!
    Me and my family were a little nervous going into this since we have never done anything like but they made it so calm and relaxing. The animals were very well taken care and staff was very knowledgeable and excited to educate us. We would highly recommend this family experience!
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 28, 2024
  • Rachel M
    Grand Rapids, Michigan110 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Family Fun
    We had a fun experience led by Caroline. She answered all our questions and helped us have a safe and meaningful experience. The animals were allowed to interact at their will and were not forced to do anything they weren’t interested in doing. All staff were nice and helpful.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 1, 2024
  • Mobile02031386801
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing and Playful Experience
    Our family's experience at Dolphins Plus was amazing. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The Signature Swim is just perfect for adults and kids (ages 10 and 11). I highly recommend also purchasing the picture package. The pictures captured show the pure joy and excitement on all our faces as most all pictures were candid. We will definitely be booking another experience next year when we visit the Keys. Looking forward to seeing Samantha, Nyla and Luna!
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 5, 2024
  • Danny K
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The lasting memory of our trip
    Kids got to see up close and personal, had a blast. The last thing we did on our trip but will be the lasting memory. Varying programs based on comfort level. Dolphins were fun to watch, the trainers are phenomenal. Very clean facility. Good activities to do while waiting for your experience to begin.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 7, 2024
  • Beth H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You must add Dolphins Plus Bayside to your Keys vacation!
    My grandchildren had a truly wonderful dolphin encounter at Dolphins Plus Bayside. They loved every minute of their experience. The trainers were adult and kid friendly enabling all involved to feel comfortable with this very special event. The facility is immaculate and the dolphins are clearly well cared for. The trainers obviously love these dolphins which was evident throughout the entire program. My family and I highly recommend Dolphins Plus Bayside and the unique human/animal encounter it has to offer.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 23, 2024
  • Andrea C
    Jensen Beach, Florida626 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must Do
    This is a must! Put it on your bucket list. The trainers are marine biologists and highly trained. They answered all the questions and gave tons of info. The dolphins are amazing! My son said that he was surprised the dolphins are more like humans than just an animal! Get the photo pkg. it is worth the price. We all want to do it again, again, and again! Clean, polite, helpful, smiling, friendly, relaxing, easy, entertaining, experience!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 2, 2024
  • Curiosity48455328059
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t miss this experience
    My daughter, son in law, granddaughter, and I did the signature swim at noon. It was truly amazing! The trainers were top notch and worked together with two dolphins to show us many exciting dolphin behaviors. I was particularly interested in how the trainers got the dolphins to work together to simultaneously push my son in law and me across the water. I then hung on to both for the ride back across the pond. I highly recommend Dolphins Plus. You will not be disappointed!
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,712 reviews
Excellent
1,355
Very good
226
Average
59
Poor
42
Terrible
30

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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P2474ZSkarenp
Northville, MI134 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
So cute! I did not know what to expect from this small and unattractive facility, but so glad I went. We purchased the observer tickets (there is no free admission mentioned in other reviews) and waited only about 10 mins to watch a dolphin and child interact. There were 3 or so dolphins, 4 staff members and the dolphins did some tricks (with proper fish snack motivation of course). Shaded seating was very close to the ‘show’ and just delightful.
Before and after the show you can stand at the edge of the pool and the dolphins will stop and see you.
Don’t miss the beautiful macaw on the side of the building.
Very friendly and indulging staff.
Written February 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jacqueline G
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
Dolphin's Plus was one of the best experiences that we have ever done with our kids. My children are younger, and we chose to do their Shallow Water and Signature Swim experiences and it was beyond a dream come true for them. The kids are in life jackets, in the water playing with the dolphins with a trainer. They were giving belly rubs, petting the dolphin, playing, giving them hugs and handshakes. In the signature swim my daughter was able to have the dolphin give her a kiss, rub and play with the dolphin, have them jump over a bouey, hold onto the dolphin as they swam her in the lagoon and lay back on her life jacket and be pushed by the dolphin while she floated, both of their expressions said it all and it was beyond worth every penny. You can tell that the animals are so well cared for, the staff there is beyond amazing and the pictures are worth every penny. We will 100% be back and recommend for anyone considering.
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katherine M
Rockmart, GA51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
My husband and I participated in the shallow water experience. Directions leading up to our encounter were very clear and informative. From the moment we arrived on location, every employee we encountered was friendly and helpful. Our group of participants was diverse: adults, teens, families with small children. Jackie, one of the trainers, split the group. Half went with another employee down to the lagoon while we stayed with Jackie. She gave us a preliminary introduction to the program and facilities before we headed down to a covered porch area. We received our life vests and more facts about dolphins and what we were gong to experience. She further divided our group and "assigned" us to certain dolphins. She asked if another couple and my husband and I would mind going last. We were going to be with Samantha, the matriarch of the dolphin pod, and Jackie would be our trainer. We were able to watch as the other groups engaged in the signature swim and could take pictures. When it was our turn, Jackie led us down to the lagoon where we waded out into waist deep water. While Samantha was our primarily dolphin companion, we were lucky enough to interact with her daughter as well as two other females who were just curious about what we were doing in our corner of the lagoon. Jackie shared fastinating facts as we were able to spend considerable up close, hands on time with the dolphins. I have no idea how long we were in the water, but I certainly didn't feel rushed...although I could've stayed all day! I had prepaid for the picture package, and the link for the pictures was emailed to me by the end of the day. Our photographer had done a wonderful job of capturing so many amazing moments. It was by no means an inexpensive activity, but I can say without hesitation that our experience was worth every penny!
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Curiosity46570495611
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
My review reflects my experience based on having a daughter who was a guide at The Wilds in Ohio. Her guests were her number one priority! These encounters with giraffes, rhinos, bactrian camels, and a multitude of other exotics, are most times a once in a lifetime opportunity. Understanding each animal is the most important, she would ensure the photo opportunities of exactly what the guest wanted. Today at Dolphins Plus, that did not happen for me and I overheard a mom and daughter from Austria ask for the same thing. It didn't happen. Very sad. And it was not like the dolphins were not cooperating, it's was the trainer. I'm so upset and disappointed at how rushed we were and how our wishes were not even acknowledged. I would 100% understand if it was the dolphins, but I was not. This was after spending over 225 x 3 plus around 500 in the gift shop. I'm just disgusted. Maybe she does it for a living every day and it's not that important to her that YOU the guest, get the photo experience you want, but the guest's wishes should be considered. It's not cheap to do. And if you're asked for a certain photo, she should have did everything in her power to make that happen. Mom has been there before and she was greatly disappointed this time also. Two available times per day. We did the 9 am and there was less than 5 people sitting in the instruction for the noon swim, did there was ample time.
Written March 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Juliet
8 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
While the facilities are clean, be advised that there are risks when getting into the water with the dolphins. In February, a dolphin at the site rammed its snout into my boyfriend's left chest, resulting in bruised ribs. The pain interfered with the rest of our trip and his ability to go to work in person for almost a month. After the incident, we were told by the trainer that the dolphin was only seven years old and therefore makes mistakes. She said it was fortunate that no children were hurt. Dolphins Plus also gave us a full refund. However, even now that it's August, he sometimes feels sharp pain in that same area of his chest.
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mika13015
67 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
catch tourist: expensive for the service, super short.
We took 2 packs for the children to pet the dolphins on the edge,
We had the impression to disturb and pass between 2 other services: the lady arrived, our daughters had to stay with the dolphins 15 minutes, and the lady went back to the other pool without saying goodbye
Given the price for 2 children, and we had taken the photo pack, we expected more time and a more qualitative service
We will not go back
Automatically translated
Written June 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lindsay BV
8 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023
We had a great time surprising our 7 year old with playing with dolphins. We had a wonderful time and the trainer we were paired with did great working with the kids involved. If you can have someone in your party stay out and take photos then do it. Very disappointed in the photo package. This isn't a cheap activity and then to have to pay a lot of money for a photo collection of 60 that you may only want a few is too much.
Written May 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gale S
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Friends
We brought our granddaughter to Key Largo for a brief vacation with our friends and young children. We arrived at Dolphin Plus Bayside a lovely Keys style complex with palm trees, tropical flowers, and the sound of dolphins splashing in the bay! We checked in and went down by the water to the teaching area. Dolphin Trainers hold an educational briefing prior to the Swim / Encounter. The Trainers do an excellent job of educating everyone about the Dolphins, explaining their uniqueness and safety behaviors. They are very knowledgeable and were relaxed throughout the session, putting everyone at ease, reducing the children's anxiety and increasing their anticipation. Trainers seem to display a wonderful insight into dolphin behavior, and as a result the dolphins always seem to be excited to engage in activities with trainers, children and adults. The trainers allow the dolphins to have choices in the activities - which excites the dolphins and gives the children a thrill. The Trainers are enthuastic as they initiate each activity, and the dolphins are just beautiful as they engage the children and adults in kisses, handshakes, rubs, splashes and jumps! This creates lots of smiles, laughter and 'Pure Joy' on the faces of children and adults. It was a wonderfully enjoyable experience; the dolphins certainly appear to be having a good time. We can't wait to return and do it again!
We got great pictures and had a wonderful time!
Thanks for the Memories!
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alejandro R
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Family
The staff was very friendly and profesional, i strongly recommend if You come to the keys this is a must go place specially if You have children they will be amazed with the Dolphins. Again the staff are pros and they know how to treat guests. The dolphins are well taken care of and You can tell they are happy mammals.
Written November 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David C
Sarasota, FL31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Our encounter with the dolphins in the water was undeniably phenomenal! The trainers demonstrated an exceptional depth of knowledge and provided us with valuable insights into these extraordinary and intelligent mammals. Carolyn, Jessica, and Kim were not only knowledgeable but also friendly, leaving us with both an unforgettable experience and a wealth of information. We wholeheartedly recommend DolphinsPlus for individuals of all ages.
Written November 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Dolphins Plus Bayside - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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