Dolphin Research Center
Dolphin Research Center
Dolphin Research Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Dolphin Research Center is a nonprofit education and research facility. Home to a family of dolphins and sea lions, we offer fun-filled narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations every half an hour. Watch and learn all about these amazing animals including dolphin maternity, social groupings, physiology, natural abilities and more. See how we care for them, how we're working with them in cognition and behavioral research and the importance of conserving them and their ocean habitat. DRC also offers a variety of interactive programs including the Dolphin Encounter swim program, Family Dolphin Splash, Ultimate Trainer for a Day, VIP Experience half-day program, Researcher Experience half-day program and Paint with a Dolphin. Most of our dolphins were born here. Others have come to us for reasons -- including those who were injured and rescued as youngsters and deemed non-releasable by the government. We provide them with a safe, healthy, happy home for life.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Wdwphd57Jacksonville, Florida26 contributionsInteresting and funA fun experience! We paid for admission and watched dolphins in several different areas interact with trainers and paying guests. It's expensive to participate directly with the dolphins but you are allowed to watch from the sidelines. Great for families with kids.Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 13, 2023
- StewartG246Venice, Florida150 contributionsvery poorWas there on June 14/2023. No one to help you or to get around, no info was told where to start or where to go. Very poor setup and very poor management. Was almost attacked by a huge German shepherd in the gift shop. A very bad place to have a dog of this size and of no training or very little. Requested for a phone call on the 14 and it is now 6/17/3pm and still no call. Very poor Managment. I do not recommend this place at all. I love My Dolphins but not here. .Visited June 2023Written June 17, 2023
- SupernoodlerMascot, Tennessee157 contributionsGood family outing. Swim with them! I didnt and i regret it!On the scale of animals in captivity places, this was pretty good. The employees seemed kind, concerned and knowledgeable, the dolphins seemed healthy and as happy as captivity will allow. I learned a lot and know that they serve a purpose. PLus it educates the public which will inevitably create some little dolphin trainers and scientists somewhere down the line. The guy who did the sea lion speech was precious! So passionate and friendly and great with the small group we had.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 27, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,859 reviews
Excellent
2,204
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438
Average
122
Poor
48
Terrible
47
TravelMom
Minnesota304 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Kids (10, 13) did the dolphin encounter and we felt it was worth every penny. They had so much fun interacting with the dolphins! The trainers were kind and patient and made the experience really fun. We also enjoyed the various “shows” and programs put on by the DRC. Very well-run facility. Everything is clean. There are showers and changing rooms to use if you’d like. Photographer’s pictures were nice and we bought the digital package ($55) as a souvenir.
Written March 3, 2020
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.
hadassahgj
Nashville, TN58 contributions
Oct 2020
We had a great time at the Dolphin Research Center. We paid an extra $25 so our 17 yr old daughter could touch and "play" with a dolphin from the dock. (The session was called “Meet the Dolphin”). She loved every minute even though the sun was scorching that day. The last thing the dolphin did was splash water on her!
There were educational talks and demonstrations going on almost all the time. The trainers/employees would move from one area to another using different dolphins in the different demonstrations. The dolphins were very noisy, vocalizing many different sounds.
There were educational talks and demonstrations going on almost all the time. The trainers/employees would move from one area to another using different dolphins in the different demonstrations. The dolphins were very noisy, vocalizing many different sounds.
Written October 17, 2020
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.
Terri B
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
Brought my daughter here to paint with the dolphins. I didn’t realize they didn’t use a canvas to have the dolphins to paint on. They use T-shirts. I asked for my money back and they said it’s non refundable. Make sure you ask before you swipe your card. I unfortunately just learned the hard way! The girl was rude about it as well when I asked for a refund and explained my daughter wanted to paint on a canvas not a t-shirt. Should have just drove the extra ten minutes up the road to theater of the sea and spend money where the staff is amazing and she would have got a painting she wanted. Here trying to spend money and help out as many organizations as I can but this one I will never come back to again. While waiting to paint with the dolphins the lady next to me said she thought her daughter was going to be painting on a canvas not a t-shirt. They need to better advise this so everyone they are being ripped off.
Written July 8, 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.
jpete02
Lansing, MI848 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Visited here to have a once in a lifetime experience with the family dolphin splash. This isn’t cheap at $130 per person and we were wondering if it was worth it.
After going through the experience, however, it was definitely worth it for us. Got to spend about a half hour, in the water up your waist, on a platform, which allows you to get as close as possible to the dolphins without swimming with them. This is great if you have little kids that aren’t confident enough to swim in the water on their own but want to be close to the dolphins. We have a 8 and 5 year old and they both loved it.
While in the water, you get to pet the dolphins as they swim by and the trainer shows you the signals to play various games with the dolphins. Our games included the dolphins swimming like sharks and bringing a “gift” from their pool to the surface.
There are showers after you are in the water but no lockers. You can keep your change of clothes in your car as you are allowed to go in and out of the facility.
If you buy the general admission without the special encounter, there is a different show with either the birds, the sea lions, or the dolphins every 45 minutes. The shows are the main thing to do here as the park is not big and you can see all the animals in less than 30 minutes.
Besides the animal shows, there is a small splash pad for little kids on hot days.
The employees and trainers here were all incredibly friendly and willing to answer questions. There are no wild dolphins here. These are all rescue dolphins or dolphins that have never been in the wild.
Location of center is about 20 minutes north of the seven mile bridge on Grassy Key, which is just north of Marathon.
After going through the experience, however, it was definitely worth it for us. Got to spend about a half hour, in the water up your waist, on a platform, which allows you to get as close as possible to the dolphins without swimming with them. This is great if you have little kids that aren’t confident enough to swim in the water on their own but want to be close to the dolphins. We have a 8 and 5 year old and they both loved it.
While in the water, you get to pet the dolphins as they swim by and the trainer shows you the signals to play various games with the dolphins. Our games included the dolphins swimming like sharks and bringing a “gift” from their pool to the surface.
There are showers after you are in the water but no lockers. You can keep your change of clothes in your car as you are allowed to go in and out of the facility.
If you buy the general admission without the special encounter, there is a different show with either the birds, the sea lions, or the dolphins every 45 minutes. The shows are the main thing to do here as the park is not big and you can see all the animals in less than 30 minutes.
Besides the animal shows, there is a small splash pad for little kids on hot days.
The employees and trainers here were all incredibly friendly and willing to answer questions. There are no wild dolphins here. These are all rescue dolphins or dolphins that have never been in the wild.
Location of center is about 20 minutes north of the seven mile bridge on Grassy Key, which is just north of Marathon.
Written January 19, 2022
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.
Danielle C
Tampa, FL20 contributions
Oct 2020
I really enjoyed visiting here as a child and as an adult. First off, they’re a non-profit. They rely on admissions and donations to continue their work. Second, the facility is in the ocean. There is fencing and stuff, but staff told us that sometimes the dolphins jump out to hang out with wild pods. But they always come back. Thirdly, they’re researched focus and less show focused. Lastly, the dolphins here look at you as if you were brought in for their entertainment. Not vice versa. When I brought my mother here who uses a wheelchair the dolphins would swim along the sidewalk and stare at us. They seemed curious. I would totally recommend it for parents who want to expose their children to these animals without watching show where people ride them.
Written November 1, 2020
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.
Stephen F
White Plains, New York43 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We paid for VIP package with a little hesitation (over 400 per person). But it was with it. We spent 3 hours trailing trainers as they explained what they do and why. Then a dorsal swum and done trucks with the dolphins. Price includes photos , two t shorts painted by dolphin! And free beverages throughout day.
Only 4 vips a day so very one on one.
If you can afford much more enriching than the 20 minute swim with dolphins.
Only 4 vips a day so very one on one.
If you can afford much more enriching than the 20 minute swim with dolphins.
Written May 11, 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.
AprilAnnLV
Las Vegas, NV90 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
The facility itself is fairly small.
*As an overview: splash pad for kids; restrooms; a few large cages of parrots; front lagoon where you can watch most of the going-ons of the dolphin interactions; the back lagoon where you can view the dolphins in their individual pens; and a sea lion pen.
I booked our party a dolphin meet and greet for a specified time. We checked in at the reception desk 10 minutes prior and were told to go to the front lagoon. We did as instructed and waited around for about 10 minutes with no help. I thought maybe we misunderstood and so we walked around to the back lagoon where all the dolphins are. Didn’t regret it, as we stumbled upon all their pens...saw an old guy 28+ years; saw some dolphins doing tricks; saw sea lions performing; had a nice picture at the end of the facility on a vista overlooking the ocean.
However, still no dolphin encounter.
I called over the ropes to a trainer asking where we should go. She said front lagoon and just wait.
Ok, back to front lagoon we went.
Now that I knew for certain that’s where we were supposed to be I approached a trainer and told her we had an appt (that was at the appt time now). She said to hang on for a little bit while they gathered other groups.
Waited a few minutes, everyone was gathered and to the back lagoon we went.
She gave us instructions such as: no personal belongings whatsoever can be near the dolphin including cell phones for pictures. In addition, she gave a 15 minute briefing about the dolphins and what they can perform.
Unfortunately from where we were standing bushes were in our way from seeing the performances. There is a only a small open section available to the whole group they bring in to try and see what the dolphins are doing. Kinda disappointed about that. Secondly, disappointed about the no camera/cell phone rule. We had all our family there so we had to ask strangers from across the pen to take pictures of us. I do understand why the facility does it. But I believe it’s not what most visitors expect.
We had our encounter about 30 minutes after our appt time. The staff and adorable performers were wonderful. Very much worth the experience, it just took a little work to get there.
The staff is extremely friendly, very positive vibes, and the animals are adorable!
*As an overview: splash pad for kids; restrooms; a few large cages of parrots; front lagoon where you can watch most of the going-ons of the dolphin interactions; the back lagoon where you can view the dolphins in their individual pens; and a sea lion pen.
I booked our party a dolphin meet and greet for a specified time. We checked in at the reception desk 10 minutes prior and were told to go to the front lagoon. We did as instructed and waited around for about 10 minutes with no help. I thought maybe we misunderstood and so we walked around to the back lagoon where all the dolphins are. Didn’t regret it, as we stumbled upon all their pens...saw an old guy 28+ years; saw some dolphins doing tricks; saw sea lions performing; had a nice picture at the end of the facility on a vista overlooking the ocean.
However, still no dolphin encounter.
I called over the ropes to a trainer asking where we should go. She said front lagoon and just wait.
Ok, back to front lagoon we went.
Now that I knew for certain that’s where we were supposed to be I approached a trainer and told her we had an appt (that was at the appt time now). She said to hang on for a little bit while they gathered other groups.
Waited a few minutes, everyone was gathered and to the back lagoon we went.
She gave us instructions such as: no personal belongings whatsoever can be near the dolphin including cell phones for pictures. In addition, she gave a 15 minute briefing about the dolphins and what they can perform.
Unfortunately from where we were standing bushes were in our way from seeing the performances. There is a only a small open section available to the whole group they bring in to try and see what the dolphins are doing. Kinda disappointed about that. Secondly, disappointed about the no camera/cell phone rule. We had all our family there so we had to ask strangers from across the pen to take pictures of us. I do understand why the facility does it. But I believe it’s not what most visitors expect.
We had our encounter about 30 minutes after our appt time. The staff and adorable performers were wonderful. Very much worth the experience, it just took a little work to get there.
The staff is extremely friendly, very positive vibes, and the animals are adorable!
Written June 11, 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.
Katey C
Overland Park, KS44 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
The Research center is a great place for families to see dolphins up close! It is a small location but allows for more intimate experience and less crowds.
The Dolphin encounters are a fun experience - we did the $25 encounter where you pet and shake the dolphins hands. Well worth the money for a fun 10 min experience! Their are classes every hour of that provide a quick 20 min informational walk thru and some fun Dolphin tricks.
The Dolphin encounters are a fun experience - we did the $25 encounter where you pet and shake the dolphins hands. Well worth the money for a fun 10 min experience! Their are classes every hour of that provide a quick 20 min informational walk thru and some fun Dolphin tricks.
Written March 18, 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.
Storyteller293119
2 contributions
May 2020 • Family
I have been twice, 13 years ago it was stellar! Safety of the dolphins priority. 2nd time not at all priority. First visit they made it a point to take 30-45 min to put ANYONE getting in with dolphins do a training so they understood how the dolphins act and feel. They also treated the animals with love and respect, and each interaction felt like a personalized experience.
Now its more like any other overly commercialized animal exhibition where it seems all about the money and not the animals. This is especially tragic when you consider most of the animals here are rescued and need rehab. Its also makes you wonder , will they ever. be released back into the wild?
Now its more like any other overly commercialized animal exhibition where it seems all about the money and not the animals. This is especially tragic when you consider most of the animals here are rescued and need rehab. Its also makes you wonder , will they ever. be released back into the wild?
Written April 3, 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.
Y3380SGrobert
Waukesha, WI5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Family had some time to kill before a wedding so we decided to visit the DRC. At first I thought it was a little pricey but once inside it proved to be worth it. Very educational and very entertaining. Wish we could have stayed longer for more shows. Glad we chose DRC over the turtle hospital.
Written February 19, 2020
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.
GotMyPassport007
Atlanta, GA135 contributions
Hello DRC,
Is it possible to purchase pictures and/or video of our dorsal swim? Are guests allowed to take photos and videos of their family/friends during the dolphin encounter? Thanks
GotMyPassport007
Atlanta, GA135 contributions
Hello DRC,
Do you need to be a strong swimmer to participate in the dorsal pull? Is the water very deep for this portion of the visit? Thank you
Adam K
Toms River, NJ102 contributions
I will be going with two kids, 9 & 7. Should we do the “play with dolphin” or the “family splash with dolphin” the time frame is the same. The duration seems to be the same according to the website, is there any difference between the two?
The difference is during the Play program, you stay on the floating platform and interact with the dolphins from out of the water, while during the Splash program, you interact with the dolphins from the waist-deep inwater platform!
We are visiting Marathon in April but have limited time. Which would be better, the Dolphin Encounter or the Aquarium? Not interested in getting in the water, just want a 2 hour time filler for older teenagers.
John
Cincinnati, OH59 contributions
If your kids have always enjoyed dolphins go to research center for sure. You can just walk around and not get in the water. You can see the dolphins up close.
Zahra C
Arlington, VA5 contributions
We are making a special trip to DRC for my daughter’s birthday, and we are thinking about getting her the trainer for the day package. She says she wants to be a marine biologist! My husband and I don’t really want to swim with the dolphins or anything, but we would love to watch her.
My question is... it’s a day long, educational program. How much would we get to see of her participating in it?
Sunshine548027
21 contributions
Well I don’t work there but have swam with the dolphins. Changed my life. Encourage your daughter to be a marine vet. Not a lot of lucrative employment for marine biologists.
TravelMom
Minnesota304 contributions
Could we expect the water temps in late Feb to be comfortable enough to do the “swim with dolphins” activity? Would love to do it but wouldn’t want the experience to be ruined because we were cold.
John
Cincinnati, OH59 contributions
We just were there and you will be more comfortable in a wet suit. Google Captain Hooks. It’s close to the DRC and are $14 fir the day. Pick them up on your way in. Super easy! My kids get in the ocean in Florida in the winter months and they thought this water was colder! They were very thankful for the wet suits !
ddillinger
Colorado Springs, CO732 contributions
We are visiting Marathon in May and bringing our 13-year old grandson. Wanting an fun but educational activity and wondering if anyone has done the Dolphin Encounter, VIP Experience, or Ultimate Trainer. All are a tad pricey and hoping for some feedback from anyone who has done them. Worth the extra money beyond the Dolphin Encounter?
Kami
Florida151 contributions
The encounter with the dolphins is great for young kids who are tall enough to kneel on the platform that is immersed in the water (otherwise someone else participating in the group - not you - holds them), and thus, they are in all the pics! But yes, my granddaughter loved it and we have pics to watch it over and over. There are other "touching' areas for all to enjoy, like the ray exhibits, with one situated nicely for kids to reach in. Have a great time, I know we did!!
Stef
Bromley, UK1 contribution
Hello, what are the main differences between a family dolphin splash session and a dolphin encounter session ? Are you in the water with other people? Thanks
DolphinResearchCtr
Grassy Key, FL5 contributions
So sorry for the delay in response. For both of the programs, yes, you are in the water with other people. (The only alternative is to book a Private Encounter.) There are different behaviors that you share with the dolphins in the different programs. For example, Family Dolphin Splash does not include the kiss or dorsal pull. There are also some differences in the age requirements. For example, you need to be at least 5 years old to do Dolphin Encounter; Kids of any age can do Family Dolphin Splash although younger than 4 must be held at all times. (In both programs, children younger than 8 must be accompanied in the water by paying adult.) The full details for each program are available at the Dolphin Research Center website. Hope to see you soon!
David J
187 contributions
Hi.
When you say "we only had one, short 30 second swim with the dolphin"....that isnt exactly ideal. I am considering perhaps taking my family here and that would mean a $450 expense. I would like to sure of quite a bit more than 30 seconds.
David.
Rose Marie R
Fort Myers, United States23 contributions
I'm sorry I meant 30 minutes.
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