Everyone has seen dolphins in theme parks – but in the Florida Keys, you can find dolphins in specialized research centers living in their natural habitat – in seawater. They swim in enclosed lagoons, and theoretically, they could reach freedom with “a small jump.” However, they seem to feel comfortable in this form of “open captivity” and can reach ages of over 50 years.
Examples include the Dolphin Cove Research & Education Center in Key Largo and the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon. These centers specialize in studying dolphins in their natural environment.
Most of these dolphins are victims of shark attacks or collisions with boat propellers. Others are exhausted animals that were kept for years in aquariums or theme parks. Here in the Keys, they are rehabilitated and cared for.
Swimming with dolphins is also possible here. Advance planning and reservations are recommended, as the number of participants is limited to avoid stressing the animals.
101900 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
Phone 305-451-4060
www.dolphincove.com
Dolphin Cove in Key Largo offers dolphin encounters in enclosed saltwater lagoons in the ocean. During free swims, the dolphins decide how close they want to get to humans. The “structured swim” guarantees direct interaction under the supervision of a trainer.
84721 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
Phone 305-664-2431
www.theaterofthesea.com
Theater Of The Sea, established in 1946, is a marine park for dolphins and other sea mammals. It offers various programs for swimming with dolphins.
58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Marathon
Phone 305-289-0002
www.dolphins.org
The Dolphin Research Center is both a research facility and a sanctuary for injured animals and former show dolphins from aquariums and theme parks. The “shallow water dolphin encounter” is ideal for non-swimmers and children up to 6 years old. Others can join the “deep water encounter” and swim alongside dolphins under supervision.
Murray Marine, 5710 U.S. 1 Mile Marker 5, Key West
Phone 305-304-7562
www.dancingdolphinspirits.com
Captain Victoria takes guests by boat to dolphin play areas and attracts them with music. Guests can then snorkel with the dolphins – at a respectful distance, of course, without disturbing or stressing the animals.
Discovery Cove at SEA WORLD Orlando
6000 Discovery Cove Way
877-557-7404
Reservations at www.Discovery.com
Children must be at least 6 years old to swim with dolphins. Children aged 6–12 must be accompanied by a paying adult who also participates in the dolphin swim.
Dolphin Swim Experiences in the Keys features experiences.
Bedroom: 4 (2 King, Queen, 2 Twin)
Bathroom: 4
