“Through education, research and rescue, Dolphin Research Center promotes peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between marine mammals, humans and the environment we share with the well being of DRC’s animals taking precedence.”
Interactive Experiences
Book a Program
Dolphin Research Center offers many ways, including swimming with dolphins, where you can interact with dolphins and sea lions.
In-Water Experiences
Slip into the water by booking a Dolphin Encounter or Dolphin Splash experience.
Out of Water Experiences
Don’t want to get into the water? We have interactive experiences with dolphins from the dock.
Premium Experiences
Explore a private experience for up to six with the Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter.
Full & Half Day Experiences
Spend the day as a research trainer, ultimate trainer experience, or our VIP package.
About Dolphin Research Center
Inspiring Conservation Through Research, Education, and Animal Care
For more than 40 years, Dolphin Research Center has been a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of marine mammals through scientific research, education, and exceptional animal care.
Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Dolphin Research Center is home to dolphins, California sea lions, harbor seals, parrots, and tortoises. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy engaging educational presentations, observe animal enrichment and training sessions, and discover the remarkable abilities of the animals in our care.
As an active research facility, your visit may also provide the unique opportunity to witness ongoing studies exploring marine mammal cognition, communication, behavior, and learning. Our team loves sharing their work, and questions are always encouraged.
More About Our HistoryRESEARCH
Research Rocks!
DRC’s staff and dolphins are currently working on a number of cognitive and behavioral research projects that relate to their overarching goal of mapping the dolphin mind and understanding how dolphins think and learn.
Why Research is ImportantCognition Studies
Understanding how dolphins process information and solve problems.
Behavior Analysis
Observing and documenting dolphin social dynamics and communication.
Conservation
Protecting marine mammals and the environment we share.
Publications
Sharing findings through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Join our family!
Being a Dolphin Research Center Member includes free annual admission, newsletters, online access to our Members Only website, special event invitations, discounts at our onsite and online Gift Shops, and other benefits depending on membership level.
Membership is great way that you or, as a gift, someone special can support DRC by becoming a member of our extended family.
Get a Membership
Education programs
Learn With Us
Our DolphinLab programs offer educational seminars, workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities with our dolphins, sea lions and staff family.
Kids: DolphinCamp
Immersive summer camp experience for children including dolphin interactions, marine science activities and conservation education.
Teens: DolphinLab
Basic, Intermediate, and Marine Mammal Care & Training courses. Some programs offer college credit while learning with dolphins.
Adults: Dolphin Research Center Training Institute
Professional Animal Trainer certificate program and Dolphin Academy for those pursuing a career in animal training.
Thank You for Your Support!
We rely on guest visits, participation in our programs, and donations to care for our animals, learn more in research, educate about conservation, help injured manatees and more.