DolphinCamp

Course Information

DolphinCamp (10-12) and (13-14) is a five-day program for older children and younger teens that introduces campers to the amazing world of dolphins! Campers meet DRC's resident dolphin and sea lion family, learning to respect each as an individual through observation of their unique behavioral and physical characteristics. 

• Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

• Camper drop off is at 9:00 a.m. each morning, pick up is at 4:00 p.m. each afternoon

• We will hold a brief orientation meeting Monday morning for all parents at 9:00 a.m.

• Late fee of $25.00 if you are late picking up your camper (per occasion, per camper)

• Blend of outdoor and indoor activities, live demonstrations, and interactive programs

• Activities vary from year to year to provide new learning opportunities for returning campers

• Class sizes average 10-12 campers

• We require a minimum of eight (8) campers to enroll before we confirm each week of DolphinCamp to run. You will receive an email confirming the camp once we reach minimum enrollment.

• Additional information and required waivers are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each parent

• No age exceptions will be made. The camper must be the appropriate age at the time the camp is scheduled.

• The camper should have a strong desire to experience and learn about dolphins and the marine world. 

**Please note: If your child has previously attended DolphinCamptwice, regardless of the age group, (s)he will be placed on the standby list if their application is received when enrollment opens. The Education department will contact you only if spaces remain, or only if a cancellation occurs and your child is next in line. We recognize that DolphinCampis a week your child looks forward to, and we want to provide the opportunity to campers who have not yet had the chance to attend. We thank you in advance for understanding.

DolphinCamp (ages 10-12)

Discussions and Hands-on Activities Might Include:

• Dolphin Biology

• Research

• Conservation

• Husbandry

• Coral Reefs

• Sea Lions

• Baleen Whales

• Manatees

Interactive Programs with the Dolphins Include:

• One trainer-guided Dolphin Splash in-water session

• Two trainer-guided Dolphin Encounter in-water sessions

• One trainer-guided signal session from the floating dock

DolphinCamp (ages 13-14)

Discussions and Hands-on Activities Include:

• Dolphin Biology

• Training

• Conservation

• Husbandry

• Coral Reefs

• Strandings

• Sea Lions

Interactive Programs Include:

• One trainer-guided Dolphin Splash in-water session

• Two trainer-guided Dolphin Encounter in-water sessions

• One trainer-guided signal session from the floating dock

Tuition:

Tuition for DolphinCamp is $1,100.00 (US) for the five-day program. 

Tuition includes:

• All  indoor and outdoor activities 

• Lunch and snacks each day of the program  

• Digital photographs taken of the camper’s dolphin interactions throughout the week

Tuition does not include:

• Breakfast and dinner each day

• Accommodations

• Transportation to and from any airport, or to and from Dolphin Research Center each day.

Dolphin Research Center partners with local hotels in an effort to offer participants discounted rates on accommodations. Partner hotels are not available in advance as the hotels that choose to participate vary from year to year. A list of participating hotels, details, rates, and booking instructions are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each parent once a Camp is confirmed to run. Dolphin Research Center does not handle bookings or payments for any of the participating establishments. 

Scholarship Opportunities:

We recognize that traveling to and staying in the Florida Keys is expensive. We are excited to announce that, through the generous donation of a DRC Member, the Kibby Memorial DolphinCamp Scholarships were created. Please visit the DolphinLab Scholarship Opportunities page to learn more and to download the application, which is available when DolphinCamp enrollment opens within the month of January each year.

DolphinCamp Schedule

Dates for the 2025 DolphinCamps will be posted in November or December, and enrollment opens sometime within January 2025. Please visit this page for next year's summer camp dates, and for the announcement that enrollment has opened. See you in 2025!

Enrollment

Dates for the 2025 DolphinCamps will be posted in November or December, and enrollment opens sometime within January 2025. Please visit this page for next year's summer camp dates, and for the announcement that enrollment has opened. See you in 2025!

• If your child has previously attended DolphinCamp twice, regardless of the age group, (s)he will be placed on the standby list if their application is received when enrollment opens. The Education department will contact you only if spaces remain, or only if a cancellation occurs and your child is next in line. We recognize that DolphinCamp is a week your child looks forward to, and we want to provide the opportunity to campers who have not yet had the chance to attend. We thank you in advance for understanding!

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of a confirmed reservation must be received in writing. 

• Cancellation received more than 60 days before the start of a Lab: Payment, minus a processing fee of $35.00 and the non-refundable application fee of $200.00, will be refunded. 

• Cancellation made less than 60 days before the start of a Lab:  Not eligible for a refund regardless of reason, including medical and weather emergencies. 

• Please note that Hurricane season is June 1 - November 30. We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance.

Questions? Please email education@dolphins.org so the Education team can help!