Locals' Dolphin DayCamp

Course Information:

Locals' Dolphin DayCamp is a fun-filled, active five-day program that introduces children ages 8-10, who are full-time year round Florida Keys residents, to the amazing world of dolphins. 

• Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Drop off is at 8:30 a.m, pick up is at 4:00 p.m. daily

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

• Get to know and respect each DRC dolphin as a unique individual 

• Get up close to observe the dolphins in action 

• Learn more about each dolphin's unique behaviors and physical characteristics

• Hands-on activities, group discussions, games, crafts, and more

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

We will hold a brief orientation meeting Monday morning for all parents at 8:30 a.m. Meet the staff that will be with your camper throughout the week, and receive important information on what to expect.

If you would like to come to Dolphin Research Center while your child is attending camp: 

• You must pay daily general admission or purchase a DRC membership 

• We respectfully request that you do not interfere with the programs in which the campers participate. Sometimes just seeing a parent can disrupt the momentum of an activity.

Discussion Topics and Activities Might Include:

• Dolphin Bodies

• How are dolphins smart? 

• Protecting Dolphins

• How do we take care of the dolphins?

• Sea Lions

• And more!

Interactive Programs with the Dolphins Include:

• One Meet a Dolphin session, for a personal introduction to a dolphin with a "flippershake" and backrubs from a floating dock

• Try being a trainer, learning to "talk" to the dolphins using hand signals to ask for behaviors in a signal session from a floating dock

• One Dolphin Splash session, going into waist deep water to play with the dolphins

Tuition:

Locals' Dolphin DayCamp tuition is $200.00 for the week. 

Tuition includes: 

• Classroom discussions and activities 

• Live demonstrations and interactive programs with our animal family 

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

Tuition does not include: 

• Meals or snacks

• Transportation to and from Dolphin Research Center each day 

We recommend each camper brings a minimum of two snacks per day, in addition to their packed lunch.

Schedule:

Locals' Dolphin DayCamp is closed for June 2025. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to welcoming your camper in 2026!  

Enrollment:

Enrollment for the 2025 Locals' Dolphin DayCamp programs is CLOSED. Dates for 2026 will be posted on this page in November or December, and open enrollment will be announced here sometime in the Spring of 2026. We look forward to welcoming your local camper next summer!

Helpful information for next summer:

Tuition is $200.00 for the week of Locals' Dolphin DayCamp. The online application will include a link to pay the $200.00 tuition. You must submit the application and pay the $200.00 tuition in order for your camper to be enrolled in camp. 

We require a minimum of ten (10) campers to enroll before confirming a week of Locals' Dolphin DayCamp to run. You will receive a confirmation email once minimum enrollment is reached.  

If your child has previously attended Locals' Dolphin DayCamp twice, (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 Locals' Dolphin DayCamp 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: 

Cancellations must be made in writing. Participant substitutions are welcomed. The following refund terms shall apply:

• Cancellation more than 14 days from the start of the program- Refund of program cost minus $35 processing fee

• Cancellation less than 14 days from program start date - No refund

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