Advanced Dolphin Lab
Training, Interpretation and Research
Advanced DolphinLab: Training, Interpretation and Research is a six-day program in which participants work closely with DRC staff, with a hands-on approach to take an active role in dolphin training sessions by experiencing basic training skills. This Lab will build upon the relationships, philosophies, and skills learned during All About Dolphins DolphinLab.
ApplyWhat to Expect from Our Advanced DolphinLab Program
Program Basics
- Adults 18 years of age and older
- Program begins Sunday afternoon and ends the following Friday afternoon
- Most days run 9:00-5:00, however, the plan for the week will be discussed during orientation on Sunday
- Class size averages 8-12 participants
- Additional information and details, and required waivers and forms are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each participant
- Must successfully complete All About Dolphins DolphinLab to enroll
Requirements
Additionally, Advanced DolphinLab introduces participants to DRC’s long history and commitment to advancing research with marine mammals in human care, and our understanding of their needs and those of their wild counterparts.
- Learn about DRC’s past research projects and current studies
- Participate in discussions with our research team
- Join interactive lagoon-side research demonstrations with our dolphin family
Hands-On Learning
- Collaborate with experienced trainers to develop and implement a training plan for teaching a new behavior to dolphins.
- Engage with Dolphin Research Center’s research team and learn about cognitive research through hands-on demonstrations of thinking games designed to explore dolphin learning, problem-solving, memory, and cognition.
- Build on your All About Dolphins DolphinLab experience by engaging in play and enrichment activities with Dolphin Research Center’s dolphin family, strengthening your understanding of dolphin behavior, relationships, and individual personalities.
- Observe professional animal training in action with our pinniped and bird families, gaining insight into how trainers apply positive reinforcement, learning theory, and species-specific training techniques.
Program & Discussion Topics
Discussions May Include:
- Current Research at DRC
- Marine Mammals in the Military
- Training
- Researcher Question & Answer Session(s)
- DRC Unplugged: An In-Depth Look at our Philosophy & Mission
Interactive Programs Include:
- One trainer-guided Dolphin Encounter interactive experience
Additional Information
Please email drcti@dolphins.org if you have any questions.
- Enrichment Sessions, guided by an educator or trainer
- Signal sessions with bridging leading to experiencing basic new training with the dolphins, guided by a trainer
- Observation Time & Dolphin Identification Opportunities
- Lagoonside Research Demonstration(s)
- Observe professional animal training in action with our pinniped and bird families
August 23 – 28, 2026
Please note: Advanced DolphinLab is filled to capacity for 2026. We are accepting participants on a standby basis only. Please complete the following inquiry to be added to the Adult DolphinLab notification list.
Tuition for Advanced DolphinLab is $1,800.00 (US). Tuition includes:
- All discussions, activities, and interactive programs
- Digital photographs taken from various dolphin interactions
- Lunch and snacks each day of the program
Tuition does not include:
- Accommodations (on- or offsite)
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Transportation to and from any airport, or to and from Dolphin Research Center each day.
Lodging is available onsite at the DRC Residence for up to six (6) adults for a fee of $100.00 per night.
- Occupancy is available Sunday through Thursday nights only
- Each adult must purchase and prepare breakfast and dinner each day of the program
- Each adult must complete after-meal cleaning and general cleaning tasks
- The DRC Residence is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first six (6) adults who indicate on their application that they want to stay at the Residence.
DolphinLab participants who do not stay in the residence must secure their own accommodations at one of the many local hotels or resorts in Marathon.
- Lunch and snacks are provided each day of the program
- All other meals are the responsibility of the adult
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 annually. A list of participating hotels, details, rates, and booking instructions are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each participant once a Lab is confirmed to run. Dolphin Research Center does not handle bookings or payments for any of the participating establishments.
Enrollment for the 2026 Advanced DolphinLab program is closed. If you wish to be placed on the standby list for Advanced DolphinLab, please email drcti@dolphins.org with your full name and email address. Please note: All About Dolphins DolphinLab must be completed prior to participating in Advanced DolphinLab.
Please note:
- We require a minimum of eight (8) adults enroll before confirming the Lab to run. You will receive a confirmation email once we reach minimum enrollment.
- There is a $200.00 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit to secure your space in Advanced DolphinLab. This payment will be applied to your final balance.
- You must pay the deposit upon submitting your application, or your application is incomplete and will be discarded.
- Successful completion of All About Dolphins DolphinLab: Relationships and Enrichment is required prior to participating in Advanced DolphinLab.
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.
What made you decide to enroll in Advanced DolphinLab? What made you decide not to? We want to hear from you! Please take one minute or less to anonymously share your feedback with us. Thank you!
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