Advanced DolphinLab: 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.
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Adults 18 years of age and older
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Program begins Sunday afternoon and ends the following Friday afternoon
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Most days run 9:00-5:00, however, the plan for the week will be discussed during orientation on Sunday
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Class size averages 8-12 participants
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Additional information and details, and required waivers and forms are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each participant
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Must successfully complete All About Dolphins DolphinLab to enroll
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.
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Learn about DRC’s past research projects and current studies
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Participate in discussions with our research team
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Join interactive lagoon-side research demonstrations with our dolphin family
Education is a cornerstone of DRC’s mission, and sharing what we learn from the dolphins and sea lions in our care is vital to the preservation of wild dolphins and the marine world we share.
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Experience DRC’s unique style of “edu-tainment” and the importance of education and interpretation at zoological facilities
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Experience how interpretation plays a key role in inspiring guests to care about conservation
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Learn how to effectively communicate with and educate guests
Discussions May Include:
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Current Research at DRC
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Marine Mammals in the Military
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Training
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Ocean Heroes
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Researcher Question & Answer Session(s)
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DRC Unplugged: An In-Depth Look at our Philosophy & Mission
Interactive Programs Include:
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One trainer-guided Dolphin Splash in-water program
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One trainer-guided Dolphin Encounter in-water program
Additional Hands-On Activities & Live Demonstrations May Include:
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Enrichment Sessions, guided by an educator or trainer
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Signal sessions with bridging leading to experiencing basic new training with the dolphins, guided by a trainer
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Observation Time & Dolphin Identification Opportunities
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Lagoonside Research Demonstration(s)
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Develop and Implement a Public Narration
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Practice Research Observations
Accommodations During the week of DolphinLab:
Lodging is available onsite at the DRC Residence for up to six (6) adults for a fee of $100.00 per night.
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Occupancy is available Sunday through Thursday nights only
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Each adult must purchase and prepare breakfast and dinner each day of the program
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Each adult must complete after-meal cleaning and general cleaning tasks
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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.
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Lunch and snacks are provided each day of the program
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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.
Tuition:
Tuition for Advanced DolphinLab is $1,800.00 (US). Tuition includes:
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All discussions, activities, and interactive programs
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Digital photographs taken from various dolphin interactions
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Lunch and snacks each day of the program
Tuition does not include:
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Accommodations (on- or offsite)
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Breakfast and dinner each day
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Transportation to and from any airport, or to and from Dolphin Research Center each day.
2025 Advanced DolphinLab Schedule:
August 24 - 29, 2025
*The dates listed above are offered for individuals, and include all Labs offered in 2025.
Enrollment:
Enrollment for the 2025 Advanced DolphinLab is Closed. Enrollment for 2025 opens sometime within the month of January and is announced here once we are ready to accept applications. Thank you for your patience!
Please note:
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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.
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You must pay the deposit upon submitting your application, or your application is incomplete and will not be processed.
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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.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation of a confirmed reservation must be received in writing.
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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.
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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.
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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!
Questions? Please email education@dolphins.org so the Education team can help!
Do you dream of a career working with dolphins or other animals? Dolphin Research Center Training Institute’s Dolphin Academy Program is the course for you! Please visit the Dolphin Academy Program page to learn more about how Dolphin Research Center can help you prepare.
