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. 

• Adults 18 years of age and older

• Program begins Sunday afternoon and ends the following Friday afternoon

• 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

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

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. 

• Experience DRC’s unique style of “edu-tainment” and the importance of education and interpretation at zoological facilities 

• Experience how interpretation plays a key role in inspiring guests to care about conservation

• Learn how to effectively communicate with and educate guests

Discussions May Include:

• Current Research at DRC

• Marine Mammals in the Military

• Training

• Ocean Heroes

• Researcher Question & Answer Session(s)

• DRC Unplugged: An In-Depth Look at our Philosophy & Mission

Interactive Programs Include:

• One trainer-guided Dolphin Splash in-water program

• One trainer-guided Dolphin Encounter in-water program

Additional Hands-On Activities & Live Demonstrations May Include:

• 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 Demonstrations

• Develop and Implement a Public Narration

• 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. 

• 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.

Tuition:

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.

2025 Advanced DolphinLab Schedule:

Please visit this page in November/December when the dates are posted for 2025. Enrollment will open sometime within the month of January 2025. Thank you!

Enrollment:

Enrollment for the 2024 Advanced DolphinLab is Closed. We hope to see you in 2025! 

Please note:

• 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. 

• Once the application is submitted, you will receive an email from education@dolphins.org within 72 hours/3 days containing the link to complete payment of the deposit. Please check your Spam/Junk mail boxes in the event the email is rerouted. 

• An outstanding deposit will result in the removal of your application.

• 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.

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.