Join us for a unforgettable, intimate, after-hours evening full of dolphin interaction, marine insights, and sunset champagne toast.

Get ready for a truly unforgettable evening—one that you literally can’t find anywhere else! Dolphin Research Center is thrilled to unveil our brand-new, once-a-month after-hours experience that will leave you smiling, inspired, and totally enchanted.

When the sun begins to set and the day winds down, you’ll have the rare opportunity to stay behind after the gates close for an exclusive evening filled with wonder, connection, and unforgettable moments.

Become Part of the Pod:
Step into the dolphins' world in a way most guests never get to. As a special participant in their evening enrichment, you’ll offer our dolphins their favorite treat—dolphin-safe jello! Watch their eyes light up as you interact up close in this heartwarming, joyful exchange.

Chat with the Pros:
Have burning questions about dolphin intelligence? Curious about training, behavior, or marine conservation? Our marine mammal experts will be on hand to share their knowledge, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights in a casual, intimate setting.

Toast the Sunset in Paradise:
As golden hour melts into twilight, raise a chilled glass of champagne and toast to the end of another breathtaking day in the Florida Keys. With the sound of waves lapping nearby, the gentle calls of our dolphins, and the vibrant colors of sunset all around you, this is paradise like you've never experienced before.

Event Highlights:

• Exclusive after-hours access to the Dolphin Research Center

• Hands-on dolphin enrichment with jello treat feedings

• Intimate group setting with expert-led conversations

• Learn about dolphin research, care, and conservation

• Champagne toast at sunset overlooking the Gulf (non-alcoholic option available)

Event Perks:

• General admission to Dolphin Research Center the following day

• Free Parking (Bus parking is available on a limited basis)

• Recieve a One Year Membership (excluding tickets purchased at member price)
  • General admission annual pass
  • One free one-day General Admission Pass for one additional person to share with friends or family
  • 10% discount in the Gift Shop (exclusions apply)
  • Subscription to our bi-monthly Dolphin Society Newsletter
  • Receive announcements of special Dolphin Research Center news and events before the general public
  • Access to the Members Only area of our website for exclusive content

When & How to Attend:

This exclusive event is offered once a month only, with extremely limited availability to preserve the intimacy of the experience.

Current 2025 Dates

July 30th, 6:30pm

August 27th, 6:15pm

September 24th, 5:45pm

November 26th, 4:00pm

December 17th, 4:00pm

Don’t miss your chance to create a lasting memory at one of the Florida Keys’ most unique experiences and reserve your spot today! Be part of something truly special—an evening where nature, learning, and connection come together in perfect harmony. 

Meet a Dolphin

Enjoy a special moment getting to meet our dolphin family!

If you've craved the chance to touch a dolphin, this program is for you! Enjoy watching the dolphins, an educational narrated session, or play in the Sprayground until your interactive experience begins and after it has concluded.

Price: $70 per person (includes all-day general admission)

Highlights:

• Meet a dolphin from the dock
• Shake flippers and say hello
• Enjoy a dolphin back rub as they glide under your hand

If you’ve craved the chance to touch a dolphin, this program is for you!

Ages: 

• 1 year & up may participate
• Children ages 1–7 must be accompanied by a paying adult (18+)

Duration:

Approximately 5 minutes on the dock

Important Details:

• Guests can have other members of their party take photos or videos from behind the ropes in the guest viewing areas.

• Please do not bring/use selfie sticks within the facility. Only floatable, waterproof cameras are allowed in in-water interactive program areas. Cell phones or non-floating, non-waterproof cameras are not permitted on underwater program trays, floating docks, or platforms. Drones are not permitted.

• If your desired program is sold out, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings. Individuals and families/groups of up to 10 people can reserve online. For groups larger than 10, please call +1 305-289-0002 or email exception.request@dolphins.org for assistance. 

• Anyone coming to observe family and friends in a program must pay General Admission.

• While Dolphin Research enter is pet friendly, pets are not able to attend or participate in programs. If you bring a pet, please arrange for an individual in your party to attend to the pet while the other members of your party participate in the purchased program.

If you are pregnant, please all us before booking this program at 305-289-0002 or contact us via email at exception.request@dolphins.org.

Guests with Disabilities: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? Please contact our Coordinator prior to booking.

DRC Members: to book Meet with a Dolphin in advance and use your discount, please email us at memberservice@dolphins.org.

Gift Certificates: 

For details visit: http://www.dolphins.org/giftcertificates

Interactive Experience FAQs

Sold Out?

Check back the morning of your visit—spots may open up!

Selfie Sticks

For the safety of our animals, guests, and staff, selfie sticks are not permitted at Dolphin Research Center.

• Extending poles can accidentally enter animal areas or viewing spaces, creating stress or risk of injury.
• They may also block walkways and obstruct the view of other guests.
• To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, please use handheld cameras or phones only.

Note: Staff and volunteers are happy to help take photos for you if needed!

Cell Phones & Cameras

Drones

For the safety and well-being of the dolphins and all other animals in our care, drones are not permitted anywhere on Dolphin Research Center property or over our lagoons.

• Drones can cause stress, anxiety, or injury to marine mammals and other wildlife.
• Unauthorized drone use may interfere with animal training, research, and guest programs.
• Flying drones also poses safety risks to our guests and staff.

Pregnant Guests

If you are pregnant, please all us before booking this program at 305-289-0002 or contact us via email at exception.request@dolphins.org.

Accessibility & Accommodations

Observers

Anyone coming to observe family and friends in a program must pay General Admission.

Pets

While Dolphin Research Center is pet friendly, pets are not able to attend or participate in interactive experiences, go onto boardwalks, floating docks, or in the water. If you bring a pet, please arrange for an individual in your party to attend to the pet while the other members of your party participate in the purchased interactive experience.

Gift Certificates

Looking for the perfect gift?

For details visit: http://www.dolphins.org/giftcertificates

Cancellation Policy

Full payment required at the time of booking in US Dollars and will appear on your statement as Dolphin Research Center
** CANCELLATION POLICY**
Reservations are non-refundable
In the event of bad weather, DRC will make every effort to complete the program on the day it is scheduled
If a program is canceled due to hazardous weather, rescheduling, refunds or rain checks will be arranged at that time

No Shows:
Full charge applies with no refunds

Dolphin Research Center reserves the right to cancel or amend program content and price without notice.