Programs
Dolphin Research Center is located on Grassy Key in the heart of the fabulous Florida Keys. We're a little more than two hours from Miami and about an hour and twenty minutes from Key West. Please take travel time into account when booking your programs!
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note: Last admissions at 3:30 p.m. (Closed on Christmas Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day.)
Bring your family to meet our family of dolphins and sea lions, all of whom live in natural, seawater lagoons in the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a couple of hours or all day, experiencing their personalities in fun-filled, narrated behavior sessions. In between, watch educational presentations, visit the tropical birds, play in the Sprayground or simply enjoy the beautiful, outdoor Florida Keys setting.
The heart of our mission is the welfare of every animal in our family. Whether they are born here, or come from rescue/rehabilitation centers or other facilities, each receives the finest possible care and a safe, healthy, enriching home for life.
Dolphins and sea lions choose to participate in sessions, including interactive programs from the docks or in the water. None are ever forced. Therefore, on any given day, program availability and times may vary based on the needs of the animals.
For the safety and welfare of DRC's dolphin and sea lion families, 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. Thank you for understanding.
We know that many of you travel with your pets. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are always welcome at DRC and can enjoy the grounds with you. However, they are not permitted to go onto boardwalks, floating docks, or in the water. If you want to do one of our fun interactive experiences, your dog must stay with someone from your party who is not doing the program.
We look forward to your visit!
Florida Keys residents, view information about the Monroe County Residents Pass!
General Admission
General Admission
Hours: Open 7 days per week 9.00am to 4:30 p.m. Last admissions at 3:30 p.m. Closed on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Admission Price: Adults: $28:00, Military/Veterans (present military ID): $25:00, Children 4-12: $23.00. Children 3 and under free admission. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Prices are per person.
$3 Off On-line Purchase: Adults: $25.00, Children 4-12: $20.00, Children 3 and under: free. (May not be combined with other discounts/coupons)
Please note: General Admission does not include hands-on contact with any marine mammals. Interactive programs can be purchased separately.
Get our most competitive General Admission rates by purchasing your tickets on-line!
Purchase a General Admission and spend some time observing the dolphins and sea lions in training sessions or interacting with each other during their private time. Watch your friends and family participate in public programs from one of our general access areas.
Dolphin Encounter
Dolphin Encounter
Price: $210 per person. Includes all-day admission. (Price does not include On-line Reservation Fee).
Gift Certificates: For details visit: http://www.dolphins.org/giftcertificates
Ages: 5 Yrs and Up. A paying participating adult (18+Yrs) must accompany a child 5-7 Yrs
For safety and liability reasons, pregnant women are unable to participate in this program
Guests with Disabilities: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? Please contact our Coordinator prior to booking
Duration: Your in-water experience will last 20-25 minutes.
Enjoy watching the dolphins, a theater presentation, our Sprayground, or a snack at the food cart until your program begins.
Our most popular dolphin program! Includes a dorsal pull.
If your desired program is soldout, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
Individuals and families/groups up to 10 people can reserve online for Dolphin Encounter. For groups larger than 10, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org for assistance. Thank you.
Family Dolphin Splash
Family Dolphin Splash
Note: Individuals and families/groups up to 10 people can reserve online for Family Dolphin Splash. For groups larger than 10, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org for assistance. Thank you.
Price: $130 per person, ages 4 years and up - includes all-day admission. (Price does not include On-line Reservation Fee)
Ages: Great for all ages! Open to individuals, couples, and families. A paying, participating adult (18+ Yrs) can hold one child 3 years old and under on hip during program for no additional cost. A paying participating adult (18+ Yrs) must accompany children 4-7 years old.
For safety and liability reasons, pregnant ladies are unable to participate in this program
Guests with Disabilities: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? Please contact our Coordinator prior to booking
Duration: Approximately 20-25 mins in-water on a submerged platform.
The ideal program for families with young children!
If your desired program is soldout, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
Ultimate Trainer for the Day
Ultimate Trainer for the Day
Price: $695 per person. Includes all-day admission. (Price does not include On-line Reservation Fee)
Ages: 10 Yrs and Up
For Safety and liability reasons, pregnant ladies are unable to participate in this program
Guests with Disabilities: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? Please contact our Coordinator prior to booking
Duration: Full Day
THE ULTIMATE TRAINER EXPERIENCE. Accompany trainers all day during this intensive interactive adventure!
If your desired program is soldout, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
To reserve more than four people for our Ultimate Trainer For a Day program, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 am to 4 pm eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org for assistance. Thank you.
VIP Experience
VIP Experience
Price: $475 per person. Includes all-day admission. (Price does not include On-line Reservation Fee)
Ages: 5 Yrs and Up. A paying participating adult (18+ Yrs) must accompany children 5-9 Yrs
For safety and liability reasons, pregnant ladies are unable to participate in this program
Guests with Disabilities: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? Please contact our Coordinator prior to booking
Duration: Half Day (approximately 4 hrs)
Spend a fun-filled half-day close-up with our dolphin and sea lion family!
If your desired program is soldout, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
To reserve more than four people for our VIP program, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 am to 4 pm eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org for assistance. Thank you.
Researcher Experience
Researcher Experience
Price: $475 per person. Includes all-day admission. (Price does not include On-line Reservation Fee)
Ages: 10 Yrs and Up
For safety and liability reasons, pregnant ladies are unable to participate in this program
Guests with Disabilities: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? Please contact our Coordinator prior to booking
Duration: Half Day (approximately 4 hrs)
Spend half a day with our Research Team! Observe dolphins and sea lions and help with research related activities.
If your desired program is soldout, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
To reserve more than four people for our Researcher Experience program, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 am to 4 pm eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org for assistance. Thank you.
Play with the Dolphin
Play with the Dolphin
Price: $95.00 per participant and includes General Admission.
New Add-On Experience: Collaborate with your new dolphin friend to create a unique 8 X 10 inch painting. Choose two colors and hold the canvas panel while the dolphin artist paints. Make a lasting memory for only $25.00 more.
DRC Members: To Book Play with a Dolphin in advance, please email memberservice@dolphins.org.
Ages: 4 Yrs and Up. A paying participating adult (18+ Yrs) must accompany children under 8 Yrs
If you are pregnant, please call us before booking this program at 305-289-0002 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time 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
Duration: Approximately 20-25 mins on the dock
Who will have the most fun - you or the dolphin?
If your desired program is soldout, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
Meet the Dolphin
Meet the Dolphin
Price: $50 per program participant and includes General Admission cost.
New Add-On Experience: Collaborate with your new dolphin friend to create a unique 8 X 10 inch painting. Choose two colors and hold the canvas panel while the dolphin artist paints. Make a lasting memory for only $25.00 more.
DRC Members, to book Meet the Dolphin in advance, please email memberservice@dolphins.org.
Ages: 1 Yr and Up. A paying participating adult (18+ Yrs) must accompany children 1-7 Yrs.
If you are pregnant, please call us before booking this program at 305-289-0002 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time 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
Duration: Approximately 5 mins
If you've craved the chance to touch a dolphin, this is for you!
If your desired program is soldout, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter
Exclusive Private Dolphin Encounter
Immerse yourself in the private Dolphin Encounter experience of your dreams!
Get ready for a fun-filled, exciting time. You and your group of up to six people will be the only guests at your dock. Your trainer greets you prior to your program to discuss your goals and special requests. Enjoy more connection time with the dolphin(s) with individualized attention.
Price: $2189 for one to six people in a private group. Includes a digital photo package of all members of your group; all-day admission; and a one-year membership to DRC for each guest!
Ages: All ages, but children younger than 8 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
For safety and liability reasons, pregnant women are unable to participate in this program.
Guests with Special Needs: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? Please let us know prior to booking so we can connect you with our Coordinator about what assistance might be needed.
Duration: Your in-water experience lasts approximately 20-25 minutes.
Availability & Questions: This exclusive opportunity is offered only once a day and cannot be directly booked online. To check availability or to reserve, please call 305-289-0002, M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org. Thank you!
Paint with a Dolphin
Paint with a Dolphin
Price: $110.00 per participant and includes General Admission cost.
DRC Members, to book Paint with a Dolphin in advance, please email us at memberservice@dolphins.org.
Ages: 3 Yrs and Up. Children ages 3-7 years must be assisted in the program by an adult (Age 18+).
If you are pregnant, please call us before booking this program at 305-289-0002 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time 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
Duration: Approximately 10 mins on the dock
Work with our gray artists and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!
If your desired program is soldout, please check back the morning of to see if there are any openings.
