Behind the Scenes with Sea Lions
Price: $67.50 per person (includes all-day general admission). Price does not include reservation fee.
Ages: 1 yr and older. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult (18+ years old).
Duration: Approximately 15-20 minutes on the platform
Go behind the scenes and discover the playful personalities of our incredible sea lions! During this exclusive experience, you’ll step into the world of our marine mammal care team and get an up-close look at how we care for these intelligent and energetic animals.
Guests will learn about sea lion behavior, relationship-based training, and daily care while watching a training session and interacting with one of our animal care team members. You’ll discover how our team builds relationships with the animals and supports their health and wellbeing.
Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of sea lion behavior and the important role facilities like Dolphin Research Center play in marine mammal conservation, education, and care.
This small-group experience offers a unique opportunity to see our sea lions in a whole new way and witness a session up close! No two experiences are alike. Each animal is unique in personality and enjoys playing in different ways. Enjoy watching our animal family members, educational narrated sessions, and play in the Sprayground, until your interactive experience begins and after it has concluded.
*This is NOT a hands-on experience. You will NOT have physical contact with the animals.
Included:
- Step behind the scenes with an animal care team member for an up-close experience
- Learn a signal for the sea lions and give that signal in the session
- General Admission for the participant
- Free Parking
- Speak directly with our animal care and education staff, who are always happy to talk with you about our animal family and marine mammals in general.
- Watch narrated sessions and presentations.
- Observe training sessions, research sessions, interactive programs, and more.
- Access to Sprayground and Veterans Garden
- Purchase snacks on the grounds at an independent food concession so that you don’t have to miss a moment of fun!
Reserve a Spot
Policies & FAQs
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.
Pets are not able to attend or participate in interactive experiences. 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.
Please do not bring/use selfie sticks within the facility. They pose a potential hazard to the safety and welfare of our animal family.
Drones are not permitted. They pose a potential hazard to the safety and welfare of our animal family.
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. Thank you.
Anyone coming to observe family and friends in a program must pay General Admission.
The Paint with a Dolphin is approximately 1 hour total. We plan 30 minutes for check-in and preparation, including changing clothes and getting ready for your experience, followed by approximately 15-20 minutes on the platform area. The remaining time allows for transitions and other parts of the experience. Because every sea lion has a unique personality and responds differently during each interaction, no two experiences are exactly alike. Your trainer follows your dolphin’s cues to create a safe, engaging, and personalized experience.
Yes, it includes full-day General Admission for the participant.
For safety and liability reasons, pregnant guests cannot participate.
Wear comfortable, Florida weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.
If you or someone in your group has a physical or cognitive limitation, please submit a request with our team. This allows our team to discuss your needs and available assistance in advance.
If your desired date is sold out, check back the morning of your desired date to see if any openings have become available.
No. The price does not include the online reservation fee.
Yes. Visit our Gift Certificates page for more information.
Dolphin Research Center reserves the right to cancel or amend program content and price without notice.
