Researcher Experience
Price: $475 per person. Includes General Admission for participant. Includes one (1) additional General Admission for a parent/guardian or observer.
Ages: 10 Years and older. Participants under 16 must have an adult present for the entire program.
Duration: Half-day experience 9:00am-1:00pm
Spend half a day alongside the Dolphin Research Center research team and discover how scientists study dolphin intelligence and behavior. Observe dolphins and sea lions, participate in research-related activities, help collect data, and enjoy a hands-on Dolphin Encounter during this unique dolphin research experience in the Florida Keys.
Included:
- Digital Photo Package
- Join the research team on the docks and boardwalks
- Explore dolphin intelligence and collect data about these amazing animals
- Dolphin kiss
- Dolphin handshake
- Leave the platform and join a dolphin for a dorsal pull in deep water
- Guided by your trainer, ask your dolphin for an interactive behavior through a hand signal
- General Admission for the participant and one (1) additional General Admission for a parent, guardian, or observer
- 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!
- Dolphin Research Center Membership – Adopt an Animal Dolfriend Level
- General Admission annual passes for two (2) people.
- 1 one-day General Admission pass to share with family or friend.
- 10% discount on Digital Photo Packages.
- 10% discount in the Gift Shop (exclusions may apply).
- Exclusive updates and news from the entire Dolphin Research Center Family.
- Annual subscription to our Dolphin Society e-Newsletter.
- A full-color electronic adoption certificate, full-color photo, and a biography about the animal family member of your choice.
- Access to the Members-Only section of the website showcasing the latest news, pod updates, spotlight videos, and more!
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 threat to the safety and welfare of our animal family.
Cameras and Drones
Only floatable, waterproof cameras are allowed in in-water interactive experience areas. Cell phones or non-floating, non-waterproof cameras are not permitted on underwater trays, floating docks, or platforms.
Drones are not permitted. They pose a potential threat to the safety and welfare of our animal family.
Participants must be 10 years or older. Participants under 16 must have an adult present for the entire program. Participants must be 16 years or older to remain on Dolphin Research Center property without adult supervision.
Researcher Experience is a half-day experience (9:00am-1:00pm) at Dolphin Research Center.
Yes, the experience includes a Dolphin Encounter.
Yes. Full-day admission for the participant and one additional full-day general admission for a parent, guardian, or observer are included.
Participants receive a complimentary digital photo package, a Dolphin Research Center membership, and memories to last a lifetime!
For safety and liability reasons, pregnant guests cannot participate in the Researcher Experience.
Wear comfortable, Florida weather-appropriate clothing and bring a swimsuit if your experience includes time in the water. Keep in mind that clothing can get wet during some activities, even when you are not in the water. Wetsuits are recommended when water temperatures fall below 68°F; Dolphin Research Center does not provide wetsuits, but they can be rented from local dive shops. Freshwater showers and changing areas are available, so many guests prefer to bring a change of clothes.
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.
