Welcome to the Dolphin Research Center!The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. Over half of their wildlife family was born at the Center, while the other members either have came to them from other facilities, or were collected long ago by other management. In addition to maintaining the best possible environment for the dolphins and sea lions at the Center, they also dedicate themselves to assisting marine mammals in distress in the surrounding waters of the Keys. For decades, the Dolphin Research Center operated as the Southernmost member of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. They rescued and rehabilitated whales and dolphins, providing expert medical attention to help ease the way for their marine friends from the wild. The rescue and rehabilitation procedures provided them with invaluable opportunities for critical research and data collection. DRC extended its rescue commitment to include the endangered manatee and is currently the only facility in the Florida Keys licensed by the Federal Government to assist manatees in distress. To reach as many people as possible, the Center provides a variety of educational programs that allow the public a chance to learn firsthand about the world of the dolphin. Dolphins have been fascinating people for thousands of years. We are charmed by their beauty and grace, and drawn by an elusive sense of their intelligence. They have found their way into our history, art, mythology, and literature. In recent times, dolphins have begun to emerge from their shroud of legend as we learn more about their very real (and no less fascinating) capabilities and needs. The history of research in the field of marine mammals is short: only about forty years. This barely covers a single dolphin's lifetime. The relatively little that is known about marine mammals hints at a wealth of knowledge relevant to our shared future on this planet. At the Dolphin Research Center, they are dedicated to learning from and about dolphins, and teaching what they know, for the mutual benefit of both species.
Spend an hour or the whole day learning all about Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. Experience the different "dolphinalities" during regularly scheduled narrated sessions. Each session demonstrates a different aspect of these amazing animals' lives. From high-flying athletics and Dolphin Fun Facts to medical behavior training and research-in-progress, no two sessions are alike. Join their fun and cheer their progress. They love an audience! Hours of Operation: Open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (The Dolphin Research Center is closed to the public on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day.) General admission: Adults-$19.50; Seniors 55 and over-$16.50; Children 4-12-$13.50; Children 3 and under-Free. The Dolphin Research Center offers a variety of terrific programs where you can interact with our dolphins. Trainer for a Day, Researcher for a Day, Dolphin Encounter and Dolphin Dip can all be reserved in advance and online! Read the descriptions for the programs that interest you. TRAINER FOR A DAY: Get ready for the ultimate experience -- Trainer for a Day! Whether you're interested in pursuing a training career, or simply want to know what it's like to walk in a trainer's sandals, this all-day intensive interactive adventure is a dolphin lover's dream come true. In Trainer for a Day, one of their experienced Animal Care and Training staff members teaches you about animal training techniques and how we use them with the DRC pod. You'll be paired with a trainer throughout the day-long journey. See how they prepare meals in the Fish House and assist during various behavioral sessions. Your day includes opportunities to build a relationship with the dolphins, just like the trainers. You will participate in a Deep Water Dolphin Encounter with your new friends, experiencing them in their own element. All of the DRC trainers begin by learning how to play with the dolphins, and your day also includes playtime, where you learn what kinds of games different dolphins enjoy. You and the dolphins will even work together to create a work of art while they paint you a one-of-a-kind Dolphin art t-shirt. RESEARCHER FOR A DAY: Dive into the fascinating world of marine mammal science with Dolphin Research Center's exciting new Researcher for a Day program. Spend the day as part of the research team, getting an inside look at current research studies. Picture yourself taking part in projects to explore the intelligence of our dolphins and sea lions. Learn how the dolphins are trained to understand the tasks. Help collect valuable data that adds to our knowledge base about these amazing animals. When you arrive, research staff members, who will serve as your teammates and teachers, meet you to begin the experience. A researcher's day is never boring and always busy, so come prepared to get to work right away! Throughout the day, you'll participate in a variety of sessions, with personalized instruction and hands-on responsibilities. Go behind the scenes to learn how to schedule sessions, compile data and prepare the test questions. Get inside information, depending on the stage of a particular study. DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER: Always a favorite, our Dolphin Encounter program now offers two options! Enter the exciting world of the dolphins, participating in a playful, structured, interactive program. During a workshop, the trainer will explain what to expect and also show you basic hand signals so that YOU can ask the dolphins for a variety of interactive behaviors during your session. The Deep Water Dolphin Encounter includes the energetic dorsal pull. Not a swimmer, or uncomfortable in deep water? Choose the Shallow Water Dolphin Encounter for a great time while remaining on the submerged platform. Ask about private Dolphin Encounters! Dolphin Encounter is an educational program that includes about 20 minutes of structured time in the water, so please plan accordingly. You are invited to spend as much time as you like watching sessions before and after your program. To participate in the Deep Water program, guests must be at least 5 years old, and children ages 5 through 7 must be accompanied in the water by a paid adult participant. Guests must also be able to speak and understand English. The Shallow Water Encounter is open to all ages with no language requirement. A participating adult must accompany children younger than 8. Children ages 4 and younger must be held on the parent’s hip while in the water. DOLPHIN DIP: Plunge into fun with the new Dolphin Dip program! Step down onto the submerged platform and greet your new gray-faced friend with a backrub and a flippershake. Dance, spin, splash – then watch the dolphin imitate you! Learn to give signals like a trainer and applaud the dolphin's amazing athletic behavior. Fun for the entire family, Dolphin Dip is a group activity that includes approximately 20-25 minutes of in-water time and is only $104.00 per person for ages 5 and up. Children younger than 8 must be accompanied in the water by a participating adult. Dolphin Dip is free for children 4 and under, who must be held by a parent or guardian. Group size is limited to no more than 6 people. A professional photographer will take pictures of your experience that will be available for purchase. Dolphin Dip is available by reservation and on a walk-in basis. The Dolphin Research Center For more information on these and other programs click here to visit DRC's website.
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