Dolphin Research Center

Spent a half day last week as a researcher. I learned so much about the dolphins and helped with different research activities throughout the morning. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable. I was so impressed with how much they love and care for these dolphins. The dolphins are in charge and if they want to participate that’s great but if they aren’t feeling it then they can pass with no problem. Everyone cheers for the dolphins and encourages them like a mother would her child. Best experience I’ve ever had! I highly recommend this stop on your stay or travel through the Keys!! Flagler was my favorite dolphin💙. Special thank you to researchers Kristen and Sarah, you guys gave me memories and knowledge I will carry for a lifetime!

Last minute stop for me that turned out to be well worth the time! The dolphins here are well trained and there are several programs throughout the day that offer different types of learning opportunities and chances to see the dolphins doing tricks. I just did general admission and was able to experience a lot, but there are opportunities to meet the dolphins upclose as well!

Very Disappointing Experience! We drove over 3 hours from and back to Miami on the same day of our flight, excited to give our kids what we thought would be an unforgettable, magical dolphin experience. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the exact opposite. We booked the Dolphin Splash session and paid $450 for three people, since adults are required to be in the water with their child — you can’t simply watch from the deck. The session was supposed to last 20 minutes, but we soon realized that two other families were part of the same session. It was not private as we expected. You’re also not allowed to bring your phone or camera near the deck, so the only photos you can get are taken by their photographer at $20 per picture — another disappointment. But the real issue was the condition of the water. It was extremely dirty and murky, with a terrible smell. You couldn’t see anything below the surface — only the parts of your body and the dolphins that were above the water. It felt completely unsanitary, but since the tickets were non-refundable, we had no choice but to continue. We ended up sharing the 20-minute session with the other families, taking brief turns interacting with the dolphins in this unpleasant environment. Overall, this was a huge disappointment — a waste of time and money. I would not recommend this experience to anyone. Update, This is and update to Reply on your response , Thanks for the reply but regarding that your team is there to help making choices, we did ask on the front desk if each of us will have his own 20minute session or all three of us will be in the same session together because after all it is 3 tickets and they said that we will be together in the same session and didn’t mention that other families will be there too!! About the deck being cleaned.. absolutely no!! The stairs we were so slippery that one lady from the other family slipped on her way down and they caught her even my kid slipped on his way down it looked like it haven’t been scrapped in years!! The trainer her self suggested to just sit down on the deck and jump in water instead of using the stairs!! I understand that water is part of the ecosystem but the minimum amount of maintenance and cleaning is supposed to take place for the sake of guests’ and Dolphins’ safety as well. Before the session they brought a broom and tried to scrap some of the algae off the stairs and the underwater deck but it was so much that they couldn’t.. about the photographer if it was for the safety of guests and dolphins then it should be included in the package not to be sold by picture !! Also no one told us it was for a separate fee until we asked !!

The dolphin research center was an really great and worth experience. A lot of rescue animals and an awesome crew. Main focus is to take care of the animals. The staff is awesome as well. We got a lot to see during the hourly activities which are free to join, like an „How is the life as an trainer for dolphins, etc.

Loved this place so much! Very knowledgeable staff and you get to be close up to so many dolphins. We just did the general admission but felt like we didn’t miss out on anything. We did all the presentations and talks. Very cool experience!

The Dolphin Research Center was absolutely amazing! They have around 26 different dolphins, each with their own personality, and it was so fun getting to learn about them up close. The experience was incredibly informative — you can tell the staff truly love what they do and care deeply for the animals. Everyone we interacted with was so friendly, helpful, and eager to share their knowledge. I’d definitely recommend going first thing when they open so you have plenty of time to explore and enjoy everything without feeling rushed. Such a fun and educational experience — highly recommend!

We have been to the keys many times and for some reason never visited here. We LOVED IT! Man those dolphins are cool. RANGER WAS THE SWEETEST!! All the staff were very friendly and helpful too. We had a great time.

🇺🇸 Dolphin Research Center, Florida Keys ✨⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A place where science meets magic 🐬🔬 — saltwater lagoons, dolphins, and sea lions, all part of fascinating research and education. You can see live behavior sessions, swim with dolphins, and really feel how much care goes into their world. A must-visit spot for anyone who loves marine life and wants an unforgettable experience! #DolphinResearchCenter #FloridaKeys #MarineLife #Dolphins #TravelVibes