Dolphin World Blog

Hi All,

I get many request for the top places to swim with the dolphins in Florida. I have tried them all and I definitely have an opinion. Here is my top 5 and will say why too…

1. Theater of the Sea – Islamorada, FL – I really like this place, even though the facility is old, but the owner puts a lot of money into the landscaping and the place is very lush with plants and flowers. The Dolphin Swim and Encounter are lots of fun here!! The Dolphin Swim is one of the few places where you get a chance to put on a mask and snorkel with the dolphins and actually swim along side the dolphins while petting them. I love this!! You get see the dolphins under the water and above too. Also, you get lots of behaviors with the dolphins. I really love the Dolphin Encounter here too, you are in waist deep water with the dolphins and really get to pet the dolphin, over and over again. Theater of the Sea also has sea lions, rays, birds, alligator, tons of tropical fish, and overall a great experience.
2. Marineland – Marineland, FL – They have opened a new facility and the old one is totally gone. I really like the old one but the new one is pretty cool. They built the tanks high up and put big plexiglass opening, so your friends can see you under the water with the dolphins. The behaviors with the dolphins are very good and fulfilling. This place has one of the best views also, built on the ocean, were one side is the dolphins and other side is the Atlantic Ocean, very cool. The only downside, they are still building up the place and it has very limited space.
3. Dolphin Research Center – Grassy Key – The place with out a doubt has the most programs with the dolphins, Structured swim, Dolphin Encounter, and all kinds of activities with the dolphins. All over this place has dolphins, I think they have the most dolphins beside Sea World in Orlando, and if you are a dolphin lover, you will be very satisfied. The only downside, this place is almost impossible to get a reservation on the phone. I would recommend just walking up and see what they have. You can talk to a person if you walk up to the facility.
4. Miami Seaquarium – Miami, FL – This place has opened up a brand new Multi million dollar facility and has a lot of potential. The Dolphin Swim has changed many times and the behaviors are alway different and fun. They are offering a Dolphin Encounter now which lets 5 years old to participate which is really good. Secret, if you book the dolphin encounter, it could be just you and the trainer. Not too many people are booking this program at this time.
5. Discovery Cove – Orlando, FL – This place is has it all going on, well organized, very clean, lots of food to eat and activities to do. The overall experience is very good, the only down side is the Dolphin Swim/Encounter is very controlled and the behaviors are alway the same. The water is crystal clear here and they give you a mask too to look at the dolphin under the water. As you can tell, I really enjoy this. Since they have a lot of sessions, they get you in and out of the water quickly. They do have a trainer of the day program, which I have not experienced.

Well there you go, I hope you like my list for swimming with the dolphins in Florida.

What do you think of my list? Do you agree or disagree?
God Bless,
John