Swim with Dolphins Near Boca Raton Florida

Are you and the family headed out for a much-needed vacation? Would you like to swim with dolphins near Boca Raton, Florida? This article will explain the wonderful dolphin swim programs available to you, as well as travel and accommodation options.

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Boca Raton was designed to be one of Florida’s premiere resort towns in Florida. Boca – as any self-respecting local calls it – is known for its beautiful stretches of beach and lushly-landscaped parks. It is also home to some fantastic wildlife conservation and education centers.

And speaking of wildlife, if you’d like to get up close and personal to some amazing sea creatures, then you’ll want to head to the Florida Keys where you can swim with dolphins.

For instance, there are gorgeous waterways that beg to be explored and soft-sand beaches perfect for strolling, walking or napping. There is also a diverse collection of shops and restaurants, Broadway-quality shows, and a world-renowned art museum. The locals also happen to be very warm and friendly and welcome everyone to share their eclectic community.

There is a fantastic zoo, performing arts center, entertainment districts boasting hip bars and nightclubs, and also Palm Beach Outlets nearby where you can find just about anything at a bargain price.

But for the biggest thrills, you’ll have to take a little road trip to Florida Keys where you can swim with dolphins!

Book Your Dolphin Program << Click Here!

Are You Looking for a Wonderful Day Trip to Swim with Dolphins?

If you are staying in Boca Raton and dreaming about swimming with dolphins, get ready for a memorable South Florida road trip. Today, your best options are south of Boca Raton in the beautiful Florida Keys. You can choose Key Largo, about two hours from Boca Raton, or continue a little farther south to Islamorada, about two and a half hours away.

You may also be searching for Fort Lauderdale dolphin swim options because you see our Dolphin World address in Fort Lauderdale. I want to clarify that our Fort Lauderdale location is our booking office. This is where we help families choose the right dolphin program and make their reservations. The actual dolphin experiences take place in the Florida Keys.

So instead of thinking of the drive as an inconvenience, make it part of the vacation. Pack some snacks, enjoy the scenery, and turn your dolphin experience into a full day trip that you and your family will remember for years.

Key Largo Dolphin Swim and Dolphin Encounter

Key Largo is the first major destination you reach when entering the Florida Keys, making it the closest dolphin experience for visitors coming from Boca Raton. For many families, this is a great choice because you can enjoy a wonderful dolphin program while keeping your total drive time a little shorter.

The Key Largo Dolphin Swim is designed for guests who want to get into the water and enjoy a more active dolphin experience. You will have the opportunity to interact with bottlenose dolphins, learn about their behavior, and participate in exciting in-water activities with the trainers.

If you have younger children, non-swimmers, or family members who prefer a more relaxed experience, the Key Largo Dolphin Encounter may be the better choice. This program lets you get close to the dolphins in a shallow-water setting while still enjoying plenty of touching, interaction, and learning.

Key Largo is also a wonderful place to spend some extra time before or after your dolphin program. You can stop for lunch, enjoy the waterfront scenery, or simply relax and enjoy the tropical atmosphere of the Upper Florida Keys.

Islamorada Dolphin Swim and Dolphin Encounter

If you are willing to drive about another 30 minutes beyond Key Largo, Islamorada offers a more extensive day-trip experience. The drive along the Overseas Highway is part of the fun, with beautiful views, bridges, marinas, and that unmistakable Florida Keys atmosphere.

The Islamorada Dolphin Swim gives guests the opportunity to enjoy an exciting in-water interaction with dolphins. Depending on the program selected, you may participate in deeper-water activities and enjoy a more adventurous dolphin experience.

The Islamorada Dolphin Encounter is a great choice for families with younger children or anyone who prefers to remain in shallow water. You will still get close to the dolphins, interact with them, and learn directly from the professional animal trainers.

One of the advantages of choosing Islamorada is that your day can include more than just the dolphin program. The facility also features animal shows and marine-life exhibits, giving your family additional things to see and enjoy before or after your scheduled dolphin experience.

Make It a Florida Keys Day Trip to Remember

From Boca Raton, both Key Largo and Islamorada can make for an unforgettable day trip. Leave early, enjoy the drive south, spend time with the dolphins, have lunch in the Keys, and take in some of the scenery along the way.

If you want a slightly shorter drive, Key Largo may be the best fit. If you want to make the day a bigger Florida Keys adventure with dolphin programs, animal shows, and exhibits, Islamorada may be worth the extra driving time.

After more than 30 years of helping families plan dolphin experiences in Florida, I can tell you that the journey can be just as much fun as the destination. A dolphin day trip from Boca Raton to Key Largo or Islamorada gives you the chance to combine an amazing animal experience with a true Florida Keys adventure.

Book Your Florida Keys Program << Click Here

Traveling from Boca Raton to the Florida Keys

Getting from Boca Raton to the Florida Keys is easier than many visitors expect, especially if you are heading to Key Largo, the first major Key you reach. Since the Miami dolphin program closed, the Florida Keys have become an even more important destination for South Florida visitors who still want to enjoy a wonderful dolphin experience.

The Keys also provide a beautiful tropical setting for your day. Once you arrive and see the water, palm trees, boats, and relaxed island atmosphere, I think you will appreciate the extra effort you made to come south. The dolphin programs are offered in environments that feel much closer to the Florida Keys experience, and that can make the entire day feel more special for your family.

I like to say, happy dolphins, happy guests. When you combine a great dolphin interaction with a beautiful Florida Keys setting, the drive from Boca Raton can become part of the memory rather than simply transportation.

Driving Your Own Car to Key Largo

Driving is the easiest and most flexible way to travel from Boca Raton to Key Largo. You can take your Tesla or other electric vehicle, or simply make the trip in a traditional gas-powered car. South Florida and the Upper Keys have a growing number of EV charging locations, but I always recommend checking your vehicle’s navigation system and planning your charging stops before leaving.

Having your own car also gives you the freedom to stop for breakfast, enjoy some of the scenery, have lunch in the Keys, or explore a little after your dolphin program.

Renting a Car in South Florida

If you did not bring a car to Florida, renting one is usually very easy. South Florida has numerous rental-car locations around the airports, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, and rates can often be quite reasonable depending on the season and vehicle selected.

A rental car is especially useful for a Florida Keys day trip because you are not tied to a bus schedule or another driver’s timetable. You can leave Boca Raton early, enjoy your dolphin program, spend some additional time in Key Largo, and return when you are ready.

Click Here for Expedia Car Rental Page

Directions from Boca Raton to Key Largo Using Florida’s Turnpike

From Boca Raton, make your way to Florida’s Turnpike and travel south. Continue south through Broward and Miami-Dade counties, following the Turnpike toward Homestead.

As you approach the southern end of the Turnpike, follow the signs toward Homestead and the Florida Keys. You will then connect with U.S. Highway 1 South.

Stay on U.S. 1 as you travel through the southern mainland and toward the Florida Keys. Before long, you will cross into Key Largo, the first major Key and your first taste of the Overseas Highway.

From there, simply follow the directions provided with your dolphin reservation to the specific Key Largo facility. If your dolphin program is in Islamorada, continue south on U.S. 1 from Key Largo.

Remember Your SunPass for Florida’s Turnpike

Florida’s Turnpike is a toll road, so you will need a way to pay the tolls. Most major rental-car companies offer their own electronic toll-payment programs, although the fees and terms vary by company. Be sure to ask how tolls are handled when you pick up your rental vehicle.

If you are driving your own vehicle, you can use a SunPass. SunPass transponders are sold at thousands of Florida retail locations, including CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, and they must be activated before use.

If you already own a portable SunPass, it can also be used in many rental vehicles as long as you add the rental vehicle and license plate information to your SunPass account for the rental period.

Make the Drive Part of Your Florida Keys Adventure

My recommendation is to leave Boca Raton early and enjoy the day rather than rushing. Once you get south of Miami and approach the Keys, the scenery begins to change and the vacation atmosphere really starts.

Bring some drinks and snacks, put on your favorite road-trip music, and enjoy the journey. When you finally arrive in Key Largo and get into the water with the dolphins, I think you will agree that the trip south was well worth it.

Transportation Options for the Swim with Dolphins near Boca Raton

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Best Accommodations in Boca Raton, Florida: Stay in Comfort

Since you’ll be spending a portion of your vacation time in/at your hotel, you want to be sure the location offers everything you need to have an enjoyable stay. We happen to travel often and extensively throughout Florida, and we know where to stay and where NOT to stay.

Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Boca. We get no kickbacks from these recommendations, we just want to help our customers make good and economical decisions.

2901 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Sometimes, after a long day filled with fun and adventure, you just want to head back to a hotel that feels less like a hotel and more like a tropical oasis. If you’re nodding your head yes, then you and your family will love Boca Raton Plaza Hotel & Suites.

The accommodations are simple, clean and modern. Each standard room has a microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker, plus flat screen TVs and free Wifi. Looking for something more than standard?

The oversized Royal Palm Suites offer a separate sitting room with a sleeper sofa and designer features such as wet bar, additional TV and a furnished balcony.

The hotel also offers an onsite restaurant called “Our Place,” as well as a bar and lounge area. Need a convenient way to burn off all of those extra calories you’ll no doubt eat? The hotel also has a gym, pool and spa area.

best nightly deals.

7920 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33434

If you want to be right in the heart of Boca, then book a room or two at the Hilton Boca Raton Suites. Situated in a peaceful lakeside complex, the rooms and suites are clean and spacious.

The two-room suites offer top-notch amenities that include Sweet Dreams® beds. You’ll also have a separate living room area with a sleeper sofa. And as if that weren’t enough, the suites also include wet bars, mini-refrigerators and microwaves, as well as Fatscreen TVs with HDTV and premium cable channels and free Wifi.

Perhaps the best thing about staying here is the made to order breakfast you get. Well, either that or the complimentary cocktails at the end of a long day. Those sure are great too!

You’ll also have access to a business center and 24-hour gym, pool, as well as room service, gift shop, beauty salon and more! This is a great hotel and you and your family will be happy to stay here.

To see rates…

Hampton Inn Boca Raton

1455 Yamato Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431

We always enjoy staying at a hotel that has been newly renovated. If you do, too, then you’ll love Hampton Inn Boca Raton. Located in the Lifetime Athletic Plaza, you’ll be just minutes away from Palm Beach County golf, beaches, shopping and other South Florida attractions.

The guestrooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed. Upon checking in, guests receive a complimentary pass to Lifetime Athletic Club. Plus, the hotel also has a Mediterranean-style pool in which to swim away all of those extra calories.

As for your room, you’ll have the option of choosing a room with a view of the lovely pool or a view of the nearby golf course. Well, you will if you book in advance. Beyond plush bed linens and comfy mattresses, your rooms will also have free Wifi, wet bars, microwaves, minifridge and, if needed, a sofa bed for those extra travelers.  A complimentary hot breakfast each morning is also part of your package.

To see the best rates here…

Top Things to Do in Boca Raton, FL: Explore & Enjoy the City

While we absolutely think swimming with dolphins should be at the top of your list, there are some cool activities to do in Boca raton.

Mizner Park

327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

This is probably the most well-known landmark in Boca Raton and the main gathering place for locals and visitors alike. You’ll love the exquisite Mediterranean architecture. The complex contains the Boca Raton Museum of Art, as well as an outdoor amphitheater, movie theater complex, high-end department stores and delicious eateries.

Sugar Sand Park

300 S Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33486

If you’ll be traveling with youngsters, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at this 132-acre park that is loved by kids and adults alike. Kids can burn off all of that extra energy running around the water park and playground or riding the carousel or exploring the interactive Children’s Science Explorium. Adults will enjoy the athletic courts, full gym and nature trails.

But the whole family will love the shows put on at the Willow Theater and the large picnic facilities. After you visit Sugar Sand Park, you’ll see why many have called it the best park in all of Boca Raton.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, except during daylight savings time when it remains open until 8 p.m.

The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum

7901 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33487

If you’ve always wanted to go to a Broadway show but haven’t gotten to the Big Apple yet, you’ll get a glimpse of Broadway at the Wick Theater and Costume Museum. In 2013, Marilynn A. Wick purchased a defunct theater to house her huge collection of Broadway costumes. But that wasn’t enough. She did not want the 333-seat theater to stand empty night after night, so she then founded a resident theater company.

You can enjoy a tour of the costume museum followed by lunch or dinner before a show. Reviewers have raved about the food at the adjacent Tavern Room (after Tavern on the Green in NYC) as well as the quality of the shows.

Tours are by appointment, so call ahead to make a reservation. Prices vary depending on whether you will be eating and enjoying a show as well as taking a tour of the costumes. We recommend you visit the theater’s website for more information.

Essential Local Information for Boca Raton, FL: Plan Your Visit

Weather

We all want the weather to cooperate when we go on vacation. Sometimes it does, sometimes… not so much. The good thing about Boca Raton is, it has great weather pretty much year-round.

Having said this, it is Florida we’re talking about, and summers can get a bit hot and muggy, so we recommend visiting Boca during the winter and spring months.

Festivals

There’s always something fun going on in Boca Raton. From craft festivals to wine and food tastings, there’s something for everyone. Check out this handy guide to see what’s going on in Boca when you’ll be there.

Helpful Travel Links

http://www.bocaratonchamber.com/

https://www.thepalmbeaches.com/explore-cities/boca-raton