Spend 3–4 hours enjoying the Florida Keys, featuring an exciting 20–30 minute shallow and deep-water shark experience. You’ll have the opportunity to feed, touch, and swim with gentle sharks while learning more about these fascinating and majestic creatures. Your adventure begins in shallow water along a sandy beach, where you can interact with the sharks up close. Then, put on your snorkel and explore the lagoon, where you can watch the sharks and a variety of colorful tropical fish swimming around you. There’s no need to venture out to the reef to enjoy an amazing snorkeling experience!
$125+tax/fee per Adult/Child
– Must be 8 years old+ everyday
Book Now Shark Encounter << Click Here!
The time slots available includes a guaranteed 20-30 minute Shark program, dolphin shows, sea lion show, and parrot shows, and access to a lagoon-side beach, as well as a fish and reptile tour with tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, alligators, and crocodiles. This is a 1/2 day of activities.
The Facility is in the Florida Keys and on Islamorada, which is one of the major island in the Upper Keys, next to Key Largo. You will get complete written directions with your online ticket.
Driving Times: These times are approximate from the location listed below to Key Largo area, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
$125+tax/fee per Adult/Child
– Must be 8 years old+ everyday
Swim with the Sharks – Book Now << Click Here
Get ready for an unforgettable Florida Keys Shark Swim, where you can get up close with these fascinating marine animals in a safe and controlled environment. Swim and snorkel alongside gentle sharks in a natural saltwater lagoon while watching their graceful movements beneath the water. You’ll even have opportunities to feed and touch the sharks during your experience.
While snorkeling through the lagoon, keep an eye out for colorful tropical fish and other marine life that make this experience even more memorable. It’s a unique way to enjoy the underwater world of the Florida Keys without having to travel out to the reef.
If swim with dolphins in Islamorada is also on your Florida Keys bucket list, the park offers dolphin programs along with several other marine animal experiences, making it easy to enjoy more than one animal adventure during your visit.
$125+tax/fee per Adult/Child
– Must be 8 years old+ everyday
Book Now to Overcome Your Fear of Sharks << Click Here
The Islamorada Shark Swim is an exciting marine animal experience where participants can enter a natural saltwater lagoon and get close to docile sharks under the supervision of professional animal trainers.
During the program, you may have opportunities to touch, feed, swim, and snorkel with the sharks while also observing tropical fish. It is a memorable choice for adventurous guests looking for something different to do in the Florida Keys.
The in-water portion of the Florida Keys Shark Swim typically lasts approximately 20–30 minutes. Participants usually begin with instructions from the animal care team before entering the lagoon.
You should plan additional time for check-in, preparation, changing clothes, and enjoying the other attractions and animal presentations available at the marine animal park.
Your Shark Swim combines both shallow-water and deeper-water activities. Depending on the program conditions and animal participation, you may be able to stand near the sharks, touch them, participate in a feeding activity, and then move into deeper water for swimming and snorkeling.
While snorkeling, you may also see a variety of tropical fish, giving you a unique underwater experience without having to travel out to a coral reef.
The sharks used for this program are selected for a controlled, trainer-supervised interaction. The experience is designed to allow guests to learn about sharks while observing them at close range in a safe and structured environment.
Participants are required to follow all trainer instructions during the program. These guidelines help protect both the guests and the animals.
Because part of the Islamorada Shark Swim may take place in deeper water, participants should be comfortable in the water and able to follow swimming and snorkeling instructions.
If you are unsure whether the Shark Swim is right for you or someone in your family, contact Dolphin World before booking so we can help explain the current participation requirements.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and a change of clothes for after the program. A hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes are also helpful if you plan to spend several hours at the park.
Before entering the water, you may be asked to remove jewelry, watches, or other loose items. Always follow the animal trainers’ instructions regarding personal belongings and permitted equipment.
Photography policies may vary during animal interaction programs. Personal cameras and phones may be restricted while participants are in the water.
Professional photographs may be available for purchase after your experience. These can be a great way to capture the moment without worrying about carrying a camera while swimming or snorkeling with the sharks.
The Florida Keys Shark Swim can be a fun choice for families with adventurous children and adults who are comfortable around marine animals and in the water.
Age, swimming ability, and participation requirements may apply, so families should review the current rules before booking. If someone in your group prefers a less adventurous experience, there are several other animal programs available in Islamorada.
Islamorada offers several interactive marine animal programs, so your family can choose the experience that best matches everyone’s interests and comfort level.
John’s Insider Tip: If you have already swum with dolphins and want to try something completely different, the Shark Swim is a great next adventure. You get the excitement of being in the water with sharks while also enjoying snorkeling and tropical fish in a beautiful Florida Keys lagoon.
Yes. The Islamorada Shark Swim has limited participant space, so advance reservations are recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, spring break, summer, and other busy Florida Keys travel periods.
Booking early gives you the best opportunity to choose a program time that fits the rest of your Islamorada vacation plans.
View the Islamorada Shark Swim & Reservation Information »
Have questions before booking? Call Dolphin World at 800-667-5524 and our reservation team can help you determine whether the Shark Swim is the right experience for you.
All cancellations must be received by Dolphin World / Keys Adventure Tours, Inc. in writing by email or regular mail.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF TRIP INSURANCE, which will cover your purchase 100% for any interruptions to your Dolphin World activities! We recommend TravelEx Insurance. Ask a Dolphin World Travel professional for advice on Travel Insurance.
The Dolphin Facility in Islamorada welcomes visitors throughout the year, including weekends and holidays. Normal operating hours are 9:15 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, weather permitting. The final complete series of animal presentations typically begins at 2:00 PM, while the last scheduled animal interaction may start as late as 4:25 PM.
Visitor Tip: Arrive in the morning if you want plenty of time to enjoy the dolphin shows, sea lion presentations, tropical gardens, and other attractions.
General admission provides an enjoyable day of marine animal entertainment and educational experiences in the Florida Keys.
Your admission includes scheduled dolphin, sea lion, and parrot presentations, guided marine life exhibits, a bottomless boat ride, and access to the lagoon-side beach area.
Online admission discounts may be available. Admission prices and included attractions are subject to change.
You can generally purchase regular admission tickets when you arrive without making an advance reservation.
However, guests interested in swimming with dolphins in Islamorada or participating in another marine animal encounter should make reservations ahead of time. Interactive programs have limited spaces, and popular vacation dates can fill quickly.
Booking your animal experience in advance helps you secure your preferred date and program.
Allow approximately 3 to 4 hours to fully appreciate the Dolphin Facility in Islamorada. This gives your family time to enjoy the animal presentations, explore the tropical surroundings, visit the exhibits, and relax between activities.
If you have reserved a dolphin swim or another animal interaction, plan additional time for check-in, instructions, and your scheduled experience.
Many families make this attraction a major part of their Florida Keys vacation day rather than rushing through the park.
The Dolphin Facility in Islamorada has welcomed Florida Keys visitors since 1946 and offers opportunities to discover an impressive variety of marine and tropical wildlife.
Depending on the exhibits and daily schedule, visitors may encounter:
Animal presentations and educational exhibits help visitors learn about marine wildlife, animal behavior, and the importance of protecting ocean habitats.
Yes! One of the biggest reasons families visit the Florida Keys is the opportunity to participate in memorable marine animal experiences.
The Dolphin Facility in Islamorada offers several interactive programs, including:
Other animal encounters may be available depending on the schedule. Program prices, minimum ages, and participation requirements vary.
Bonus: Animal interaction reservations generally include admission to the marine animal park, allowing participants to enjoy the scheduled shows and attractions during their visit.
No. On-site parking is complimentary for visitors attending the animal shows or participating in a dolphin swim or marine animal encounter.
The facility is conveniently located along the Overseas Highway in Islamorada, making it an easy stop for travelers exploring the Upper Florida Keys.
The facility uses cashless payments for purchases inside the park, so bring a credit card, debit card, or accepted mobile payment method.
Outside meals, beverages, and coolers are generally not permitted inside the Dolphin Facility in Islamorada.
Visitors can purchase food and refreshments at the on-site restaurant, Nicky’s Grill, which typically operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The dining area provides a convenient place to take a break, enjoy lunch, and recharge before continuing your Florida Keys marine animal adventure.
Yes. The facility generally welcomes well-behaved dogs that remain on a leash while visiting permitted outdoor areas. Owners are responsible for supervising their pets and cleaning up after them.
For the protection of the resident birds and visiting animals, dogs are not permitted inside the Parrot Theater area. This restriction also applies to service animals in that specific location.
Visitors traveling with pets should review the facility’s current animal access policies before arriving.
Protecting the dolphins, sea lions, tropical birds, and other wildlife is an important part of operating a marine animal facility.
To prevent accidental ingestion, injuries, or objects entering animal habitats, visitors should leave the following items outside the park:
Loose belongings such as sunglasses and children’s pacifiers should be attached to a secure strap or lanyard when required.
Following these simple precautions helps create a safer environment for the animals and a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves dolphins, animals, travel, or unforgettable experiences?
Instead of giving another gift that may be forgotten, give them the chance to create a memory they will talk about for years with a Dolphin World Gift Card.
A Dolphin World Gift Card is a great choice for birthdays, holidays, graduations, anniversaries, weddings, family vacations, and bucket-list surprises. The recipient can use the gift card toward participating Dolphin World experiences and choose the adventure that is right for them.
Whether they dream of swimming with dolphins, meeting dolphins in shallow water, or enjoying another amazing animal interaction, you are giving them something much more meaningful than a traditional gift—you are giving them an experience.
Not sure which dolphin program or location they would enjoy most? That is exactly why a gift card makes such a great present. Let them choose the experience that fits their family, vacation plans, and comfort level.
Click Here for a Dolphin World Gift Card <<<
Give the gift of dolphins. Give the gift of memories.
Did you and your family enjoy your dolphin swim, dolphin encounter, or another unforgettable animal interaction? We would love to hear about your experience!
At Dolphin World, we have spent over 30 years helping families create special memories with dolphins and other amazing marine animals. Your honest feedback helps us improve and also helps other families decide which experience is right for them.
If you are visiting our website for the first time and trying to decide whether a swim with dolphins bucket-list experience is really worth it, don’t just take our word for it.
Take a few minutes to read what past guests have shared about their experiences on Google. Their reviews can help you understand what the experience is really like and whether it is the right choice for you and your family.
Read Dolphin World Reviews on Google << Click Here
If you have already booked an animal interaction through Dolphin World, we would really appreciate hearing about your experience. The only way we can continue improving is by listening to our guests.
Thank you for choosing Dolphin World! Your feedback means a great deal to us and helps future guests feel more confident about checking this unforgettable experience off their bucket list.
Planning ahead can help you save money on your Florida Keys dolphin experience. To receive one of the online discounts below, you must enter the appropriate Online Discount Promotional Code in the discount box on the payment page when making your reservation.
Important: Promotional discounts must be applied when you make your online reservation. Discounts cannot be added to previous orders and cannot be combined with other discounts, promotions, or special offers.
After completing your reservation, you will receive a dolphin program confirmation number. When you arrive at the Dolphin Park in St. Augustine, proceed to the check-in window and provide your confirmation number or the last name associated with your reservation.
