Dolphin Encounter: Shallow Water Experience Awaits
The Dolphin Encounter (shallow water) in the Florida Keys, Islamorada Island, has two rates, Low Season Rate, $210 per participant plus tax/fee, and High Season Rate, $225 per participant plus tax/fee. The dates for rates are – Low Season – January 6 – February 7, February 17 – March 7, April 22 – May 31, August 22 – November 21, December 1 – December 16, 2025 and High Season – February 8 – February 16, March 8 – April 21, June 1 – August 17, November 22 – November 30, December 21 – January 5, 2026. Reservation in advance is a must with a Master Card, Visa, American Express, Discover, Paypal, ApplePay or Bitcoin. No Walk In reservations!
To Book Low Season Rate Click this Button…
To Book High Season Rate Click this Button…
Immerse yourself in the 20 to 30 minute Florida Keys Dolphin Encounter (shallow water) program. With this exclusive dolphin program, you’ll have a chance to be in shallow water with the dolphins and see marine animal shows that will put a smile on anyone’s face. Don your swimming gear and frolic in the natural salt water lagoon and be with the bottlenose dolphins and all their aquatic friends. Relax and take time to enjoy all the wonders that the Florida Keys has to offer you.
A 20 – 30 minute shallow water experience including touching, and training with a dolphin.
A Free life jackets can be provided for use during the dolphin session. Wet Suit Rental $10
Guests should bring their own bathing suits and towels.
Outdoor Showers and Changing rooms available.
Each Dolphin session is unique, based upon the guests and dolphins.
This is a 1/2 Day of Activities, with Dolphin Encounter, and Shows, either 10am – 3pm or 1pm – 5pm.
Observer gets to watch the dolphin interaction & shows
No minimum age requirement.
Anyone under the age of 7 years old, must have a paid age 15 or older participant in the water with them.
Must be able to understand directions given in English or have a paid family member or friend in the water to translate.
6 participants maximum per dolphin session.
Open 365 Days a Year
Restrictions:
Participants must not have contact with any WILD marine mammal within 48hrs of participation to avoid disease transmission to the animals.
Must NOT BE PREGNANT
No jewelry may be worn in the animal interaction programs.
If you choose to wear them, only mineral based sunscreen (zinc or titanium dioxide) and environmentally
friendly insect repellent are allowed.
Please inform us of any special requests, needs, and/or medical conditions so that we may prepare for your
visit.
All tickets include 7.5% sales tax and 3% Park Ticketing Fee. This fee is imposed by the park and can not be waived.
Available:
The time slots available includes a guaranteed 20 minute dolphin program, dolphin shows, sea lion show, and parrot shows, a bottomless boat ride, 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.
Florida Keys Location:
The Dolphin 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.
Map:
Driving Times: These times are approximate from the location listed below to Key Largo area, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Key West – 2 hours
Marathon – 40 minutes / 1 hour
Miami Beach & South Beach – 1 1/2 hours
Miami Cruise Ship Port – 1 1/2 hours
Miami Airport – 1 hour
Fort Lauderdale Area – 2 hours
Naples/Marco Island – 3 1/2 hours
You Need to Provide Your Own Transportation
Uber / Lyft, from Miami Beach to Islamorada approximately $100 to $125 each way. 4 persons
Private Taxi from Miami Beach to Islamorada approximately $200 to $225 each way. 4 persons.
Uber / Lyft from Ft Lauderdale Beach to Islamorada approximately $125 to $150 each way. 4 persons.
Private Taxi from Ft Lauderdale Beach to Islamorada approximately $260 to $300 each way. 4 persons.
Private Taxi from Key West to Islamorada approximately $70 to $100 each way. 4 persons.
Photography
Non-participating guests may observe and take photos of their party’s program poolside with general admission to the park/shows.
Photographers and videographers are limited at this time. If you would like photos taken of your experience, arrive early and ask to pre-purchase a photo package when you check in. This is on a first come first serve basis based on photographer availability.
Underwater and regular cameras are allowed at the trainer’s discretion.
To Book Low Season Rate Click this Button…
To Book High Season Rate Click this Button…
Up Close and Personal: Dolphin Shallow Water Adventure
Experience the joy of meeting dolphins up close with the Dolphin Shallow Water Program at Theater of the Sea! Perfect for all ages, this interactive encounter takes place in a natural lagoon where you can stand in shallow water and connect with these friendly and intelligent marine mammals. Touch, feed, and even share a dolphin kiss while learning about their behavior and biology from expert trainers. This program offers the perfect blend of fun, education, and once-in-a-lifetime moments, making it a must-do for families, couples, or anyone who loves the ocean!
Save Money and make your reservation online. In order to get any of these discounts, you must type the Online Discount Promotional Code in the discount box of the reservation form (Payment Page). After picking the amount of participants/observers, date of travel, and time of program, you will be taken to the reservation form to start your online booking. When you get to payment page, this is where the promotional code needs to be written in the comment box. Without this written code, you will not get the promotional discount. These online promotions can not be combined with any previous orders or discounts. These discounts are for online orders only and the discounts will NOT be offered or honored over the phone with a Dolphin World representative.
Dolphin World Online Promotions:
Make your reservation more than 8 days or more in advance get 2.5% off each person. CODE: flakeysbookingspecial
Group of 4 or more that make their reservation 8 days or more in advance get 5% OFF per participant and per observer. CODE: online5%off
Redemption Instructions
Upon arrival, please proceed to check-in window, present your dolphin program confirmation number or your last name, which you will receive after making your reservation.
Confirmation number is a must for entrance.
You do not need to have a printed voucher.
All customers/participants are required to sign liability waivers before participating in this activity.
Refunds / Cancellations and Changes:
All cancellations must be received by Dolphin World / Keys Adventure Tours, Inc. in writing by email or regular mail.
A 10% service charge will apply per person for any cancellations prior 31 days of activity date.
A 50% service charge will apply per person for any cancellations within 30 – 15 day period prior activity date.
A 75% service charge will apply per person for any cancellations within 14 – 8 day period prior activity date.
Prior 8 days of your reservation date, you may change your reservation to a gift certificate, where you would not incur any penalties except the change fee. This gift certificate will be good for 1 year from the date of the certificate.
NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN TO ANY ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS who cancel within the 7 day period, does not show up, are late for scheduled program(s). Once a reservation has a confirmation number and confirmed, a refund or change can only be made more than 7 days of the activity date and any change to the program date is subject to availability. Changes made to existing reservations are subject to a $25.00 per person change fee.
The Dolphin Swim goes on Rain or Shine.
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.
Theater of the Sea Top 10 FAQ
What is Theater of the Sea?
Theater of the Sea is a marine park in Islamorada, Florida, offering interactive programs like swimming with dolphins, sharks, sea lions, and rays, along with shows and exhibits showcasing marine animals.
What programs are available at Theater of the Sea?
Guests can participate in dolphin, shark, sea lion, and ray swims, snorkeling adventures, and turtle and bird encounters. There are also marine animal shows and educational presentations.
Is there an age or swimming requirement for interactive programs?
Most interactive programs, like the dolphin Encounter, require participants to be at least 1 year old. Non-swimmers can join certain shallow-water experiences. Always check specific program requirements when booking.
How long do the programs and shows last?
Interactive programs typically last 20–30 minutes. Guests can spend 3–4 hours enjoying the entire park, including shows, exhibits, and leisure time.
Do I need to book programs in advance?
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended as interactive programs fill up quickly. Booking online or by phone 800-667-5524 ensures your spot.
What should I bring for my visit?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes if participating in water activities. Snorkeling gear is provided for certain programs.
Are food and drinks available at the park?
Yes, Theater of the Sea has food and beverages available for purchase. Guests are also welcome to bring their own snacks and eat in the parking lot only and alcohol and glass containers are prohibited.
Is there parking at Theater of the Sea?
Yes, parking is free for all guests and conveniently located near the park entrance.
Are photos or videos allowed during the programs?
Professional photos and videos are available for purchase. Guests are allowed to bring personal cameras into the water during interactive programs but not recommended.
Can I spend the whole day at the park?
Absolutely! The park offers a full day of activities, including shows, exhibits, and beautiful lagoon areas for relaxation, making it a perfect destination for families and adventurers.
Give the gift of unforgettable experiences with a Theater of the Sea gift card! Perfect for any occasion, a gift card lets your loved ones dive into thrilling adventures like swimming with dolphins, sharks, or sea lions, exploring vibrant marine exhibits, and creating lasting memories in a beautiful Florida Keys setting. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, a gift card offers the flexibility to choose from a variety of interactive programs and experiences, ensuring a unique and personalized gift. Surprise someone special with the chance to connect with nature and make their dreams come true!
Includes: Dolphin Encounter (shallow water) Program – A 20 to 30 minute shallow water experience includes behaviors such as petting, touching, kissing & cradling. Perfect for non-swimmers! In this program there is NO Swimming with the Dolphins. Plus, General Admission to Park, Dolphin Show, Marine Tour, and other Marine Animal Shows. No minimum age requirement. Low $210 / High $225Book Now!
