Enjoy a 20 to 30-minute Florida Keys Dolphin Encounter in a shallow-water setting designed for an up-close and memorable dolphin experience. Step into a natural saltwater lagoon where you can interact with friendly bottlenose dolphins through touching, playing, and other exciting behaviors. Your visit also includes access to marine animal shows and exhibits, giving you even more ways to enjoy your day in the beautiful Florida Keys.
The Florida Keys Dolphin Encounter in Islamorada offers two seasonal rates, with an additional $20 per participant during the Christmas season. Your final price is based on the date of your scheduled dolphin swim.
| Price | Dates 2026 – 2027 | Christmas Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Low Season $210 per participant Plus tax/fee |
Jan 6 – Feb 14, 2026 Feb 23 – March 7 April 21 – June 3 Aug 17 – Nov 21 Dec 1 – Dec 19 |
|
| High Season $225* per participant Plus tax/fee |
Feb 15 – Feb 22 March 8 – April 20 June 4 – Aug 16 Nov 22 – Nov 30 *Dec 20 – Jan 4 + $20pp |
Add $20 per participant from Dec 20 to Jan 4 = $245pp |
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High Season Rate << Click Here
To Book Low Season Rate Click this Button…
To Book High Season Rate Click this Button…
High Season Rate << Click Here
The time slots available includes a guaranteed 20 minute dolphin 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 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.
Driving Times: These times are approximate from the location listed below to Key Largo area, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
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!
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High Season Rate << Click Here
The Islamorada Dolphin Encounter is a shallow-water dolphin experience designed for guests who want to get close to bottlenose dolphins without participating in a deep-water swim. You will stand in shallow water while professional trainers guide you through a variety of hands-on dolphin interactions.
This program is a wonderful choice for families, non-swimmers, and guests who want an up-close Dolphin Encounter in the Florida Keys while remaining in a comfortable shallow-water setting.
The actual dolphin interaction typically lasts approximately 20–30 minutes. Before entering the water, participants receive an educational and safety briefing from the marine animal trainers.
Your overall visit can last much longer. We recommend allowing approximately 3–4 hours to enjoy the marine animal park, shows, exhibits, and tropical surroundings before or after your dolphin experience.
During the Florida Keys Dolphin Encounter, participants stand in shallow water and interact with bottlenose dolphins under the guidance of professional trainers.
Activities may include touching the dolphin, giving hand signals, receiving a dolphin kiss, participating in playful behaviors, and learning more about dolphin communication, training, and care. Exact activities can vary depending on the dolphins and their participation on the day of your visit.
No. One of the biggest advantages of the Islamorada Dolphin Encounter is that it is designed as a shallow-water experience. You do not need to be a strong swimmer because the interaction takes place while you are standing in the water.
If you are comfortable swimming and would like a deeper-water dolphin experience, consider the Islamorada Dolphin Swim.
Yes. The Dolphin Encounter is especially popular with families because it allows participants to enjoy a close dolphin interaction without needing to swim in deep water.
Children must meet the current minimum age and participation requirements, and younger guests may be required to participate with a paid adult. If you are traveling with children, review the current age rules when making your reservation.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a change of clothing for after your program. Sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes are also helpful if you plan to spend several hours exploring the marine animal park.
Participants should follow the trainer’s instructions regarding jewelry, watches, phones, cameras, and other personal items before entering the water.
Family members who are not participating may be able to watch from designated viewing areas, depending on the facility’s current admission and observer policies.
This makes the Islamorada Dolphin Encounter a good option for families where some guests want to participate and others would rather watch, take in the animal shows, or explore the park.
Professional photographers may take pictures during your dolphin interaction, giving you the opportunity to purchase photographs after the program.
Personal cameras and phones may be restricted during the actual animal interaction, so check the current policy before entering the water. Professional photos are an easy way to capture special moments like touching or receiving a kiss from a dolphin.
There are several exciting marine animal programs available in Islamorada, so you can choose an experience that fits your family’s interests and comfort level.
John’s Insider Tip: If someone in your family wants to meet a dolphin but is nervous about deep water, the Dolphin Encounter is usually the better choice. You still get that special face-to-face dolphin experience while staying in shallow water. More adventurous family members can choose the Dolphin Swim or another animal program on the same visit.
Yes. We recommend booking your Islamorada Dolphin Encounter in advance because animal interaction programs have limited space and popular times can sell out, especially during weekends, holidays, spring break, summer vacation, and Christmas week.
Booking early gives you a better chance of getting the date and time that works best with the rest of your Florida Keys vacation.
View the Islamorada Dolphin Encounter & Reservation Information »
Need help deciding between the Dolphin Encounter and Dolphin Swim? Call Dolphin World at 800-667-5524 and our reservation team can help you choose the best experience for your family.
Refunds, Cancellations & Changes
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email dolphinworldresponse@gmail.com to Dolphin World / Keys Adventure Tours, Inc.
Rain or Shine Policy: The Dolphin Swim program operates in all weather conditions unless deemed unsafe.
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your reservation from unexpected interruptions. We suggest TravelEx Insurance for comprehensive coverage. Contact a Dolphin World Travel professional for assistance with travel insurance options.
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.
