Come face-to-face with an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at Marineland! Start with a fun, interactive briefing where you’ll learn the basics about dolphins and what to expect during your program. Then step into safe, waist-deep water for a hands-on experience—touch, feed, and even practice simple training cues with a dolphin alongside a trainer. For 30 unforgettable minutes, you’ll be part of the dolphin’s world, right in their habitat, sharing an up-close moment with these incredible animals. Best of all, Marineland is only about a 1-hour drive from Daytona Beach.
Enjoy an unforgettable Dolphin Encounter Discover experience that begins with a 15-minute educational classroom presentation before you enter the water. Then step into shallow, waist-deep water for 30 minutes of hands-on fun—touching, holding, playing, feeding, and learning simple training behaviors with a dolphin alongside a professional trainer.
Participant requirements & supervision
Important notes
Available:
Each available time slot includes a guaranteed 30-minute dolphin program, an educational briefing, access to animal exhibits, time to change, and time to review your photos. Plan on spending about 1 to 1.5 hours total for the full experience. Please check in 1 hour before your scheduled activity time.
The Dolphin Facility is located on South St. Augustine Beach, and you’ll receive complete written directions with your ticket.
< Map >
Driving time from Daytona Beach to Marineland may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions:
If someone in your group is attending as an observer, they’re welcome to take photos and videos of you during the dolphin program from the designated observation area. A professional photographer will also capture photos (no video) of you and your group with the dolphins. Please note: no cameras are allowed in the water with the dolphins.
Digital photo packages are available for each program. For in-water programs, pricing is $59 (1 person) for all photos, $118 (2 people), and $177 (3 people). Additional people can be added for $55 per person, and single digital photos are $45 each.
Adult $145 / Child $145+tax – Must Meet Age & Height Requirement
Daytona Beach is one of Florida’s most iconic beach towns—famous for Spring Break energy, college crowds, Bike Week, the legendary Daytona 500, and the one-of-a-kind experience of driving your car right on the beach. But Daytona isn’t only about parties and racing—it’s also a great family destination with wide sandy shores, classic attractions, and plenty of activities for every age. While you’re planning your Daytona getaway, add an easy bucket-list side trip: a Dolphin Encounter (non-swim) at Marineland, only about an hour away by car. It’s the perfect way to upgrade a fun beach vacation into an unforgettable Florida adventure.
Save money by booking online. To receive any discount, you must enter the online discount promotional code in the discount/comment box on the payment page of the reservation form. After you select the number of participants and observers, your travel date, and program time, you’ll be taken to the booking form. The code must be typed at checkout—if it isn’t entered, the discount will not be applied.
Discounts are online-only and cannot be combined with prior orders or other discounts. Discounts may also be available by phone through a Dolphin World representative, but you must mention the promotion when you call.
Dolphin World online promotions include 2.5% off per person when booking less than 8 days in advance with code staugustinebookingspecial, and 5% off per participant and observer when booking 8 or more days in advance with code online5%off.
For redemption, upon arrival please proceed to the check-in window and present your dolphin program confirmation number or your last name, which you will receive after making your reservation. The confirmation number is required for entrance, and you do not need to print a voucher. All customers and participants must sign liability waivers before taking part in this activity.
Refunds, cancellations, and changes must be submitted to Dolphin World / Keys Adventure Tours, Inc. in writing by email, dolphinworldresponse@gmail.com.
A 10% service charge per person applies to cancellations made more than 31 days before the activity date. A 50% service charge per person applies to cancellations made within 30 to 15 days of the activity date. A 75% service charge per person applies to cancellations made within 14 to 8 days of the activity date. If you are within 8 days of your reservation date, you may change your reservation to a gift certificate and avoid cancellation penalties, except for the change fee. The gift certificate will be valid for one year from the date it is issued.
No refunds will be given to any activity participants who cancel within 7 days of the activity date, do not show up, or arrive late for scheduled programs. Once a reservation has a confirmation number and is confirmed, refunds or changes can only be made more than 7 days prior to the activity date, and any change to the program date is subject to availability. Changes to existing reservations are subject to a $25.00 per person change fee. The dolphin swim operates rain or shine.
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your purchase in case of unexpected interruptions to your Dolphin World activities. We recommend TravelEx Insurance, and a Dolphin World travel professional can offer guidance on selecting the right coverage.
How many dolphins does the Dolphin Facility have?
The Dolphin Facility is home to 14 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins—8 females and 6 males.
Are there dolphin shows?
The Dolphin Facility no longer offers formal dolphin shows, but you can still watch the dolphins play and take part in interactive programs.
What can I do as a general admission guest?
General admission guests can view the dolphins through large 6′ x 10′ acrylic windows as they swim, play, and interact with guests in programs along the pristine Atlantic coastline.
Does the Dolphin Facility have a restaurant on-site?
Yes. There is a food truck on-site with a variety of quick hot and cold options. Picnic tables are available if you’d like to bring your own food and drinks before entering the park.
Is the Dolphin Facility all outdoors? What might the weather be like?
Yes, the Dolphin Facility is entirely outdoors and located directly on the Florida coastline, so plan the same way you would for a beach day. In mid-summer, temperatures are typically in the 80s and 90s with humid air. Afternoon showers and brief thunderstorms can happen, and programs may be delayed. In winter, daytime temperatures can range from the 40s to 70s with winds off the water. Whether you’re visiting or participating in a program, eat normally, stay well hydrated, and consider sunscreen, hats, protective clothing, and sunglasses.
Is the Dolphin Facility wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the facility is wheelchair accessible, and we can accommodate other types of special needs as well.
Do the programs still go on when it rains?
Programs run rain or shine. If lightning occurs and it is unsafe for guests to enter the water, programs will be postponed until later in the day. Programs are only canceled in the event of a hurricane.
Are the pools heated?
Yes, the pools are heated.
Are the interactive programs in the ocean?
No. All programs take place in the Dolphin Facility’s 1.3 million-gallon pool system.
Where do I check in for the interactive programs?
Check in at the Gift Shop located at the entrance to the Dolphin Facility. You must present the dolphin ticket that was sent to you by email or text.
Is there anything else to do before or after the dolphin program?
Yes. You have free access to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Feel free to bring your own chair, towels, drinks, and food and enjoy the shoreline before or after your program.
How do I get to the Dolphin Facility?
After you make your reservation, complete tickets and directions will be sent to you via email or text.
Can other family members take pictures of me while I’m in my program?
Yes. Family members can stand or sit in the general admission area to watch and take photos of your interaction.
Is there one part of the day when the dolphins will interact more?
No. Dolphins participate in programs at will and continue to play throughout the day.
Do I get to touch the dolphins when doing an interactive program?
Yes. Interactive programs include plenty of opportunities to touch the dolphins and enjoy a variety of hands-on interactions.
Do I get to touch the dolphins as a general admission guest?
No. General admission allows you to watch, but not participate in the interactive experiences.
What do I need to bring for the interactive programs?
For in-water programs, bring a swimsuit and towel. For poolside programs, wear something you’re comfortable getting splashed in.
Are wetsuits and life jackets available?
Yes. Life jackets are available at no additional charge.
How much do photos cost?
Digital photo packages are available for each program. For in-water programs, pricing is $59 for one person (all photos), $118 for two people, and $177 for three people, with additional people added at $55 per person; single digital photos are $45 each. For the Meet & Greet, packages are $35 for one person, $70 for two people, and $105 for three people, with additional people at $30 per person; single digital photos are $25 each. For Dolphin Designs, packages are $35 for one person, $70 for two people, and $105 for three people, with additional people at $35 per person; single digital photos are $25 each. For Trainer for a Day, packages are $69 for one person and $109 for two people, with additional people at $40 per person; single digital photos are $35 each.
To get a Gift Card, please click this link https://reservation.dolphinworldstore.com/product/gift-card-st-augustine/
Includes: An approximately 30-minute shallow-water dolphin experience at Marineland that includes touching, feeding, playing, kissing, and learning training cues—perfect for non-swimmers. Please note: there is no swimming with the dolphins in this program. Your visit also includes general admission and a dolphin educational briefing. Ages 3+. Location: Approximately a 1-hour drive from Daytona Beach. Adult $145 / Child $145 Book Now!
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