The Dolphin Connection is a 30-minute shallow- and deep-water dolphin experience that gives you the opportunity to touch, play, and interact with a dolphin. You’ll begin in shallow water before moving into deeper water, where you can pet, play, and swim alongside the dolphins. While there are no dolphin rides included in this program, you’ll enjoy the peaceful and exciting experience of sharing the water with dolphins as they swim naturally around you.
Your experience also includes General Admission, a Dolphin Educational Briefing, and a special guided tour of Neptune Park and the Aquarium Room. Neptune Park is an outdoor area where you can see dolphins, sea turtles, and sand tiger sharks while exploring more of the park.
Age Requirement: Paid participants must be 5 years of age or older to participate.
Adult: $210 | Child: $210
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The time slots available includes a guaranteed 30 minute dolphin program, educational briefing, animal exhibits, changing time, & reviewing your photos. Total time of activities is about 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Check in 1 hour before activity time.
John’s Insider Tip:
One of the reasons I really like the Dolphin Connection Swim is that it gives you a different way to experience dolphins. This program is not about holding on while a dolphin pushes or pulls you through the water. Instead, you get to enjoy the calm and natural feeling of being in deep water while the dolphins swim alongside you and around you. I think it is really cool to slow things down and simply enjoy sharing the water with these amazing animals. If a dolphin ride is on your bucket list, then I recommend choosing the Dolphin Immersion Swim, which includes the ride along with shallow- and deep-water interaction.
Want a Dolphin Ride?
If a dolphin ride is on your bucket list, you may want to choose the Dolphin Immersion Swim instead. This program combines shallow- and deep-water dolphin interaction with the added excitement of a ride with a dolphin.
Click Here to See the Dolphin Immersion Swim »
Not Comfortable Swimming in Deep Water?
No problem! If you would rather stay in shallow water while touching, playing, and interacting with a dolphin, the Dolphin Encounter (Non-Swim) may be the better choice for you. There is no deep-water swimming required.
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The Dolphin Facility is on South St Augustine Beach. You will get complete written directions with your ticket. < Map >
Map from Daytona Beach to St Augustine Dolphin Park, depending on traffic and weather conditions:
Photography
Daytona Beach is one of Florida’s best-known beach destinations, famous for the Daytona 500, Bike Week, wide sandy beaches, and the unique experience of driving your car directly on designated sections of the beach. Beyond racing and special events, Daytona Beach is also a popular family vacation destination, with plenty of attractions, restaurants, outdoor activities, and miles of beautiful Atlantic coastline to enjoy.
If you’re looking to add something extra special to your vacation, consider a Swim with Dolphins near Daytona Beach experience. The St. Augustine Dolphin Park is approximately one hour from Daytona Beach by car, making it an easy day trip for couples and families. Spend part of your day getting in the water with dolphins, and then explore historic St. Augustine or enjoy the nearby beaches.
For the ultimate dolphin experience, book theSt. Augustine Dolphin Immersion Swim, which combines shallow- and deep-water dolphin interactions with the excitement of a dolphin ride. It’s a memorable way to add a true Florida bucket-list experience to your Daytona Beach vacation.
Adult $210 / Child $210+tax/fee
Swim with Dolphins Near Daytona Beach << Click Here
One of the closest options for a Swim with Dolphins near Daytona Beach is at the Dolphin Park in St. Augustine, approximately one hour from Daytona Beach by car. This makes it a convenient day trip for families, couples, and visitors looking to add a memorable dolphin experience to their Daytona Beach vacation.
The Dolphin Connection Swim includes approximately 30 minutes in the water with dolphins. You’ll begin with hands-on activities in shallow water before moving into deeper water, where you can swim and interact with the dolphins. The focus of this program is enjoying the experience of sharing the water with dolphins rather than being pushed or pulled by them.
No. The Dolphin Connection does not include a dolphin ride. If riding with a dolphin is an important part of your bucket-list experience, consider the Dolphin Immersion Swim, which combines shallow- and deep-water interaction with a dolphin ride.
Participants must be at least 5 years old. Children ages 5–7 must have one paid adult participant age 18 or older in the water for each child. Guests ages 8–17 may participate in the water without an adult alongside them, but they must have at least one paid adult participant or observer age 18+ accompanying them at the facility.
Yes. Because the Dolphin Connection includes deep-water activities, participants need to be able to swim, feel comfortable in deeper water, and follow the trainers’ instructions. A life vest is required throughout the in-water portion of the program. If deep water isn’t right for you, consider the shallow-water Dolphin Encounter instead.
The Dolphin Park in St. Augustine is approximately a one-hour drive from Daytona Beach, depending on traffic and where you’re staying. The location makes it easy to combine your dolphin experience with a day of sightseeing, dining, or exploring St. Augustine.
Yes. Family members and friends who prefer to stay out of the water can purchase Observer Admission. This gives them an opportunity to watch their family member or friend participate in the dolphin program without having to enter the water themselves.
Personal phones, cameras, smart glasses, and other electronic devices are not permitted in the dolphin interaction area. Professional photographers will capture special moments during your experience, and photo packages are available for purchase after the program.
Arrive with your bathing suit already on underneath your clothing and bring your own towel. Lockers, showers, and changing facilities are available. Jewelry, piercings, cameras, hats, and other loose personal items must be removed before entering the dolphin program area.
Absolutely! A Swim with Dolphins near Daytona Beach can easily become part of a full-day St. Augustine adventure. After your dolphin experience, head into historic St. Augustine to explore the fort, walk the historic streets, enjoy the shops and restaurants, or spend some time at nearby St. Augustine Beach before driving back to Daytona Beach.
The Dolphin Park is located at 9600 N. Oceanshore Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080. The park is south of historic St. Augustine and convenient for visitors planning a dolphin experience as part of a St. Augustine Beach vacation or day trip.
Age, height, and adult-supervision requirements vary depending on the dolphin experience you choose. Before booking, review the requirements listed on the individual program page to make sure everyone in your family qualifies for the selected activity.
Yes. Parking is FREE for guests visiting the Dolphin Park in St. Augustine. The outdoor parking area is conveniently located next to the facility.
Reservations are generally non-refundable. Refunds may be provided when the Dolphin Park cancels a scheduled program. Because dolphin experiences have limited availability, be sure to confirm your date, program, and number of participants before completing your reservation.
Reservation changes may be possible depending on availability and management approval. If you need to make a change, contact us as soon as possible. Waiting until the day of your program may limit the available options.
Plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before your scheduled dolphin program. This gives you enough time for parking, check-in, changing, and any required instructions before your experience begins. Dolphin programs cannot be delayed or stopped to accommodate late arrivals.
Pets are not permitted. Trained service animals are allowed, but emotional support animals are not considered service animals for this policy. Guests bringing a service animal should also be prepared to provide proof of current rabies vaccination.
Guests may bring food and beverages and enjoy them in designated areas. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase at the Gift Shop, and the Ragga Surf Cafe food truck is located on the property. Please remember that drinking straws are not permitted.
You may use your camera in public areas of the park. However, personal cameras, phones, smart glasses, and other electronic devices are not permitted in the dolphin program areas. Guests watching from the designated viewing area may take photographs of the programs.
Dolphin experiences normally operate rain or shine, so a rainy Florida day does not automatically mean your program will be canceled. Programs may be temporarily postponed when lightning is detected within 5 miles of the facility. Guests will be directed to a safe indoor location until conditions allow activities to resume.
If weather conditions prevent the Dolphin Park from completing your experience by the end of the day, options may include rescheduling, receiving a credit to rebook within one year, or receiving a full or partial refund when the program is canceled by the park, depending on how much of the experience was completed. Ticketing fees are not refundable because of weather.
Don’t let a cooler St. Augustine day stop you from enjoying your dolphin experience. During colder periods, neoprene jackets may be provided upon request to help keep participants more comfortable in the water. Full wetsuits are not provided, and guests may not wear their own personal wetsuits during the program.
No. For the safety of both guests and the dolphins, all jewelry and loose personal items must be removed before participating. This includes earrings, piercings, bracelets, necklaces, permanent jewelry, and other items that cannot safely remain on during the interaction.
The Dolphin Park may be able to accommodate guests with a variety of needs. If someone in your party has an emotional, behavioral, developmental, or physical condition that could affect participation, it is important to discuss those needs before the day of your visit. Advance notice gives the staff an opportunity to determine what accommodations may be available and help make the experience as comfortable and safe as possible.
Looking for a gift they will remember long after they open it? Give someone special a St. Augustine Dolphin Experience Gift Card and let them choose an unforgettable adventure with dolphins. It’s a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, graduations, family vacations, or a special surprise. Instead of giving another ordinary present, give them the opportunity to get up close with dolphins and create memories they can talk about for years.
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Planning ahead can help you save money on your St. Augustine 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.
