Dolphin Encounter: Memorable Non-Swim Experience
Adult $145 / Child $145+tax
– Must Meet Age & Height Requirement
Book Now
St Augustine Beach Dolphin Encounter (non-swim) Details:
You can come face-to-face with an Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin. You will learn about these underwater mammals in an interactive class that teaches you the basics about dolphins and what is going to happen during your dolphin program. You will be in safe waist deep water as you interact with the Dolphins as you get to touch, kiss and get to train with a dolphin. Become part of the dolphins’ watery world as you step into their habitat with a trainer and for 30 exhilarating minutes you will be in the water experiencing first hand what it’s like to be close to these incredible animals. Plus you will have opportunity to explore Neptune Park which is an outdoor section where guests can see dolphins, sea turtles, and sand tiger sharks while exploring even more of the park.
St. Augustine Dolphin Encounter Highlights
- A 15-minute educational classroom presentation before entering the water
- A 30-minute shallow-water dolphin experience
- Activities may include touching, holding, playing, kissing, and training with a dolphin
- Each Dolphin Encounter session is unique based on the guests and dolphins
- Professional photo opportunities with a dolphin to purchase after your program
- Complimentary admission to all animal exhibits
- Additional admission guests and observers may watch the participant in the water and may take photos and videos
St. Augustine Dolphin Encounter Information
- Participants must be at least 3 years old.
- Participants from 3 years to 4 years old are FREE. Do not book them on the reservation form.
- Children under 5 years old must be accompanied in the water by two paying participants age 18 or older
- Children under 5 years old may need to be held and may not be able to complete all program behaviors
- Children between 5 years old and 54 inches must be accompanied in the water by one paying participant age 18 or older
- Guests who are 55 inches and taller may participate alone without an adult in the water
- All participants must wear a life vest during the dolphin program
- Guests should have their bathing suit on before arriving and bring a towel
- Important: Jewelry and outside items are not permitted during the dolphin program, including earrings, nose rings, body piercings, bracelets, body dermals, cameras, hats, and head coverings.
- Lockers, showers, and changing rooms are available
- Pregnant guests may not participate
- Participants must be able to understand directions given in English, or have a paid family member or friend in the water to translate
- Prescription glasses may be worn during this program.
- Maximum of 10 participants per session
- All tickets include 7% sales tax and a 6% Marineland Dolphin Park Ticketing Fee
- This park-imposed fee is required and cannot be waived
Available:
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 – 1.5 hours. Check in 1 hour before activity time.
- 10:15am, 12pm & 1:30pm (times may change)
Adult $145 / Child $145+tax
– Must Meet Age & Height Requirement
Book Now
St Augustine Beach Location:
The Dolphin Facility is on South St Augustine Beach. You will get complete written directions with your ticket. < Map >
Driving Times: These times are approximate from the location listed below to St Augustine Beach, depending on traffic and weather conditions
- St Augustine City Center – 30 minutes
- Daytona Beach – 1 hour
- Jacksonville – 1 hour
- Orlando City – 1 1/2 – 2 hours
- Walt Disney World – 2 hours
- Tampa – 3 hours
- Sarasota – 3 1/2 hours
Photography
- If you have an observer in your group, they can take photos and videos of you during your dolphin program.
- Observer must stay in the observation area.
- There will be professional photographer taking photos (no video) of you and your group with the dolphins to purchase after your program.
- NO cameras allowed in the water with the dolphins.
- Digital photo packages are available for each program. For In-Water Programs, pricing is $59 for 1 person for all photos, $118 for 2 people, and $177 for 3 people, with additional people added at $55 per person; single digital photos are $45 each.
Adult $145 / Child $145+tax
– Must Meet Age & Height Requirement
Book Now
Why Come to St. Augustine for a Dolphin Encounter?
St. Augustine has a little bit of everything—history, beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and hotel options for almost every budget. As the oldest city in the United States, it offers plenty to see and do before or after your dolphin experience. Whether you are planning a family getaway, a couple’s trip, or a fun day out, St. Augustine is a destination that works for all ages. Best of all, you can enjoy both a Dolphin Encounter in St. Augustine and the chance to swim with dolphins St Augustine, making it a memorable experience for every budget and travel style.
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 or during the High Season or with any additional Transportation service.
Dolphin World Online Promotions:
- Make your reservation more than 8 days or more in advance get 2.5% off each person. CODE: staugustinebookingspecial
- 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 desk, 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.
How many dolphins does the Dolphin Facility have?
The Dolphin Facility houses 14 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, 8 females and 6 males.
Are there more things to do at Marineland Dolphin Park besides the dolphin programs?
Yes! In addition to the dolphin programs, Marineland Dolphin Park offers a full day of fun with educational presentations, animal talks, and exciting dolphin shows. Guests can enjoy the Sea to Shore Aquarium Tour, shark and ray feedings, sea turtle talks, and more. Be sure to check out the Marineland Show Schedule PDF to plan your visit and make the most of your day.
What can I do as a general admission guest?
As a General Admission guest, you can enjoy access to the facility, attend a dolphin educational briefing, and take a special guided tour of Neptune Park and the Aquarium Room. If someone in your group is participating in a dolphin program, you can also watch from the designated observer area across the pool and take photos and videos of their experience.
Does the Dolphin Facility have a restaurant on-site?
Yes, there is a food truck on site with many quick hot and cold offering. Pick nick tables are available if you bring your food and drinks before you enter the park.
Is the Dolphin Facility all outdoors? What might the weather to be like?
Yes, the Dolphin Facility is entirely outdoors and is located directly on the Florida coastline. When planning your visit, please prepare as you would to be outdoors on the beach. In mid-summer, temperatures are in the 80s and 90s, and the air is humid. Daily afternoon showers may occur, and brief afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon. Because of this, your program may be delayed. During the winter months, daytime temperatures can range from 40 to 70 degrees, with winds off the water.
Whether you are just visiting or participating in a partial or full-day program, please remember to eat normally and to remain well hydrated prior to arrival and throughout your visit. Sunscreen, protective hats and clothing and sunglasses are recommended.
Is the Dolphin Facility wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our facility is wheelchair accessible, and we can also accommodate other types of special needs.
Do the programs still go on when it rains?
The Dolphin Facility Dolphin Adventure runs programs rain or shine. If it starts to lightning and we think it would be dangerous for guests to enter the water, we will postpone until later in the day. The only time we cancel programs is if there is a hurricane.
Are the pools heated?
Yes, our pools are heated.
Are the interactive programs in the ocean?
No. The programs are held in our 1.3 million gallon pool facility.
Where do I check-in for the interactive programs?
You should check-in at the Gift Shop, which is at the entrance to the Dolphin Facility. You must present the Dolphin Ticket we 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. Bring your own chair, towels, drinks and food and enjoy the Atlantic ocean.
How do I get to the Dolphin Facility?
After you have made your reservation, you will get complete ticket and directions sent to you via email or text.
Can other family members take pictures of me while I’m in my program?
Yes, family members are allowed to stand/sit in the general admission area to take pictures and watch your interaction.
Is there one part of the day when the dolphins will interact more?
No. Our 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, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to touch the dolphins and do a variety of other interactions as well!
Do I get to touch the dolphins as a general admission guest?
No. You will be able to watch the interactive programs, but not participate.
What do I need to bring for the interactive programs?
Please be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel for programs in the water. For poolside programs, please wear something that you would be comfortable being splashed in.
Are wet suits & 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 1 person for all photos, $118 for 2 people, and $177 for 3 people, with additional people added at $55 per person; single digital photos are $45 each. For the Meet & Greet, packages are $35 for 1 person for all photos, $70 for 2 people, and $105 for 3 people, with additional people at $30 per person; single digital photos are $25 each. For Dolphin Designs, packages are $35 for 1 person for all photos, $70 for 2 people, and $105 for 3 people, with additional people at $35 per person; single digital photos are $25 each. For Trainer for a Day, packages are $69 for 1 person for all photos and $109 for 2 people, with additional people at $40 per person; single digital photos are $35 each.
Includes: Dolphin Encounter Program – Approximately 30 minute shallow water experience including touching, playing, kissing and doing tricks with a dolphin. Perfect for non-swimmers! In this program there is NO Swimming with the Dolphins. Plus, General Admission to Facility, Dolphin Educational Briefing and a special guided tour of Neptune Park and the Aquarium Room. Age 3+ Adult $145 / Child $145 Book Now!
