St Augustine Dolphin Encounter (non-swim)

St Augustine Beach

Dolphin Encounter: Memorable Non-Swim Experience

 

Adult $175 / Child $175+tax/fee

– 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 $175 / Child $175+tax/fee

– 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 $175 / Child $175+tax/fee

– 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 When You Book Your Dolphin Experience Online

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.

Dolphin World Online Promotions

  • Book Less than 8 Days & Save 2.5%
    Promotional Code: staugustinebookingspecial
  • Book 8 Days or More in Advance & Save 5%
    Promotional Code: online5%off

Redemption & Check-In Instructions

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.

  • Your reservation confirmation number is required for entrance.
  • You do not need to print your confirmation or bring a paper voucher.
  • All participants are required to complete and sign the appropriate liability waiver before participating in the dolphin program.

Cancellation & Weather Policy

  • All reservations are generally non-refundable. Because dolphin programs have limited availability, please confirm your date, program, and number of participants before completing your reservation.
  • Park Cancellations: Refunds may be available if the Dolphin Park in St. Augustine cancels your scheduled dolphin program.
  • Rain or Shine: Dolphin experiences normally operate rain or shine. Rain by itself does not mean your dolphin program will be canceled.
  • Lightning: Programs may be temporarily delayed when lightning is detected within 5 miles of the facility. Guests will be directed to a safe indoor location until conditions improve and activities can safely resume.
  • Weather Prevents Program Completion: If weather conditions prevent the Dolphin Park from completing your experience by the end of the day, available options may include rescheduling, receiving a credit valid for rebooking within one year, or receiving a full or partial refund if the program is canceled by the park. Options may depend on how much of the program was completed.
  • Ticketing Fees: Ticketing fees are non-refundable due to weather.
  • Cold Weather: Cooler temperatures do not automatically cancel dolphin programs. During colder periods, neoprene jackets may be available upon request to help keep participants comfortable in the water.

St. Augustine Dolphin Park Visitor FAQs & What to Know Before You Go

Where is the Dolphin Park in St. Augustine located?

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.

Which dolphin program is right for my child?

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.

Is parking available at the Dolphin Park?

Yes. Parking is FREE for guests visiting the Dolphin Park in St. Augustine. The outdoor parking area is conveniently located next to the facility.

What is the refund policy?

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.

Can I change my dolphin 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.

How early should I arrive for my dolphin program?

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.

Are pets allowed at the Dolphin Park?

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.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

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.

Can I take photos during my dolphin experience?

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.

What happens if it rains during my dolphin program?

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.

What happens if the weather is cold?

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.

Can I wear jewelry while interacting with the dolphins?

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.

Can guests with special needs participate?

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.

Give the Gift of a St. Augustine Dolphin Experience

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.
Buy a St. Augustine Dolphin Gift Card » Click 

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 $175 / Child $175 Book Now!

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Prices from....
  • Adult Participant$175
  • Child Participant$175
  • Adult Observer$20
  • Child Observer$20
  • Add 7% Sales Tax
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More Information

Reservation Office Hours

  • Monday – Friday,
  • 8am – 5pm EST
  • Saturday,
  • 8am – 2pm EST
  • Sunday,
  • Closed

Online Reservations

Email or Live Chat

Love The Dolphin!

john the dolphin expert

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