St Augustine Dolphin Trainer Program

St Augustine Beach

Trainer of the Day – $350+tax/fee per Adult, – Must be 12 years old+  9am everyday   

One of the most exciting things to do in ones life is to discover what you want to do as a career. Maybe it does not have to be a full time career but a dream job or bucket list job. Well, in Saint Augustine you can spend time to see if this is the type of career want or think about. You can participate in a dolphin trainer of the day program. The St Augustine trainer of the day program get you up close and personal to with the trainers and these enchanting creatures. You get to learn about this career and spend time with the dolphins too.

Inclusions:

  • You will be aiding the training crew and will be playing a role in the activities that fill a marine mammal specialist’s day, such as preparing meals, feeding animals, attending an animal training lecture, observing and tracking program behaviors, creating enrichment devices for dolphins, assisting in record keeping, and most importantly, encountering dolphins!
  • The Trainer For A Day participant will get to participate in the Dolphin Encounter, and the Swim Adventure, and also the Dolphin Design program.
  • You need to be able to swim to participate in the Dolphin Swim Adventure program.
  • Each session is unique, based upon the guests and dolphins.
  • All Participants must be 12 years old and up.
  • Aiding Dolphin Crew, Preparing Meals, Feeding Animals, Attending Animal Training, Observing and Tracking Dolphin Behaviors,
  • Hands On Dolphin Encounter, Special Trainer-For-A-Day Drawstring Backpack, and Download of All Photos.
  • 1 participants maximum per Trainer for a Day.
  • Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Approximately 4 hours).
  • Bring your own Snacks and Lunch.
  • A life vest are provided for use during the 30 minute in-water Dolphin Swim. Wetsuits provided in Winter time.
  • You will get an opportunity to view Marine Animal Exhibits with Sharks, Marine Life, and Sea Turtles.
  • No Pregnant Women
  • No Jewelry, Body Piercing, Fingernail Jewelry, Cameras, or Any Outside Objects in the water with the dolphins
  • If you have any physical or mental limitation, please contact us before booking
  • Must be able to understand directions given in English or have a paid family member or friend in the water to translate.
  • Guests should bring their own bathing suits & towels.
  • Showers, changing room and lockers are provided at no cost.
  •  All tickets include 7% sales tax and 6% Marineland Park Ticketing Fee. This fee is imposed by the park and can not be waived.
  • Open 365 Days a Year.

Available:

The time slots available includes a guaranteed an educational trainer of the day dolphin program, educational briefings, animal husbandry, changing time, & reviewing your photos. Total time of activities is about 4 hours.

  • 9 am – Morning Session

Location:

The Dolphin Facility is on South St Augustine Beach. You will get complete written directions with your ticket. < Map >

Note:

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 trainer of the day program.
  • Observer must stay in the observation area only. You can not follow your participant to trainer areas.
  • There will be professional photographer taking photos (no video) of you and your Trainer of the Day program.
  • NO cameras allowed in the water with the dolphins.

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.

Am I able to hold onto a dolphin’s dorsal fin and be pulled around in the water as part of my Immersion program?
No. We want to ensure our programs are fun for the dolphins and guests and that guests spend a maximum amount of time with the animals. The interactions in each program are tailored to meet those goals. Dorsal fin tows require time to ensure each guest is trained to do them properly, and that means other guests will spend time waiting rather than enjoying the animals they have come here to experience.

Are there dolphin shows?
The Dolphin Facility no longer does formal dolphin shows, but you can still watch our dolphins play or interact with them in any one of our many wonderful programs.

What can I do as a general admission guest?
General admission guests are able to view the dolphins through 6 x 10 foot acrylic windows as they swim, play and interact with guests in programs alongside the pristine Atlantic coastline.

Does the Dolphin Facility have a restaurant on-site?
No. We no longer have a restaurant on-site. We recommend that you bring your own food or go to St. Augustine or Daytona Beach to grab a bite to eat.

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 dock-side programs, please wear something that you would be comfortable being splashed in.

Are wet suits & life jackets available?
Yes, wetsuits and life jackets are available at no additional charge.

Includes: Trainer of the Day Program – You’ve heard it said that being a dolphin trainer must be the coolest job in the world, and now you have the opportunity to find out first hand while participating. In this Full Day hands-on program, you will be aiding the Dolphin Crew, Preparing Meals, Feeding Animals, Attending Animal Training, Observing and Tracking Dolphin Behaviors, Hands On Dolphin Swim & Encounter, Special Trainer-For-A-Day Drawstring Backpack, and Download of All Photos. Must be 12 years old or older to participate. Book Now!

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