There are many things to do and see in St. Augustine but perhaps the most thrilling activity is a visit to the swim with dolphins program. Here is general dolphin information in St Augustine for you.
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Marineland Dolphin Adventure is a classic piece of “Old Florida” history. It opened on June 23, 1938 as Marine Studios, created as an underwater film studio where visitors could watch marine life up close—an idea that helped it earn recognition as the World’s First Oceanarium. Over time, Marineland became known not only for viewing dolphins and other sea life, but also for helping shape early public interest in marine education and dolphin care through its pioneering oceanarium-style design.
Today, Marineland continues that legacy as a dolphin-focused visitor attraction on Florida’s northeast coast, welcoming guests for educational experiences and dolphin programs in a setting that still feels rooted in its original oceanfront location. The facility is located along scenic A1A just south of St. Augustine city, making it an easy add-on for travelers who want a memorable marine-life experience while exploring the area.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
9600 N Oceanshore Blvd
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Swim with Dolphins St Augustine is an unforgettable hands-on experience that includes both shallow- and deep-water time with a dolphin. You’ll pet, play, hold, and even kiss the dolphins while learning fun, simple signals from the trainers. The highlight for many guests is the famous belly ride—a thrilling belly-to-belly pull through the water where you get one ride with one dolphin. It’s an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime dolphin adventure you’ll be talking about long after you leave. All participants must be 5 years old and at least 48 inches tall without shoes on.
Dolphin Encounter on St Augustine Beach is a fun, shallow-water experience that almost anyone ages 3 to 83 can enjoy. You’ll get to pet and play with a dolphin, watch or practice simple tricks, and even receive the unforgettable dolphin kiss. One of the biggest highlights is the dolphin kiss photo you can purchase afterward—a perfect keepsake to take home and remember your experience forever. All participants must be at least 3 years old to join this program.
The Dolphin Meet & Greet on St Augustine Beach is a great option for all ages and is easy on the budget. This poolside experience brings you up close with the dolphins, where you can touch them, play, and try a few fun tricks. It’s also a great choice for large groups and big families, so there’s no reason to miss out on a dolphin experience while you’re here.
Admit it—you’ve probably wondered what it’s like to train dolphins. Now you can find out during this special 4-hour experience assisting Marineland’s trainers. You’ll help prepare meals, feed the dolphins, and participate in daily behavioral sessions around the park. Plus, you’ll enjoy a dolphin swim, a dolphin encounter, and take home a dolphin painting souvenir to remember the day.
Give the gift of an unforgettable adventure with a Swim with Dolphins St Augustine gift certificate. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays—or anyone who deserves something truly special. Gift certificates are easy to purchase, simple to redeem, and let your recipient choose the date and dolphin program that fits their schedule. Buy one today and turn “someday” into a memory they’ll never forget.
Gift Certificates for St Augustine Buy Online << Click Here
Everyone loves a discount. Here are the current Dolphin World online promotions for St. Augustine—and the best savings happen when you book 8+ days in advance.
How to use a code: After you select your date and reach the checkout page with your totals, look near the top for the discount code box and enter your promo code there. Prefer to book by phone? Call during business hours and mention the discount before payment. This discount is for Military, Senior, Florida Resident and anyone else that would like a discount.
Dolphin World Online Promotions
Book 8+ days in advance and save 2.5% per participant.
Code: staugustinebookingspecial
8+ days in advance save 5% per participant and per observer.
Code: online5%off
We have several ways for you and your family to purchase photos from your visit. All photo options are delivered digitally and come with full download access and personal usage rights. After your program, your access code typically turns on within about 2–3 hours. Once it’s active, you can view and download your images for 30 days, and anything you download is yours to keep permanently. Photos are provided as high-resolution JPEG files.
For in-water programs, the all-digital package is $59 for one participant, $118 for two, and $177 for three. Each additional person is $55, and individual digital images are $45 each.
For the Dolphin Meet & Greet, the all-digital package is $35 for one person, $70 for two, and $105 for three. Additional people are $30 each, and single digital images are $25 each.
For Dolphin Designs, the all-digital package is $35 for one person, $70 for two, and $105 for three. Each additional person is $35, and individual digital images are $25 each.
For Trainer for a Day, the all-digital package is $69 for one person and $109 for two. Each additional person is $40, and single digital images are $35 each.
Here are four highly rated St. Augustine Beach hotels (4+ star reviews) that put you close to the sand and an easy drive to Marineland for your dolphin experience.
1. Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort
Address: 300 A1A Beach Boulevard, St Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: +1 904-461-9004
2. Hampton Inn St. Augustine Beach
Address: 430 A-1-A Beach Blvd., Saint Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: +1 904-471-4000
3. Castillo Real St. Augustine Beach Resort
Address: 530 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: +1 904-471-3505
4. Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach
Address: 605 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: +1 904-940-3800
Beachcomber Restaurant — 2 A St, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
Casual, family-friendly spot right on the sand with a big “beach menu” (tacos, sandwiches, burgers, seafood) and a laid-back vibe that’s easy with kids.
Sunset Grille — 421 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Popular beach-area grill known for seafood and classic American favorites, with plenty of options for the whole family.
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 dolphin swim program?
No—during the belly ride, you may only hold the dolphin’s two pectoral fins (located underneath the belly).
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 Restaurant but there is a Food Truck in the Parking Lot with a lot lunch items, sandwiches and burgers.
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, life jackets are available at no additional charge. Wet suits are only given out on special occasion.
