Effective October 13, 2025, the Miami Seaquarium will close due to a change in ownership. The new owner will not maintain marine mammals, and the dolphins will be relocated to the Florida Keys and other accredited facilities. For many families, couples, and cruise travelers who planned a dolphin experience in Miami, this news can feel disappointing. The good news is that your dream of meeting dolphins is still very much alive nearby. Even if we do not have dolphin swims in Miami, you can enjoy excellent programs in the Florida Keys and in Orlando, often with only a small adjustment to your itinerary.
If you are staying in South Florida and want to swim with dolphins from Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Keys are now one of the best options to consider. With the Miami Seaquarium no longer offering dolphin swim programs, visitors can head south to Islamorada for a memorable dolphin experience surrounded by the relaxed atmosphere of the Upper Florida Keys.
Islamorada offers both a Dolphin Swim and a Dolphin Encounter. The Florida Keys Dolphin Swim is a good choice for confident swimmers who want a deeper in-water experience, while the Dolphin Encounter keeps guests in shallower water for hands-on interactions and trainer-led behaviors. This makes it a great option for non-swimmers, younger guests, and families with different comfort levels in the water.
For travelers looking to swim with dolphins from Fort Lauderdale, Islamorada is approximately two hours away by car, depending on traffic and your starting point. The drive south is part of the experience as you leave the city behind and begin seeing palm trees, bridges, blue water, and the laid-back scenery of the Florida Keys.
Getting to Islamorada is relatively straightforward. You can drive your own car or rent a vehicle for the day. For most visitors, having a car is the easiest and most flexible way to make the trip because it allows you to enjoy other stops in the Keys before or after your dolphin program.
Many guests turn their dolphin experience into a full-day adventure by stopping for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, visiting a local attraction, or enjoying a scenic stop along the Overseas Highway. Others simply enjoy a relaxed drive back to Fort Lauderdale after their program.
For families, couples, and multi-generational groups, a Fort Lauderdale to Florida Keys dolphin swim day trip can be an easy way to combine a memorable animal experience with sightseeing and a taste of the Florida Keys.
Book Your Florida Keys Dolphin Program
If your vacation already includes Orlando—or you are open to adding a Central Florida segment—another strong option is a dolphin program in Orlando. Discovery Cove offers a resort-style, full-day experience with scheduled dolphin interactions and the kind of included amenities that simplify logistics. SeaWorld also features marine attractions and activities that pair naturally with a Discovery Cove day or a broader Orlando itinerary. Many travelers appreciate that Orlando Dolphin Swim programs can be combined with theme park visits, water parks, dining districts, and evening entertainment. If you are shifting from a Miami plan to an Orlando plan, consider your group’s pace and preferences: resort-day relaxation or theme-park energy, or a mix of both.
Driving from Miami to Orlando typically takes about four hours by car, depending on traffic and start time. For travelers who prefer not to drive, the Brightline train has quickly become a favorite alternative. Brightline connects South Florida and Orlando with modern stations and a comfortable onboard experience that lets you relax, read, or plan your day while you travel. The typical train time is about three hours, and many guests enjoy the ease of stepping off the train ready for their Orlando activities rather than navigating highway traffic. Seating is comfortable, luggage is simple to manage, and onboard snacks and beverages make the journey feel like part of the vacation. If your itinerary involves flying in or out of different airports, or splitting your time between Miami and Orlando, Brightline can be a convenient link that keeps your schedule predictable.
Book Your Orlando Dolphin Swim
When choosing between the Florida Keys and Orlando, think about the rhythm of your trip. If you are already settled in Miami or Fort Lauderdale and want a quick, scenic detour that preserves your beach time, Islamorada often makes the most sense. The Dolphin Swim and Dolphin Encounter programs there are designed to accommodate a wide range of comfort levels, and the short travel time keeps your day flexible. If your plans already include Central Florida—or if you are looking for a one-stop, resort-style dolphin day with bundled amenities—Orlando may be the better fit. Families who prefer a structured day with scheduled interactions, dining included, and additional attractions nearby tend to love the Orlando format.
It can also help to consider the ages and swim confidence of your group. Strong swimmers and adventure-seekers often prioritize the deep-water behaviors offered in a Dolphin Swim. Guests who prefer to stay in shallower water, along with families with younger children or grandparents, may find the Dolphin Encounter more comfortable and equally memorable. Both styles focus on animal care, conservation messages appropriate for all ages, and meaningful moments that make for great photos and lifelong memories.
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If you are shifting plans close to your travel date, try to be flexible with times. Morning programs can pair nicely with a relaxed lunch and a scenic drive back to Miami, while afternoon programs let you enjoy a leisurely start to the day before heading south. If you are building a new itinerary from scratch, consider adding buffer time around your dolphin experience so you can enjoy exhibits, trainer talks, or simply a stroll without checking the clock. For Orlando, review your theme-park schedule and rest days. A dolphin program can serve as a calmer interlude between high-energy park days.
For more than twenty years, our team represented dolphin experiences at the Miami Seaquarium and helped many thousands of guests create joyful memories with these remarkable animals. We are grateful for every family milestone, birthday surprise, honeymoon moment, and first interaction that took place in Miami. As this chapter closes, we look forward to welcoming a new wave of dolphin lovers to the Florida Keys and Orlando. Our commitment remains the same: make your dream of meeting dolphins simple, safe, and unforgettable.
As you adjust your plans, remember that small changes can lead to big wins. A Keys road trip turns a schedule shift into a sun-splashed adventure over bridges and turquoise water. An Orlando detour can open the door to a full day of resort-style relaxation, snorkeling lagoons, and gentle currents that carry you through tropical settings between scheduled experiences. Whether you choose Islamorada or Orlando, the essence of your dream remains within reach—warm water, a friendly nudge, a splash of salt, and the kind of smile that lasts long after vacation ends.
The Miami Seaquarium’s closing date marks a turning point for dolphin programs in South Florida, but it does not mark the end of unforgettable dolphin encounters. With Islamorada just one and a half to two hours from Miami and Orlando accessible by car or Brightline, you have excellent options that fit a variety of travel styles and schedules. If you are ready to pivot, we are ready to help you choose the right location, program type, and time slot for your group. This is a new chapter, and it is full of possibilities—clear water, caring trainers, and the timeless thrill of meeting dolphins up close.
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