Non Profit 501(c)(3) Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home since 1984. Bring your family to meet our family at Dolphin Research Center, a nonprofit marine mammal education and research …
Non Profit 501(c)(3) Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home since 1984. Bring your family to meet our family at Dolphin Research Center, a nonprofit marine mammal education and research facility. Most of the dolphins were born here representing multiple generations. Others, and the sea lions, came from rescues or other facilities. We provide a loving, forever home for all. Experience their different “dolphinalities” in sessions that include high-flying acrobatics, research, playtime, and training. Enjoy educational presentations in our theater. Choose from a number of fun-filled interactive programs including swimming with dolphins! The dolphins choose to participate, forging connections that inspire champions for conservation in our world.
Reviews
Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 2,887 reviews
5-star
80%
4-star
10%
3-star
2%
2-star
3%
1-star
5%
Recent reviews
Marine Life
Kid Friendly
Wildlife
Time
Price
Events & Exhibition
Tours
Season
Any rating
Loading reviews...
Jan 8, 2025
The dolphins are well cared for. I had the opportunity to pet them on their flippers, an awesome experience! Beryl was trainer and absolutely wonderful! I highly recommend this place! Full review by cathy b
Nov 29, 2024
We wanted to get a Birdseye view of the Dolphins on our visit to state Of Florida. We stopped by the Dolphin research center in the Grassy Key area and were not disappointed. There is a small fee t… Full review by DannyWasserman
Nov 8, 2024
Went here on our vacation. The Hampton recommended them for a swim with the dolphins. It was amazing! The trainers are so caring and really love their job and the dolphins. There was happiness ev… Full review by Wanderer803635
Hello DRC, Is it possible to purchase pictures and/or video of our dorsal swim? Are guests allowed to take photos and videos of their family/friends during the dolphin encounter? Thanks
A:
A professional photographer is provided with the purchase of the Dolphin Encounter and the Family Dolphin Splash. The photos taken are available for purchase. Any device with …
A professional photographer is provided with the purchase of the Dolphin Encounter and the Family Dolphin Splash. The photos taken are available for purchase. Any device with you in the water must be tethered to you and must be able to float.
I will be going with two kids, 9 & 7. Should we do the “play with dolphin” or the “family splash with dolphin” the time frame is the same. The duration seems to be the same according to the website, is there any difference between the two?
A:
The difference is during the Play program, you stay on the floating platform and interact with the dolphins from out of the water, while during the Splash program, you interact with …
The difference is during the Play program, you stay on the floating platform and interact with the dolphins from out of the water, while during the Splash program, you interact with the dolphins from the waist-deep inwater platform!
We are visiting Marathon in April but have limited time. Which would be better, the Dolphin Encounter or the Aquarium? Not interested in getting in the water, just want a 2 hour time filler for older teenagers.
A:
If your kids have always enjoyed dolphins go to research center for sure. You can just walk around and not get in the water. You can see the dolphins up close.
We are making a special trip to DRC for my daughter’s birthday, and we are thinking about getting her the trainer for the day package. She says she wants to be a marine biologist! My husband and I don’t really want to swim with the dolphins or anything, but we would love to watch her. My question is... it’s a day long, educational program. How much would we get to see of her participating in it?
A:
Well I don’t work there but have swam with the dolphins. Changed my life. Encourage your daughter to be a marine vet. Not a lot of lucrative employment for marine biologists.
AdSpend Your Trip Making Memories, Not Missing Out While You're Waiting in Line. If It's Worth Doing, We've Got It. Find the Best Tours and Activities for Your Trip.
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi
Accessible
.jpg&expw=4496&exph=3000&cbid=OLC.v%2BntkJfzj8xxbg480x360&cbn=local&idpp=local&thid=OLC.v%20ntkJfzj8xxbg480x360&ypid=YN186x3656254&useBFPR=0&eeptype=PhotoGroups&dataGroup=local:datagroup.photos&PhotoGroupName=AllPhotos&PageTag=AllPhotos&selectedIndex=5&id=OLC.v%20ntkJfzj8xxbg480x360&q=Dolphin Research Center Grassy Key&pseg=Attraction&noidpclose=0&FORM=LOCIMG)
Save
Share
More
.jpg&expw=4496&exph=3000&cbid=OLC.8onldsruU7106w480x360&cbn=local&idpp=local&thid=OLC.8onldsruU7106w480x360&ypid=YN186x3656254&useBFPR=0&eeptype=PhotoGroups&dataGroup=local:datagroup.photos&PhotoGroupName=AllPhotos&PageTag=AllPhotos&selectedIndex=6&id=OLC.8onldsruU7106w480x360&q=Dolphin Research Center Grassy Key&pseg=Attraction&noidpclose=0&FORM=LOCIMG){kind=link}
