Dolphin Research Center

Swim with Dolphins in the Florida Keys — Book Your Ultimate Marine Adventure Today!

Looking for an unforgettable family experience in Marathon, FL? At the Dolphin Research Center, you can swim with friendly dolphins, meet sea lions, and even become a trainer for a day—all while supporting real marine mammal research and rescue.

Why Choose Dolphin Research Center?

• Hands-On Encounters: Splash, swim, and play with dolphins in safe, interactive programs designed for all ages.
• Inspire & Learn: Spark curiosity with up-close animal care and participate in innovative research that helps dolphins thrive locally and beyond.
• Support a Mission: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, your visit directly funds education, rescue, and research for dolphins and sea lions right here in the Florida Keys.
• Trusted by Families: Featured in local and national media, and loved by visitors from Marathon, Key West, and beyond.

Plan Your Visit:

• Individual & Family Bookings: Reserve your Dolphin Encounter online for groups up to 10 people.
• Large Groups: For parties over 10, call 305.289.0002 (M-F, 9am–4pm Eastern) or email exception.request@dolphins.org for personalized assistance.

Pro Tip: Book early—our swim encounters fill up months in advance, especially during peak Florida Keys seasons!

Location:
Dolphin Research Center

Questions?
Call us at 1 (305) 289-1121 or email drc@dolphins.org.
Ready to dive in? https://dolphins.org/plan_your_day

Experience marine magic in the heart of the Keys—support research, meet dolphins, and make memories for a lifetime!

Research and Education Initiatives

Beyond the fun, their education programs offer hands-on learning opportunities, from interactive animal care to participation in innovative research projects. Visitors of all ages can get up close to dolphins, discover fascinating facts about marine mammal intelligence and behavior, and see firsthand how ongoing research helps both resident and wild dolphins thrive. Whether you’re hoping to inspire a budding marine biologist or want to make friends with a sea lion, you’ll find plenty of ways to get involved and support the center’s critical mission.

By sharing discoveries with organizations like NOAA, regional stranding networks, and marine biologists worldwide, the Center helps improve dolphin care standards and supports conservation efforts. For example, techniques developed here for monitoring dolphin wellness have informed protocols used throughout accredited facilities and rescue programs.

Educational outreach also plays a vital role. Workshops, internships, and public learning opportunities inspire the next generation of marine scientists and teach visitors about ocean conservation. Ultimately, these efforts help promote healthy, thriving dolphin populations by translating scientific insights into real-world impact—both in human care and out in the open sea.

Advancing Marine Mammal Research Through Innovation

Curious minds will be delighted to know that marine mammal research is riding the crest of the technological wave! Recent advances mean studies now tap into a treasure trove of innovative tools—transforming both how we understand and protect dolphins, sea lions, and their wild cousins.

Scientists and trainers at centers like the Dolphin Research Center are embracing:

• Underwater drones and camera systems, which let researchers observe animal behavior and social bonds without ever disrupting a pod’s natural rhythm.
• Acoustic monitoring equipment, used to decode dolphin whistles and clicks—think of it as eavesdropping on Flipper’s group chat. These sound systems reveal migration patterns, health, and communication.
• Wearable sensors and biologgers, which are fitted temporarily to dolphins in a gentle, non-invasive way. These gadgets collect a wealth of data: from heart rates to swim speeds to how deep a dolphin dives on a Tuesday afternoon.
• AI-powered data analysis, making it possible to spot patterns in everything from eating habits to changes in ocean health. It’s like having a supercomputer assistant—except instead of spreadsheets, it’s working with splashes.

With these high-tech approaches, researchers not only discover new things about their resident dolphins but also share significant findings with conservation efforts worldwide. It all adds up to a happier, healthier future for these brilliant, splashy animals—both at the Center and in the open seas.

Opportunities for Students and Recent Graduates

Curious minds looking to dive into the exciting world of marine mammal research have plenty of ways to get their feet wet (sometimes literally). Undergraduate, graduate, and recent college students can find internships, hands-on training programs, and research opportunities at facilities and organizations across the country.

Programs often pair practical experience with coursework in marine biology, animal behavior, and conservation science. Whether you’re looking to assist in dolphin enrichment activities, help with ongoing rescue and rehabilitation, or join ongoing behavioral studies, there’s a place for you.

Sought-after positions fill quickly. Suppose marine mammals have always fascinated you, or you’re considering a future career in the field. In that case, these immersive opportunities offer invaluable training and a chance to make a splash in the scientific community.

Animal Care Internships

Curious about what goes into animal care internships for those passionate about marine mammal research? These hands-on experiences are anything but ordinary. Interns typically dive into everything from preparing nutritious meals for dolphins and sea lions to assisting with daily training and enrichment sessions.

You’ll need to learn the basics of animal health, behavioral observation, and the importance of maintaining a clean, engaging habitat. Most programs, like those at the Dolphin Research Center and accredited facilities nationwide (such as those affiliated with the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums), encourage interns to get involved in ongoing research projects and educational outreach, too.

You’ll shadow experienced trainers, help record animal data, and may even assist during medical check-ups. Whether you’re an undergrad or recent graduate, these opportunities offer invaluable insight into the world of marine mammal science—plus, you’ll leave with some pretty unforgettable “water cooler” stories.