Marineland Travel Guide

This short program gives you 10-15 minutes of education and recreation at the side of the pool with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. You will be greeted by a trainer who starts by quizzing you on which parts of the dolphin you are not allowed to touch (eyes, mouth, blowhole). The program then allows you to touch the dolphin's belly, dorsal fin, and flippers. You will have a brief chance to try and tickle the dolphin, and if that doesn't work you could perhaps attempt to tickle the friendly trainer. The trainer will also allow you to hold the dolphin by its tail and, under close supervision, touch its teeth. You will be shown how to make the dolphins do certain tricks, such as swimming through a hoop that you hold underwater. The dolphins will jump and splash during this program so be prepared to get wet. You will also be given many opportunities to feed the dolphin after each part of the program and when the dolphin has eaten enough dead fish you will finally be given the option of kissing its mouth.
All participants will be photographed during their dolphin interaction by Marineland's professional staff photographer, with either 5x7 or 8x10 pictures available for purchase immediately afterwards*. Cameras are not allowed to be brought to the dolphin interaction area, but your entourage can take pictures from a distance.
Participants in Flippers & Fins must be at least 3 years of age and those who are 7 years and under must be accompanied by a paying participant who is at least 13 years old.

* The pricing for 5 X 7 photos is as follows: $25 for the first 2 photos and $10.50 each for the next three. All photos after the first five cost $8 each.

This program is almost the same as the above mentioned "Discover Dolphins", only you get a longer educational briefing and an extra 10 minutes for actually swimming with the dolphins. It is by far the most interaction you can possibly have with a dolphin. Aided by snorkle masks and life vests, participants get to experience the power and grace of dolphins as they swim alongside on the surface with one hand in front of the dorsal fin.
This is a unique opportunity to really have a bonding experience with your dolphin in their habitat, and you'll swear that you can see the dolphins smiling as they tilt their head to get a better look at their new human friend.

Participants in the immersion program must be at least 5 years of age and those who are 9 years and under must be accompanied by a paying participant who is at least 16 years old. All participants will be photographed during their dolphin interaction by Marineland's professional staff photographer, with either 5x7 or 8x10 pictures available for purchase immediately afterwards*. Cameras are not allowed to be brought to the dolphin interaction area, but your entourage can take pictures from the grandstand area next to the pool.

* The pricing for 5 X 7 photos is as follows: $25 for the first 2 photos and $10.50 each for the next three. All photos after the first five cost $8 each.

This is the best program for dolphin interaction, in my opinion, as you actually get into the pool. Your up close and personal encounter with a dolphin selected for your enjoyment is enhanced by having the trainer hand you props for playing around. You can hold a hoop underwater for the dolphin to swim through, toss a ring onto the bottlenose dolphin's mouth, or just give the dolphin (as well as the trainer!) a big hug! You can go waist deep into the pool or just get your feet wet at the shallow end. A wetsuit is provided for all who choose to insulate themselves in the cold water. The 20 minute free style program in the dolphin's habitat includes fabulous photo opportunities, and is preceded by an educational classroom briefing where you'll learn how to spot the difference between a male and female dolphin. (I won't punctuate the specific anatomical details, but just mention that it does involve an exclamation point and a division sign.)

Participants in Discover Dolphins must be at least 5 years of age and those who are 7 years and under must be accompanied by a paying participant who is at least 13 years old. All participants will be photographed in the pool during their dolphin interaction by Marineland's professional staff photographer, with either 5x7 or 8x10 pictures available for purchase immediately afterwards*. Cameras are not allowed to be brought to the dolphin interaction area, but your entourage can take pictures from the designated grandstand area.

* The pricing for 5 X 7 photos is as follows: $25 for the first 2 photos and $10.50 each for the next three. All photos after the first five cost $8 each.