Meet Atlantic bottlenose dolphins up close at Dolphins Plus in Key Largo. Experience playful interactions and capture lasting memories with a professional photo package.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–45 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals of all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Dolphins Plus has been a leader in marine mammal rescue and education in the Florida Keys since 1996.
Conservation
The facility emphasizes rescue and rehabilitation of injured marine mammals while promoting sustainable tourism practices to protect local ecosystems.
Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder
Meet Atlantic bottlenose dolphins up close at Dolphins Plus in Key Largo. Experience playful interactions and capture lasting memories with a professional photo package.
Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, based in Key Largo, Florida, operates hands-on dolphin encounters, educational exhibits, and marine mammal rescue programs. The facility offers a range of experiences led by Animal Care specialists and expert trainers, including behind-the-scenes tours, interactive swims, and immersive Trainer for a Day programs.
Visitors can tour diet preparation areas, the veterinary lab, and rehabilitation spaces during the Caring for Dolphins Tour and Hard Hat Tour, gaining factual insight into animal healthcare and nonprofit hospital operations.
Dolphin Life programs hosted on site provide personalized encounter options such as the Connect to Protect Swim, Discover Dolphins Dockside, Splash & Swim, and full- or half-day Trainer for a Day experiences. These encounters include behaviors like handshakes, belly rubs, foot pushes, dorsal tows, and belly rides in ocean-water lagoons and deep-water environments, guided by trained staff.
The Exploratorium, a 2,000-square-foot interactive marine-life museum on site, features aquariums and exhibits focused on rescue, veterinary care, and local ecology, welcoming children aged 5 and up.
Dolphins Plus also supports rescue and research through donations, helping respond to whales and dolphins in distress and sustain ambassador animals that participate in educational programs.
Programs emphasize education, animal welfare, and vetted staff supervision to ensure safe, informative experiences. All tours and encounters are designed to be educational, regulated by trained animal care professionals, and intended to deepen public understanding of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and marine mammal rehabilitation.
Programs welcome families, educators, researchers and enthusiasts to learn about dolphin care and marine rehabilitation locally today.
Tours Offered
10 experiences
Hands-on swims, tours, and programs
Location
Key Largo, FL
Situated in the Florida Keys
Rescue & Care
Nonprofit hospital
Rehabilitation and veterinary care
Family Friendly
Ages 5+
Exploratorium welcomes children
Reserve a tour or encounter to learn about dolphin care, rescue, and rehabilitation with trained professionals.
Wear water-friendly footwear
Opt for sandals or water shoes as you'll be kneeling on a floating platform near the water.
Protect yourself from the sun
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunburn during the experience.
Arrive early
Arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled time ensures a smooth check-in and briefing.
Follow the trainers’ instructions
Always listen carefully to guidance for safe and respectful dolphin interactions.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin while ensuring the safety of marine environments.
summer
Water shoes or sandals
Provides grip and comfort on wet, floating platforms during the dolphin encounter.
Lightweight hat
Offers extra sun protection during your outdoor adventure.
spring
Waterproof phone case
Keeps your phone safe for capturing candid moments near the water.