Can children participate in Discover Dolphins Dockside?

Yes, children as young as 6 years old can join, but all guests must be supervised by an adult during the experience.

Are the dolphin encounters safe for the animals?

Absolutely. Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder prioritizes animal welfare, with trained professionals ensuring interactions are safe and respectful.

Is swimming with the dolphins included in this experience?

No, this experience involves interaction from a floating platform dockside, so no swimming or direct water contact with the dolphins is required.

What should I wear to the dolphin encounter?

Wear comfortable, water-friendly shoes, lightweight clothing, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself and the environment.

Are professional photos included in the package?

Yes, a professional photo package is included to capture your special moments with the dolphins.

How do I get to Dolphins Plus from Miami?

Dolphins Plus is about a 1.5-hour drive from Miami via U.S. Highway 1 south, making it an accessible day trip destination.

Discover Dolphins Dockside: Key Largo’s Unique Encounter | Dolphin | Wildlife

Discover Dolphins Dockside is an unforgettable private adventure in Key Largo, Florida, where you get to meet a friendly Atlantic bottlenose dolphin up close at Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder. This unique experience allows you to kneel on a floating platform right at the water's edge, creating an intimate connection with these intelligent, playful creatures. Under expert guidance, you’ll engage in gentle interactions, impressive dolphin gestures, and enjoy a professional photo package to immortalize these magical moments. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime animal encounter that combines education with fun. The experts at Dolphins Plus prioritize the dolphins’ well-being, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for both guests and animals. Located in the tropical climate of Key Largo, this dockside experience is easily accessible and offers a memorable way to connect with marine life beyond the traditional aquarium visit. Whether you’re a marine enthusiast or simply want to make a dream come true, Discover Dolphins Dockside offers an engaging, heartwarming adventure with dolphins in their natural habitat right in the heart of the Florida Keys.

About Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder

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.