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Dolphin Encounter in Duck Key Florida: Up-Close Marine Adventure - Marathon

Dolphin Encounter in Duck Key Florida: Up-Close Marine Adventure

Duck Keymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water and able to handle light snorkeling.

Overview

Experience the magic of swimming alongside wild dolphins in the clear, calm waters of Duck Key, Florida. This up-close marine adventure offers education, conservation, and unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean’s most fascinating animals.

Duck Key, Florida

Dolphin Encounter

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Adventure Photos

Dolphin Encounter photo 1

About This Adventure

Dolphin Encounter

If you’ve ever dreamed of entering the water and playing with dolphins, this is your chance!

Dolphin Encounter provides a high quality up-close and personal experience for each guest. Following a fun introduction into the world of dolphin training, guests enter the water to hug, rub the dolphins melon, and splash and play with our dolphins. You’ll experience the power and playfulness of this amazing mammal in waist to chest deep water, on our submerged platform.


Duration

  • 45 minutes interactive experience with the dolphins

Requirements

Children 6 years and under must be accompanied by a paid adult per child. Guests with any medical restrictions, special needs or fish allergies please call us at 1-305-289-9975 to notify staff.


Non Participants & Observers

Our facility is in a natural lagoon. Observation areas are located in multiple locations around the lagoon. We do not guarantee all participants will be in full line of sight at all times during our programs due to the habitat.


Additional Information

For the dolphin’s health and safety, all items of jewelry must be removed prior to the beginning of the program and should be secured prior to arrival. It is also recommended that guests wash their hands prior to and after the experience. For liability reasons, personal cameras are not permitted on the docks or in the water, but are approved at our beach and overlook areas. The photos taken during the program are included in pricing and will be emailed to the email used to make the reservation within 48 hours. Participants should check-in at the Dolphin Connection facility 15 minutes prior to program time.

Advance Bookings Highly Recommended! This program is non refundable. Thank you.

Adventure Tips

Bring reef-safe sunscreen

Protect the fragile marine ecosystem with environmentally friendly sunscreen when swimming with dolphins.

Stay hydrated

Florida sun can be intense; drink plenty of water before and after your dolphin encounter.

Listen to guides carefully

Follow instructions during your swim to ensure safety for both you and the dolphins.

Secure personal items

Keep valuables in waterproof pouches or leave them behind to avoid losing them in the water.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
  • Loggerhead sea turtles

History

Duck Key has evolved from a small fishing community into an eco-aware recreational destination within the Florida Keys.

Conservation

Tour operators here focus heavily on sustainable tourism practices to minimize environmental impact and support marine life protection.

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Adventure Hotspots in Marathon

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Mask and snorkel

Essential

Allows clear underwater viewing during your dolphin swim sessions.

summer specific

Water shoes

Protect your feet when entering rocky or sandy shorelines.

summer specific

Light rash guard

Essential

Provides sun protection and guards against jellyfish or coral contact.

summer specific

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during your outdoor adventure in the Florida sun.