Do I need to be a strong swimmer to participate?

Participants should have basic swimming skills but session leaders provide extensive support and flotation devices as needed.

Can children participate in the dolphin swims?

Yes, children as young as 3 can take part, though specific program options vary by age.

Are photo packages available during swims?

Yes, professional photos are taken during interactions and emailed after the session for an additional fee.

Is Dolphins Plus involved in dolphin rescue and rehabilitation?

Yes, the center actively participates in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and research efforts beyond visitor programs.

What should I bring for the swim experience?

Bring secure swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and any personal waterproof gear you want for photos.

Are there tours for guests who don’t want to swim?

Absolutely—dockside dolphin viewing, behind-the-scenes Hard Hat Tours, and Exploratorium admission provide non-swimming ways to engage.

Dolphin Encounters & Marine Tours at Dolphins Plus, Key Largo

Key Largo, the northernmost island of Florida’s storied Keys, offers more than just turquoise waters and coral reefs. Along this stretch of the Atlantic, Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder stands as a unique gateway to intimate dolphin experiences and marine care unlike any other. Known primarily for its hands-on swim-with-dolphin programs, Dolphins Plus invites visitors to step beyond the surface and into the world of bottlenose dolphins with a blend of education, interaction, and conservation.

The centerpiece of the experience is the Connect to Protect Swim, where guests enter calm, clear sanctuary waters to bond closely with dolphins that have been cared for and trained under strict welfare standards. The sessions emphasize respect and gentle interaction, supported by a patient, knowledgeable staff who ensure each visitor is comfortable. This isn’t your typical marine park show; here, the focus is on the dolphins’ well-being, social dynamics, and natural behaviors, visible during feeding and play times away from staged performances.

Dolphins Plus also offers other enriching options such as the Hard Hat Tour, which provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on facility operations, including rehabilitation and daily care routines. Visitors can get to know the resident dolphins—a small family group that includes mothers and calves—and learn about the center’s role in research and rescue.

Key Largo’s coral reefs and calm backcountry waters set the perfect scene for these encounters, adding a layer of wonder to the experience. Unlike crowded tourist venues, Dolphins Plus is a quieter, less commercial alternative that appeals to families and wildlife lovers looking to connect meaningfully with marine mammals.

Whether swimming alongside playful dolphins, observing from the dock, or visiting the Exploratorium galleries, this facility highlights why the Florida Keys are a vital region for marine life conservation and education. Dolphins Plus balances adventure and care, making it a standout destination for anyone drawn to the ocean’s intelligent and charismatic residents.

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.

Dolphin Encounters & Marine Tours at Dolphins Plus, Key Largo

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