Explore marine life up close at the Exploratorium in Islamorada, Florida. This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits, wildlife viewing, and education on marine mammal rescue perfect for families and curious explorers alike.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including children and seniors, as the experience involves easy walking indoors with minimal physical exertion.
Wildlife
History
The Exploratorium supports Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder’s long-standing history of marine conservation and rehabilitation in the Florida Keys.
Conservation
The facility actively promotes marine wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, emphasizing sustainable education and reducing human impact on local sea life.
Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder
Explore marine life up close at the Exploratorium in Islamorada, Florida. This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits, wildlife viewing, and education on marine mammal rescue perfect for families and curious explorers alike.
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.
Arrive Early
To enjoy the exhibits at a relaxed pace and avoid peak crowds, plan your visit for early morning.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The museum is fully explored on foot, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Check for Interactive Demos
Ask staff about live demonstrations or feeding times to enhance the experience.
Bring a Light Jacket
Indoor areas are air-conditioned and can feel cool, especially in summer months.
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for exploring the museum’s interactive exhibits comfortably.
Light jacket or sweater
Useful during summer months when indoor air conditioning can feel chilly.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your visit, especially if exploring outside before or after indoor time.
Camera or smartphone
Great for capturing photos of fascinating exhibits and marine life encounters.