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Top Places to Swim with Dolphins
In all my travels across Florida, there is nothing more fascinating than encountering a dolphin — it’s most likely one you would not soon forget. In case you didn’t know, there are risks of swimming with dolphins in the wild. That said, there are plenty of places where you can safely swim with them! Here’s a list of my favorites.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure (just south of St. Augustine)
Here you can have an incredible, intimate in-water experience as you rub down a dolphin, splash and play with their favorite toys and learn how to build positive relationships with these amazing animals. An informative and educational pre-encounter session will prepare you for your program, and offer the opportunity to learn more about these amazing marine mammals.
Hawks Cay Resort in Marathon
Their Dolphin Connection program is in an ocean-fed saltwater lagoon and is home to a pod of friendly dolphins that visitors can interact with while learning the importance of protecting Florida’s marine ecosystem. Hawks Cay Resort is the only hotel or resort in the mainland United States that offers their guests the opportunity of dolphin viewing on site, in their natural habitat.
Miami Seaquarium
Check out their Dolphin Odyssey, where you can get kisses, handshakes, rubs, training techniques, feed, and a dorsal fin tow that will showcase their true power!
Orlando Discovery Cove in Orlando
Get a nose-to-bottlenose encounter in shallow or deep water while learning all about dolphin habits and their amazing ability to communicate.
Theater of the Sea in Islamorada
Swim with dolphins in the Florida Keys! Here you can touch and interact with a dolphin while swimming and snorkeling around a lagoon. This iconic place that’s been around since 1946 is also home to sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, alligators, and a variety of exotic birds.
Dolphin Research Center in Marathon
One of my favorite places to swim with dolphins. There are many other programs they offer, including painting with a dolphin and being an ultimate trainer for a day.
Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City, Florida
For 30 minutes, you get you a belly ride, kiss, handshake, hug and caresses, and free time with a dolphin!
So venture over to one of these places and check “swimming with dolphins” off your to-Do list.
Do florida,
Chad
Love Florida? Tag your pics with @howtodoflorida on Instagram and Facebook and don’t forget to hashtag #howtodoflorida.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure (just south of St. Augustine)
Here you can have an incredible, intimate in-water experience as you rub down a dolphin, splash and play with their favorite toys and learn how to build positive relationships with these amazing animals. An informative and educational pre-encounter session will prepare you for your program, and offer the opportunity to learn more about these amazing marine mammals.
Hawks Cay Resort in Marathon
Their Dolphin Connection program is in an ocean-fed saltwater lagoon and is home to a pod of friendly dolphins that visitors can interact with while learning the importance of protecting Florida’s marine ecosystem. Hawks Cay Resort is the only hotel or resort in the mainland United States that offers their guests the opportunity of dolphin viewing on site, in their natural habitat.
Miami Seaquarium
Check out their Dolphin Odyssey, where you can get kisses, handshakes, rubs, training techniques, feed, and a dorsal fin tow that will showcase their true power!
Orlando Discovery Cove in Orlando
Get a nose-to-bottlenose encounter in shallow or deep water while learning all about dolphin habits and their amazing ability to communicate.
Theater of the Sea in Islamorada
Swim with dolphins in the Florida Keys! Here you can touch and interact with a dolphin while swimming and snorkeling around a lagoon. This iconic place that’s been around since 1946 is also home to sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, alligators, and a variety of exotic birds.
Dolphin Research Center in Marathon
One of my favorite places to swim with dolphins. There are many other programs they offer, including painting with a dolphin and being an ultimate trainer for a day.
Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City, Florida
For 30 minutes, you get you a belly ride, kiss, handshake, hug and caresses, and free time with a dolphin!
So venture over to one of these places and check “swimming with dolphins” off your to-Do list.
Do florida,
Chad
Love Florida? Tag your pics with @howtodoflorida on Instagram and Facebook and don’t forget to hashtag #howtodoflorida.
About the Host/Creator
As a native Floridian, Chad Crawford has always loved his home state, and he’s made it his mission to share it with the world. He’s often called Florida’s Ambassador for this very reason. Emmy award-winning how to Do florida with Chad Crawford began as a way to combine Chad’s passions – filmmaking, Florida, and literally anything outdoors – but has evolved into a passion project. The more he travels the state, meeting people whose livelihood is the land (and water), the more aware he has become of the issues facing Florida – namely the water crisis. He has worked alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture, Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, and author Richard Louv in directed efforts to help preserve Florida’s natural resources, and to communicate how we can all be part of solving the environmental problems the state is facing today.
Recognizing that the next generation needs be part of this conversation, he created an Emmy award-winning kids’ show, The Outsiders Club. The series is geared toward kids and young families, takes place outdoors, and educates viewers in a fun and meaningful way about how they can care for Florida’s environment. Chad uses his platforms to create fans of Florida, but more importantly, he’s interested in creating advocates for Florida. He often says, “When people experience the real Florida they are more likely to take interest in the issues that affect it.” His famous sign-off “Get out and Do Florida” has incited a movement of people, stoking renewed interest in our state’s environmental issues. He encourages his fans to both enjoy Florida and be part of preserving its resources, saying, “If we all do just a little, well, that’s a lot.” Chad and his wife live in Central Florida with their four children.
Want Chad to speak at your event?
Check out Chad’s blog
Want Chad to speak at your event?
Check out Chad’s blog