This was fins down, the best part of our recent vacation to St. Augustine. If your family is looking for an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime than look no further. Getting up close and swimming with the dolphins is an amazing experience. Our boys could not contain their excitement leading up to our experience and talked about it non-stop for weeks. Dolphins are one of the friendliest marine species and at the top of most everyone’s bucket list.
If you are planning a trip near St. Augustine, Florida or looking for vacation possibilities then check out all the details to visiting Marineland below including updated COVID 19 guidelines.
Marineland Park
When we first arrived, our family headed through the entrance and waited outside until a staff member escorted us to check in. Marineland is trying to minimize the number of people inside the gift shop and front desk entrance. Once we were fully checked in then we browsed the huge gift shop before exploring outside. Outside, you will find loads of educational information about sea turtles, sharks, and much more posted around the area. Our first stop was meeting Rocky, who is a 20-year-old, 250lb Loggerhead Sea Turtle. A staff member explained that this sea turtle was injured by a boat propeller before being rescued. We continued to explore looking at the Sand Tiger Shark and more sea turtles before heading toward the dolphin exhibit area. I must say that the ocean front location makes for a beautiful view.
Daily Schedule
- Shark Talk: 10:30am (Feedings on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
- Dolphin Training Presentation: 11:15am & 2:30pm
- Turtle Talk: 1:00pm
Dolphin Encounter
This program is open to all ages and was the perfect experience for our whole family including our 4-year-old. After we all received our lifejackets, the whole group was dividing into smaller groups of about 10 people. Each group of ten entered the shallow ledge area in the water while social distancing too.
The trainer instructed each person on the 3 different photo opportunities including hand gestures and positioning. We all took turns taking our photos with the dolphin between other activities. Some examples of the other activities included having each family hang out in the deeper water while the dolphin swam under our hands or participating in playful splashing.
Dolphin Swim Adventure
The swim adventure included all the same photo opportunities with the dolphin encounter plus a chance to swim too. Each person took a turn swimming out to the deeper area. Once in position, the swimmer placed one hand out over the water for the dolphin to swim up to then grab on. It was such an awesome experience and super-fast! Sometimes it takes more than one try to grab on and ride but that is okay.
Other Dolphin Experiences Available
Meet and Greet – You can touch, splash, and interact with these fascinating creatures through a dockside encounter.
Royal Swim – The ultimate experience with a foot push up out of the water along with other interactions with your new friend.
Dolphin Designs – Design a canvas with the help of a dolphin artist and take home your artwork. Participants can also interact with the dolphin up close.
Trainer for a Day – Spend a day doing one of the coolest jobs by becoming a dolphin trainer. From feeding to tracking behaviors, it is a full day experience and likely one you won’t forget.
Aquarist for a Day – Spend a day behind the scenes with a variety of sea life including sea turtles and much more.
Tortoise Time – Paint with the tortoise along with feeding and interacting with these amazing animals.
Admission (price is subject to change so check website for current pricing)
Open 9 am – 4:30pm Daily
Adult (12-54) $14.99 + tax
Child (5-11) $7.99 + tax
Senior (55+) $13.99 + tax
Young Children (4 and under) FREE
Swimming with the dolphins is a can’t miss opportunity and no matter how many times you do it, it never gets old. I still get goosebumps every time I see them. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your experience now.
Your pictures turned out beautiful! I’m looking into doing the Dolphin Encounter at Marineland with my 4 and 6yo. Did the 4yo get to go into the deeper water also when you petted the dolphin ? I see that you did the swim encounter also. Did the whole family get to be together at the beginning? Then separate at the end when you’re about to swim with the dolphin?
Thank you. We all stayed together as a family. We waited in the shallow area as the Dolphin did tricks and swam by. Then we went all out to the deep area together even our 4-year-old and did a few more things with the dolphin. The boys loved it so much.