FTF's best bets for dolphin swim and dolphin interaction programs, especially for families, in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Australia and Israel.

Swimming with dolphins in a controlled setting is truly an amazing experience for all ages and, like other animal encounters, can also be an effective tool in working with special needs children and adults.  When planning your experience, both in the Caribbean and the US, be sure to look for a properly trained staff of committed naturalists and marine biologists, caring and compassionate trainers, and a clean, contemporary facility. We guarantee an unforgettable experience. 

For more information on dolphin safety regulations, and what questions to ask to make sure you support only dolphin-friendly facilites, read our story on the Ethical Questions Raised by Dolphin Swims. 

Here are some of our favorite dolphin swim venues in various parts of the world. Keep in mind that many of them are commercial facilities which may change ownership without our knowledge, new ones will open at resort hotels, dolphin care may change, and facilities may be adversely affected by hurricanes or floods, so be sure to verify your choice with a local concierge or tourist office before making a reservation. 

Bahamas Dolphin Swim Programs

Capture of wild dolphins is officially illegal in the Bahamas.

Dolphin Encounters
P.O. Box SS 6257
Nassau, Bahamas
(242/363-1003) 
Families can commune with dolphins and enjoy many programs such as "Swim with the Dolphins" and "Close Encounters" where they can interact with the dolphins by feeding, touching, and even dancing with them.

UNEXSO Dolphin Experience
P.O. Box F-42433
Royal Palm Way
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
(242/373-1244)
This is a great place for dolphin encounters.  Families can enjoy swimming or scuba diving with trained dolphins in pools or in the sea.  Learn the hand signals and watch the dolphins perform for you.  Even if you don't have any experience, just be willing to interact and have fun underwater!  UNEXSO is associated with the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.

Kerzner International's Atlantis
Paradise Island, Bahamas
(1-800-PLAY-711)
This resort is truly dolphin friendly, with one of the world's largest captive-dolphin habitats, which greatly exceeds US requirements.  This is the home of the famed "Katrina Dolphins," which Kerzner adopted after they lost their New Orleans, Louisiana home in the 2005 hurricane.

Bermuda Dolphin Swim Programs

Dolphin Quest at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel
Bermuda Maritime Museum
15 Maritime Lane
Sandys, Bermuda MA 01
(441/234-4464)
One of the original, best-known dolphin research programs has a Bermuda branch, and a member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.Families with children from ages 3 on up can swim with the dolphins in an ideal environment. This program fills up fast, so book up to two months in advance.

Florida Dolphin Swim Programs

Theatre of the Sea
Located at mile marker 84.5 in Islamorada, Florida Keys
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305/664-2431) 
Watch, swim or interact with the dolphins in a mini-SeaWorld-style animal showcase. It tends to be busy and a little commercial but is still lots of fun, especially for little ones. 

Dolphin Research Center
Marathon Shores at Grassy Key
Grassy Key, FL 33050
(305/289-1121)
Families can participate in research, learning, interaction and swims at this highly regarded educational institution.  They offer a wide range of programs including overnight programs for children with adult chaperones.

Dolphins Plus
31 Corrine Place
Key Largo 33037
(866/860-7946) 
This marine education course offers structured swims and a boat ride around their lagoon, plus interaction with dolphins.  You can even cuddle with Castaway, a deaf dolphin who cannot be relesaed to the wild. A similar program exists at Dolphin Cove (877/365-2683) their nearby sister facility. Trainers show small groups the appropriate hand gestures to encourage dolphin interaction.

Hawai'i Dolphin Swim Programs

Dolphin Quest at the Hilton Waikoloa
Hilton Waikoloa Village
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive
Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
(808/886-1234)
One of the original dolphin swim programs, this facility supports local dolphin research and is very educational.  A variety of programs include Ocean Literacy, Dolphin Twilight Camp for ages 5-12 and Dolphin Family and Friends for ages 5 and older. 

Dolphin Quest at Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
(808/739-8888) 
Book your dolphin swim along with a deluxe room at this luxurious property.  A variety of programs in the 26,000-square-foot natural lagoon allows the whole family to play, feed, and learn about the dolphins.

Mexico

Mexico recently enacted a moratorium on wild dolphin captures, after several dolphins were injured in December of 2000.

Dolphin Discovery
Isla Mujeres; Cozumel; Puerto Aventuras; Tortola
(866/393-51-58) 
Multiple locations include encounters and programs for all ages.  Small groups allows for plenty of one-on-one interaction and affection with the dolphins.  Try the Swim Adventures for ages 8 and up (and at least 4 feet tall).

Xcaret
Playa del Carmen
(984/871 5200)
A wonderful eco-archeology park with recently expanded dolphin programs.  A variety of interactive and educational programs involve dolphin swims, education, interaction, and games. 

Wild Dolphin Swims: Israel & Australia

Swimming with dolphins in a "wild" or natural setting is an option that is opposed by many environmentalists. It is also a much less controlled setting for young children or family members who may be weak swimmers.  But it does offer a unique experience and a look at a dolphin's natural habitat.  There are reputable companies offering this unusual option that may be of interest.

Australia
Rockingham Dolphins
Rockingham Beach
Australia WA 6168
(618/95 91 1333)
Swim off to Garden Island with a dolphin group to visit your trusted guide - no tricks, no treats, just "visiting wild animals in their own environment."  However, because guests are visiting a wild environment, sightings and interaction cannot be guaranteed.  Daily September through May, for ages 6 and up.  The trip includes transport from Perth, a light lunch and refreshments, wetsuit, and snorkeling gear.  Direct hotel pick-ups can be arranged for an extra charge.  There are also two-hour Dolphin Watch tours (observers stay on the boat).

Israel
Dolphin Reef Eilat
Southern Beach
Eilat, Israel 
(972/8/630-0111)
Encounter dolphins in the majestic Red Sea.  Snorkeling with dolphins programs are available for ages 10 and up.  Dive packages are also available for a unique dolphin experience.  Families can enjoy the ocean view and the secluded beaches while observing and playing with the dolphins. These dolphins approach humans by choice, and are not reinforced with treats - they enjoy the human company.