Dolphin Encounter
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER

Meet a dolphin face-to-face from the dock of our dolphin pool where you will feed, touch, and interact with one of our resident dolphins. This out of the water adventure requires participants to be five years of age or older. Children aged 5-7 must be accompanied on the dock with a participating adult (18 years or older). Book your dolphin encounter now at Ocean Adventures Marine Park. All proceeds go to The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.

Program Details

$75 per participant which includes admission into Ocean Adventures Marine Park when pre-booked online. Limited spots available, please book online in advance.

Meet one of our resident dolphins face-to-face during our dolphin encounter program! This longer session allows participants to touch, feed, and receive a photo opportunity with one of our dolphins. Experience is available year around, Monday thru Sunday.

30 minutes including 10-12 minutes on the dock.

  • Observers watching the experience must be booked as a spectator add on ($27 per spectator–includes general admission into Ocean Adventures Marine Park when booked online in advance). They will be allowed to stand poolside and take photos.
  • $35 USB is available for purchase. Our photographers will capture your entire experience and provide you with at least 10 photos on a USB.
  • Participants must be age 5 or older.
  • Children age 5 to 7 must have a paying adult (18 or older) present on the dock. That means two experience tickets must be purchased to participate, one adult and one child.
  • This is not a private session. You may share this experience with other guests.
  • This program requires moderate physical fitness.  Any physical impairment such as inability to walk or kneel, seizures, heart conditions, or other medical issues or special needs must be disclosed prior to participating in the program. If you have any of these conditions, please call 228.896.9182 or email contactus@imms.org  for assistance in booking or alternate programming options.
  • Participants must be able to climb the stairs to the dock and be able to kneel for at least 10 minutes.
  • At no time during this experience will the participant be allowed in the water with the dolphin.
  • No loose personal items such as jewelry, chains, loose earrings, and anklets, bracelets or anything with the potential to be pulled loose from participant may be brought to the dock.
  • No cameras are allowed on the dock at any time.  
  • Participants must be free of open wounds and show no signs of illness.
  • While the animal is present at the dock, participants must remain seated on the dock at all times and await the trainer’s instructions before attempting to touch or interact with the dolphin. The participant should not reach out and touch any animal until he/she has permission from the trainer.
  • While the trainer is assisting another guest with a dolphin, or while the trainer is working with the dolphin and you are idle on the dock, do not try to interact with any dolphins in any way. Keep hands on the dock or in your lap while idle.
  • Failure to comply with the directions or instructions given by a trainer or any authorized representative of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies or Ocean Adventures will result in expulsion from the experience.
  • All Experience Programs: Please remember that no animal is to be touched without explicit instructions and supervision from our staff. Please do not put any items in or over our animal habitats. Please be aware that all programs have some element outside and will require a light amount of walking. It is recommended guests pay attention to the weather and dress accordingly. Outside elements of any program may be canceled due to weather by IMMS.
  • Participants must wear shoes with straps around the heel of the foot, no flip-flops will be permitted on the dock.
  • Water shoes are available for use.

Cancellations must be made via e-mail to bills@imms.org.  Due to our cancellation fees, it is important to e-mail as soon as possible.  If you need additional assistance, please call 228-896-9182.

A refund less the processing fee will be issued for cancellations made at least 14 days in advance of program date. A 50% refund less the processing fee will be issued for cancellations made between 13 and 7 days in advance of program date. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than seven days in advance of program date.  Late arrivals or no shows will forfeit program participation and receive no refund.

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