Swim with dolphins! |
Swimming with Dolphins at the best Dolphin Swims in Florida! |
Dolphins Plus: 1-866-860-7946 |
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Dolphin Swim Reservations | ||||
Please email to inquire about additional dates. All students should be good swimmers and understand the English language. Students will NOT be allowed to participate in our program without a signed release from a parent or legal guardian (age 18 and above). Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly BEFORE booking. If the class minimum requirement of 4 students is not met by 30 days prior to the program start date, the class will be cancelled. All students/parents will be contacted immediately, and a full refund will be issued. View a Sample Schedule for Dolphin Blast (.pdf) Click here to submit a pre-registration form for our Marine Mammal Education programs If you have questions, please email or call us: We look forward to seeing you!
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Dolphin
Blast
Dolphin
Exploration Lab
Dolphin
Body Language Workshops
Marine
Biologist for a Day
School
Groups
Trainer
for a Day
Animal Care and Training Internship
Research Internship Program
Calling
all COOL kids!!! What are you going to do this
year?? Read a book? Ride a bike? Watch TV?,
or SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS!!! Dolphins Plus would
like to invite you to spend an unforgettable
day at our facility to get up close and personal
with our dolphin and sea lion family. Join us
for the unique opportunity to enter into a dolphin’s
world! You’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime
chance to swim with our dolphins, play games
with them, and get the most unforgettable, wet
(but fishy!) kisses from them! We also have
lots of fun classes on everything you have ever
wanted
to know about dolphins, sea lions, and other
cool sea creatures. These classes are so much
fun, filled with cool pictures, videos, and
activities, you’ll wonder why it’s
called a “class” at all!
Parents,
wouldn’t it be great to send your kids
to an exciting, experiential, educational program
that they’ll remember for a lifetime?
Dolphin Blast was designed to be just that!
It’s a full-day dolphin experience, designed
for kids, ages 7 to 10. The class runs from
about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. So, just drop your kids
off with us in the morning and have an exciting
day exploring the wonderful Florida Keys, or
just relaxing in our warm ocean breezes.
CALLING
ALL DOLPHIN LOVERS!!! Dolphins Plus invites you to
join our team for the unforgettable and amazing opportunity
to become a part of our dolphin and sea lion family.
Our Dolphin Exploration Lab is lead by staff scientist,
Jill Richardson, Ph.D., and is a great way to get
up close and personal with our marine mammal family
and learn everything you ever wanted to know about
these amazing creatures! While at our facility, you’ll
get to swim with our dolphins in our interactive program
(e.g. belly rubs, handshakes, dorsal tows, and wet,
fishy kisses!), swim and play with them in a snorkeling
session, and participate in lots of fun interactive
classes. Our classes are so much fun, you’ll
forget that you’re actually learning something
amazing! Each class is filled with fun pictures, videos,
and activities, and we cover really cool topics like
Dolphin Intelligence, Dolphin Communication, How to
Pursue a Career in Marine Mammalogy, The Training
Game, Gentle Giants (Introduction to Manatees), and
many more! Be warned: These classes are not your typical
school classes! In one of our classes you’ll
even get a behind-the-scenes
look into what it would be like to be a dolphin trainer
(get ready to smell fishy!). We’ll also take
you on a couple of really exciting field trips to
explore local marine ecosystems. Our favorites are
the coral reef snorkeling trip (where we’ll
point all of the cool marine critters) and the backcountry
kayak tour through our beautiful mangrove forests
(a.k.a. walking trees!). Please apply for these classes
early, because availability is limited. In order to
apply, click on the application link below and and submit an On-line Pre-Registration form.| Dates | Status |
|---|---|
July 18-20, 2012 |
Available |
Please email to inquire about additional dates.
Click here to submit a pre-registration form for our Marine Mammal Education program
Dolphin Exploration Lab Level II
Course Content: This is a 3-day program, designed for students ages 15-18. Each class includes two, interactive dolphin swims (e.g. belly rubs, hand-shakes, kisses, and dorsal tows!), one dolphin snorkeling experience (open swim session!), 9-12 exciting classes on dolphin and local ecosystem topics, 2 amazing field trips, a hands-on ocean critters touch tank tour (cool prickly, slimy creatures you can hold in the palm of your hand!), a meet and greet with our sea lion, Wono , trainer question and answer sessions, a behind-the-scenes peek into becoming a dolphin trainer, our exciting “dolphin training game”, one day of group lunch at our facility, snacks, and a beautiful 8x10” photo of you and our dolphins. Transportation and lodging are NOT provided/included. Make sure you review our cancellation policy thoroughly before applying.
Duration: 3 days (8:30 a.m. –
5 p.m.)
Ages: 15-18+
Cost per student:
$990 (Prices subject to change.)
Class Size Minimum/Maximum: 4 students/15
students
| Dates | Status |
|---|---|
July 18-20, 2012 |
Available |
Upon
acceptance to our program, you will be mailed an acceptance
letter, a registration and payment form, and student
release forms. Students will NOT be allowed to participate
in our program without a signed release from a parent
or legal guardian (age 18 and above). Please mail
these forms back to us before the scheduled class
start date. A 50% deposit is required to book a spot
in one of our classes. Your spot in a class is NOT
guaranteed until the deposit is received. Payment
can be made over the phone (toll free: (866) 860-SWIM),
or returned with the registration form. Please read
our cancellation policy thoroughly
before applying. In the event that the class minimum
requirement of 4 students is not met by 30 days prior
to the program start date, the class will be cancelled.
All students/parents will be contacted immediately,
and a full refund will be issued.
View a Sample Schedule for the Dolphin Exploration Lab (.pdf)
Click here to submit a pre-registration form for our Marine Mammal Education programs
If you have questions, please email or call us:
Email: Marylou@DolphinsPlus.com
Phone: (305) 451-1993
Toll-free (866) 860-SWIM (7946)
We look forward to seeing you!
Watch a short video describing our classes and camps!
Dolphin Body Language Workshop
Dolphin “language” consists not only of a wide array of squeaks, shirlls, whistles, and yells, but is also comprised of a large repertoire of non-verbal cues. Have you ever wished you could interpret dolphin movement and gestures? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to swim with them after learning about their non-verbal “language”? If so, then our Dolphin Body Language Workshop is the class for you!
Delve into the secret world of dolphin communication during this unique, half-day class. You’ll start the day off with one of our experienced dolphin trainers, who will lead you through an in-depth class and discussion about dolphin body language. You will learn about the many ways dolphins communicate, including various signs of excitement, frustration, contentment, and joy. You’ll watch exciting videos of our dolphins exhibiting various non-verbal cues, and the class will participate in a group discussion about some of the theories behind undefined dolphin behavior. We’ll explore the concepts of awareness, emotion, intelligence, and memory…all within the context of behavior. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!
Everything you learn in the morning will culminate in a fantastic swimming adventure with our resident dolphins. Prior to your swim, you’ll learn more about what peaks their interest and how to become an effective, exciting dolphin “toy”. Then, you’ll apply everything you have learned during what will most likely be the most extraordinary snorkeling experience your lifetime!
Duration: 1 half
day (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Ages: 16+
Cost per participant:
$395 (Prices subject to change.)
All students should be good swimmers and understand the English language. To book a spot in this class, please call (305) 451-1993, or toll-free (866) 860-SWIM (7946). We do not have an application form for this class. You will be mailed registration and student release forms upon payment to fill out and mail back to us. Students will NOT be allowed to participate in our program without a signed release from a parent or legal guardian (age 18 and above). Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly BEFORE booking. All students/parents will be contacted immediately, and a full refund will be issued. If you have any further questions, please e-mail us at Marylou@DolphinsPlus.com.
We look forward to seeing you!
Marine Biologist for a Day
Working as a Marine Mammal Trainer at Dolphins Plus involves more than training dolphins and educating the public. We are acquiring valuable knowledge about dolphin and sea lion behavior and about how they perceive their world. The dedicated animal care staff at Dolphins Plus participates in daily assessments of animal behavior as part of ongoing research projects. Do you want to know more about dolphin behavior? Or, participate in experiential learning and gain hands on marine mammal research experience? Then, the Dolphins Plus “Marine Biologist for a Day” is the program for you!
This full-day program begins promptly at 8:00 am. You’ll then start your day with a detailed description of dolphin behavior and participate in a longitudinal study of mother-calf interactions with our spunky, new calf Julie! This data will eventually provide groundbreaking knowledge to the wider scientific community about both maternal and paternal care. During the initial overview, you’ll learn about various sampling techniques and how to effectively acquire scientific data. And, of course, you’ll learn how to interpret dolphin behavior by watching Julie interact with her parents.
After collecting behavioral data, the Marine Biologist for a Day will help prepare the fish and vitamin regimens for the dolphins and sea lions. As part of this uniquely holistic program, you’ll learn about marine mammal care and the things our facility does to ensure our animals’ physical and psychological well-being.
There are several ongoing research projects at Dolphins Plus, including the assessment of higher cognitive abilities in our dolphins and sea lions. This research will one day contribute to a greater understanding of dolphin and sea lion intelligence and cognitive functioning. During the afternoon, the Marine Biologist for a Day will learn about these groundbreaking studies and develop an independent research project, participate in a private natural swim (including in-water data collection!), as well as receive a one-on-one career guidance session with a staff scientist.
As researchers and animal care staff, our job also entails having fun with the animals! During our 11:30 feed, the Researcher for a Day will enjoy some playtime with the dolphins from their floating docks, doing belly rubs, kisses, and acquiring an 8x10 photo to commemorate the outstanding day. After all, our job is not all work and no play!
Duration: 1
full day (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Ages: 14+
Cost per participant:$600 (Prices
subject to change.)
Students will NOT be allowed to participate in our program without a signed release from a parent or legal guardian (age 18 and above). Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly before booking.
Click here to submit a pre-registration form for our Biologist for a Day program
If you have questions, please email or call us:
Email: Education@DolphinsPlus.com
Phone: (305) 451-1993
Toll-free (866) 860-SWIM (7946)
We look forward to seeing you!
Class Cancellation Policy
Upon acceptance to one of our classes, you are required to submit a 50% deposit to confirm your spot in the requested class. The remaining balance for the class is due 30 days prior to the class start date. If payments are not made in full at this time, your deposit will NOT be refunded, and your application will be terminated. All cancellations must be made in writing (e-mail is acceptable, upon confirmed receipt of message). If a confirmed reservation is canceled no less than 60 days prior to the class start date, a full refund will be given (deposit and tuition, where applicable). If a reservation is canceled less than 60 days, but more than 30 days prior to the class start date, tuition (if applicable) and 50% of the deposit will be refunded. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the class start date. If a student must cancel during this time, all deposit and tuition fees will be withheld. No exceptions!
In the event that the class minimum requirement of 4 students is not met by 30 days prior to the program start date, the class will be canceled. All students/parents will be contacted immediately, and a full refund will be issued.
School Groups
Dolphins
Plus welcomes educators from around the world to visit
our facility with their students. Consider taking your
classes to the next level by integrating a field trip
to our facility to observe our dolphins and sea lions
in a natural seawater setting. We are located on a canal,
adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, in beautiful, sunny
Key Largo, Florida. Bring your students to our educationa
l
facility to learn about marine mammal anatomy, biology,
behavior, intelligence, communication, and conservation.
A custom program will be designed for you, integrating
a variety of hands-on classes, activities, games, labs,
field trips (e.g. snorkeling and kayaking), and dolphin
swims. Our programs vary in length from 1/2 day - 3 day
experiences and encompass activities suited for ages
7 – adult.
Program Fees
vary according to program schedule
All interested educators should contact
our Education Coordinator, Marylou Wright, directly
at Marylou@DolphinsPlus.com.
She will work with you on designing an unforgettable,
experiential learning experience tailored to the specific
needs of your group. It is very important to review
our cancellation policy in detail before coordinating
your visit. We look forward to hearing from you!
School Group Cancellation Policy
Visiting groups are required to pay in
full no later than 30 days prior to the visit date.
If payment is not received, the application will be
terminated, and future visit requests will require a
new application. Cancellations made at least 2 weeks
prior to the visit will receive a full refund, less
a $20 per reservation/service charge. Cancellations
made less than 2 weeks, but more than one week in advance,
will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than
7 days prior to the visit date, as well as “no
shows”, will NOT be refunded. If partial cancellations
are made within a week prior to your visit, there will
be a $10 charge per student not attending. If you would
like to incorporate a swim program, please contact our
booking office toll-free at (866) 860-SWIM or (305)
451-1993 for pricing and cancellation policies. Please
notify us as soon as possible if you encounter scheduling
problems. We will do our best to accommodate all requests
to alter your scheduled visit. However, there will be
a $20 re-scheduling fee.
Trainer for a Day
Shadow
a trainer for a day at Dolphins Plus! This program
combines dolphin and sea lion interactions with a
behind the scenes look into marine mammal care and
training. Please join us for this unique and exciting
educational opportunity!
From swimming with dolphins, to an encounter with
a California sea lion, to fish preparation and washing
buckets, participants work one-on-one with an experienced
animal trainer to gain insight into marine mammal
care and training. The day is complete with in-depth
discussions and experiential learning, encompassing
topics such as training, marine mammal care, animal
identification, dolphin and sea lion anatomy and reproduction,
marine mammal intelligence and communication, enrichment,
and tactics utilized to build a trusting relationship
between trainer and animal.
A critical (and rewarding) part of a
trainer’s job is to create and maintain a positive
relationship with the dolphins and sea lions they
work with. At Dolphins Plus, trainers swim with the
dolphins in private sessions throughout the day to
help foster this relationship. The Shadow a Trainer
for a Day program is the only Dolphins Plus experience
that invites participants to join a trainer during
this private natural swim time. 
The Trainer for a Day program also includes an 8x10” photo of you and our dolphins to commemorate your experience, a Trainer for a Day t-shirt, and a comprehensive book [Pursuing Your Career as a Marine Mammal Trainer or Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises (an identification guide)]. This is supplemental to the knowledge and enjoyment participants gain during this unique program.
Watch a short video describing our trainer for a day program!
Trainer for a day sample schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at Dolphins Plus, check-in, intro to the facility |
| 9:15 AM | Structured dolphin swim briefing |
| 10:00 AM | Structured swim with the dolphins |
| 11:00 AM | Marine Mammal Care |
| 11:45 PM | Off Campus Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Private natural swim with the dolphins and trainer |
| 1:50 PM | Private Seal Lion Training Session |
| 3:00 PM | Marine Mammal Behavior Video Clips |
| 3:30 PM | Marine Mammal Enrichment |
| 3:45 PM | Wrap-up and questions |
Dolphins Plus’ Trainer for a Day program is an all-inclusive, once in a lifetime experience. Reserve your space promptly to receive the discounted price of $630.00 for a full day of one-on-one interaction with the trainers and animals at Dolphins Plus. Act quickly, because space is limited! Participants must be a minimum of 10 years of age.
Click here to submit a pre-registration form for our Trainer for a Day program
If you have questions, please email or call us:
Email: Education@DolphinsPlus.com
Phone: (305) 451-1993
Toll-free (866) 860-SWIM (7946)
We look forward to seeing you!
Animal Care and Training Internship
The Dolphins Plus internship program is designed for college students and college graduates interested in obtaining critical practical experience in the marine mammalogy field. Interns work directly with animal care staff and educated researchers to assist in all aspects of day-to-day operations.
Internship requirements:
- Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, have completed at least 1 semester of college, available for a minimum of four weeks, and willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position.
- Must be able to financially support themselves. Dolphins Plus does not provide housing, however the Internship Coordinator can assist interns in finding affordable housing in close proximity to Dolphins Plus.
- Assist staff in daily site procedures, including but not limited to: diet preparation (handling dead fish), overseeing and participating in swim sessions, extensive cleaning and maintenance of the facility, guest relations (comfortable with public speaking), set up/breakdown and assisting in training sessions.
- Required to participate in lecture series and phase training.
- Cross train to other department such as photo.
- Must have strong swimming skills and physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Participate in on-going Dolphins Plus research data collection, entry, and analysis (e.g. behavioral ethograms of mother-calf interactions).
Click here to view our complete Internship FAQ page
Four to eight week internships are offered throughout the year and may be available for credit through an academic institution. Dolphins Plus will accommodate individuals interested in receiving academic credit for an internship. Once accepted to the program, interns will discuss the details for credit with their academic advisor and furnish the Internship Coordinator with a letter highlighting these requirements. Letters of reference are available for individuals who successfully fulfill all internship obligations.
Candidates should mail the following to Dolphins Plus, Attn: Internship Program Coordinator, at least six months prior to the desired start date.
- Completed application
- Current school transcripts
- Resume
- Recent photograph
- Two letters of recommendation (may be mailed separately)
- $25 Application fee (personal check, money order, or cashier’s check)
Print a copy of the internship application form by clicking here
Please mail your completed application packet to:
Dolphins Plus
Attn: Internship Program Coordinator
31 Corrine Place
Key Largo, FL 33037
Call the Dolphins Plus Education Department, or contact Crystal or Julie, at (305) 451-1993 or email Education@DolphinsPlus.com, attn: Crystal & Julie, with any questions or concerns.
Research Internship Program
Dolphins Plus invites you to learn about and participate in our ongoing investigations of marine mammal development, social dynamics, acoustics, and conservation. Our research internship program is designed for college students (undergraduate and graduate) and college graduates interested in obtaining practical research experience in the marine mammalogy field. Research interns will be mentored by one of our staff scientists.
The Dolphins Plus research internship program hosts approximately 30, qualified students a year and provides participants with the experience needed to pursue careers involving animal behavior research. This unique opportunity exposes students to hands-on experiences and a more thorough understanding of the scientific process. The initial intern training phase is comprehensive and includes lectures, hands-on training, a thorough overview of research and animal behavior theory, as well as guidance regarding sampling design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Following this initial training, individuals will assist with data entry, data collection, video and acoustic recordings, data analysis, and animal observations and monitoring. 
This extensive skill set and knowledge base will allow our participants to conduct relevant, observational (i.e. non-invasive), independent research projects that will offer a greater understanding of animal behavior, development, conservation, and management.
This program requires uniquely dedicated individuals who possess initiative, motivation, and a passion for learning. 
Each participant will leave our facility with a vast amount of knowledge, skills, and experience, geared toward a greater understanding of animal behavior and the scientific research process. The ultimate goal of Dolphins Plus is to publish the results and discoveries garnered from this program in peer-reviewed journals (see research guidelines).
Academic credit for the Dolphins Plus research internship program is often available through home academic institutions. However, students are responsible for making these arrangements and clarifying the conditions for receiving college credit(s). Our research staff will communicate accordingly with your professors and act as on-site advisors for the duration of your internship.
Call the Dolphins Plus Education Department, or contact Dr. Holli Byerly, at (305) 451-1993 or email Education@DolphinsPlus.com, attn: Dr. Byerly, with any questions or concerns.
Professional Development
CEU Programs for Teachers
The education staff of Island Dolphin Care and Dolphins Plus have teamed up to develop a unique new CEU program that uses dolphins as ambassadors to develop a better understanding of the ocean environment. (Read the story about our 1st Annual Educators Development Course - August 2007)
- Program Activities/Classes Include:
- Dolphin Anatomy and Physiology
- Snorkel with our Dolphins (**optional)
- Marine Mammal Care Lab
- Dolphin Body Language Workshop
- Marine Mammal Stranding Workshops
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Dolphin Intelligence and Communication
- Mangrove Backcountry Kayak Tour
- REEF Fish Identification
- Coral Reef Snorkel Trip
- Research Methodology
Additional Program Features:
- Curriculum Meeting Sunshine State Standards.
- Booklet of Activities and Lesson Plans for Educators to Take Back to Their Students
- Copy of SeaLife Styles, a CD of Royalty Free Images of Ocean Dwelling Creatures.
- Dolphin Body Language DVD
- Dolphin Photographs CD
- Follow Up Luncheon Available
Duration: 4 days (8:30
a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Cost per student: $280 (Prices subject
to change.)
Including optional snorkel experience:
$380
| Dates | Status |
|---|---|
| July 26-29, 2010 | Closed |
Click here to print an application for our CEU class
Questions? |
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Jill Richardson Phd |
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Testimonials
Here is what other kids say about our education-fun programs:
The close up and personal interaction with the dolphins
makes me want to
pursue a career in marine mammals and environmental
restoration.
- Nick, age 13
It was an overall blast! The highly-trained, enthusiastic,
and fun staff
added to the atmosphere of experiencing the dolphins,
classes, and field
trips. The entire Lab was my favorite, I can't pick
just one part.
- Xan, age 12
I had a great time and learned more in three days than
I have learned from
watching Animal Planet and going to other nature camps
in total. I can't
wait for our next trip.
- Delaney, age 9
Thank you Dolphins Plus. I loved the sea lions, snorkeling,
touch tank, and
mostly the dolphin swims.
- Conner, age 8
I have always wanted to be a dolphin trainer, and this
made me even more
excited!!
- Mikaela, age 10
The class was one of the best times of my life and
was really fun!!!
- Skye, age 8
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