Why is it necessary to contact the special needs coordinator before booking a program if a guest in my party has a special need?
For the safety of all participants and dolphins, we ask that guests with special needs contact the Dolphin Connection Special Needs Coordinator at (305) 289-9975 prior to making a reservation.
Why do I need to check in for my program 15-20 minutes prior to the program start time?
Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to program time to fill out a liability waiver and to fulfill payment.
Why do I need to sign a liability waiver?
Participants are required to fill out a waiver detailing program rules, content, and safety policies.
Why can’t I bring my camera down on the docks?
For liability reasons, personal cameras are not permitted on the docks or in the water, but are approved at our beach and overlook areas. For your convenience, staff photographers are present at each program.
What happens when there is inclement weather?
In the event of extreme weather, determinations regarding program cancellations will be made at the time of the program. Programs are not canceled due to rain or cold.
Is there somewhere to store my belongings?
Please leave all personal valuables at home or in your hotel room. Any belongings you have with you can be left in the Dolphin Connection classroom which will be locked during your program. We are not responsible for lost belongings.
Why do children need to be 6 years of age to do the Dockside program on their own?
Children 5 years of age and under are invited to participate in Dockside Dolphins along with a paying and participating adult who can assist the child during the program. Children 6 years of age and older who can follow verbal instruction are welcome to experience the program without an adult.
Why do adults need to pay for the Dockside program when accompanying a child under 6 years of age?
Adults accompanying young children during Dockside Dolphins are counted as part of the total group size permitted in the area at the time of the program.
How many other participants will there be with me and the dolphins?
The Dockside Dolphins program accepts a maximum of 20, divided into groups of 5 to 7 participants.
How much time to I get to spend with the dolphins?
Guests in the Dockside Dolphins program spend 10 – 12 minutes interacting with the dolphins.
How long does the program last?
The Dockside Dolphins program lasts approximately 30 minutes total, including time learning about the animals as well as interacting with them.
Why do participants need to be 4’6” (54 inches) tall to do the Discovery program?
Participants must be at least 4’6” (54”) tall in order to be able stand on the submerged platform while keeping their head and arms safely above the water.
Why must one participant in the party speak English?
Important safety information is communicated to all program participants before and throughout the Dolphin Discovery program. All participants must be able to understand this information or have it translated for them by another participant.
Why can’t pregnant women do the Discovery program?
Any experience around large animals carries the risk of accident or injury that would be higher for a pregnant woman. For this reason we encourage expectant mothers to participate in the Dockside Dolphins program instead.
Do you provide wetsuits for the Discovery program?
Yes, we have short wetsuits available to all program participants free of charge. Guests who would prefer a full length wetsuit may rent one from the Hawks Cay marina prior to their dolphin program.
Can I wear my own wetsuit?
Yes, you may wear your own wetsuit during your program providing you haven’t previously been around other dolphins while wearing that suit.
Why do I have to wear a lifejacket for the Discovery program?
The life jacket that we provide will ensure that all participants are safe both on and off the submerged platform, while in the water with the dolphins.
How many other participants will there be with me and the dolphins?
There will be a maximum of 10 participants total in the Dolphin Discovery program, divided into two smaller groups when entering the water.
How much time do I get to spend with the dolphins?
Participants will spend 20-25 minutes total interacting with the dolphins.
Why don’t the dolphins do rides?
For safety reasons, our dolphins do not do dorsal tows with the public; this also allows each participant to have more hands-on time with the dolphin.
Do I have to be a good swimmer to participate?
No, you do not need to have strong swimming skills to participate in this program. You will be wearing a life jacket throughout the experience and can choose to do the entire program standing on a submerged platform if you’d prefer.
Are glasses/contacts allowed in the water?
Yes, contact lenses and glasses are permitted in the water. If you choose to wear glasses, they must be worn during the entire program and cannot be removed and left on the dock.
What should I bring with me?
When you arrive for your program you will want to be wearing your bathing suit with a towel in hand. That’s all you’ll need.
How long does the program last?
The Dolphin Discovery program lasts approximately 45 minutes total, including time learning about the animals as well as interacting with them.
Why do participants need to be 4’6” (54 inches) tall?
Trainer for a Day participants take part in an in-water program with the dolphins and must be at least 4’6” (54”) tall in order to be able stand on the submerged platform while keeping their head and arms safely above the water.
Why do participants need to be 10 years of age to participate?
This program is designed for those people who have always wondered what it is like to be a dolphin trainer and may even be considering it as a future career. The real work experience in this program makes it appropriate for our older guests.
Why do participants need to be able to speak and understand English?
This program is about truly experiencing and participating in a day in the life of a dolphin trainer. Important communication and discussions are essential aspects of the experience.
Why can’t pregnant women participate?
Any experience around large animals carries the risk of accident or injury that would be higher for a pregnant woman. For this reason we encourage expectant mothers to participate in the Dockside Dolphins program instead.
Do you provide wetsuits for the program when I’m in the water?
Yes, we have short wetsuits available to all program participants free of charge. Guests who would prefer a full length wetsuit may rent one from the Hawks Cay marina prior to their dolphin program.
Can I wear my own wetsuit?
Yes, you may wear your own wetsuit during your program providing you haven’t previously been around other dolphins while wearing that suit.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
When you arrive for your program you will want to be wearing your bathing suit with a towel in hand; we will provide a complimentary t-shirt as well as bottled water. Please leave all valuables at home. Water shoes are recommended but are not required.
How long is the program?
The Trainer For A Day program lasts for 3 hours.
Are glasses/contacts allowed in the water?
Yes, contact lenses and glasses are permitted in the water. If you choose to wear glasses, they must be worn during the entire program and cannot be removed and left on the dock.
Do I need to know how to swim to participate?
No, you do not need to have strong swimming skills to participate in this program. You will be wearing a life jacket throughout the in-water experience and can choose to do the entire program standing on a submerged platform if you prefer.
Why can only 2 people book for this program?
The Trainer for a Day program is intended to provide a personalized opportunity for you to truly experience the life of a dolphin trainer. The small group size permitted in this program allows for the most individual attention possible.
What will I be doing?
Everything that the dolphin trainers are doing: food preparation, cleaning, medical exams and dolphin training! You will also participate in both a Dockside Dolphins and a Dolphin Discovery program.
What is an common bottlenose dolphin's scientific name?
Tursiops truncatus
Where are common bottlenose dolphins found?
In the United States, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are found from Cape Cod, around the Florida peninsula and into the Gulf of Mexico.
What is an common bottlenose dolphin's habitat?
Common bottlenose dolphins are found in saltwater rivers, bays, estuaries, marshes and in the open ocean.
What does a dolphin eat?
Dolphin's are opportunistic feeders and they will eat most any species of fish available. Some dolphins also eat crustaceans and invertebrates.
Are dolphins camouflaged?
Yes, countershading is a type of camouflage found in many marine species. By having a dark back and a light belly, a bottlenose dolphin will blend into the sunlit surface waters as well as the dark ocean depths.
How large is an common bottlenose dolphin?
On average, a common bottlenose dolphin will be 8.5 feet long and 400-500 pounds.
Does a dolphin have hair?
Yes, all mammals have hair at some point in their lives and a dolphin is no exception. A baby dolphin (calf) is born with whiskers on its upper jaw (rostrum) which fall out soon after birth.
How does a dolphin stay warm in the cold water?
Very dense body fat called blubber serves as insulation for the dolphin against the cold. Blubber also provides energy for the dolphin when food availability is low and its streamlining effect on the dolphin's body aides with hydrodynamics.
How many teeth does a dolphin have?
An Atlantic bottlenose dolphin has 80 - 100 cone-shaped teeth which they use for trapping their prey. Dolphins swallow their food whole without chewing it.
What is echolocation?
Echolocation is a dolphin's ability to receive information by sending sound waves into their environment and then analyzing the returning echoes after they have bounced off of objects in the water.
How fast does a common bottlenose dolphin swim?
On average, a common bottlenose dolphin will swim 5 - 6 feet/second and may even reach top speeds of over 25 feet/second.
How long can a common bottlenose dolphin hold its breath?
On average, a common bottlenose dolphin can hold its breath for 5 - 7 minutes.
How does a dolphin sleep?
Because they are air-breathing mammals living in the water, dolphins cannot sleep the way that you and I can. Dolphins must remain conscious at all times and for most animals, sleep is an unconscious behavior. For this reason, dolphins will rest by allowing half of their brain at a time to go into a sleep state while the other half maintains awareness of the environment and breathing needs.
How long is an common bottlenose dolphin pregnant for?
12 months.
Does a mother dolphin nurse her young?
Yes, a mother dolphin provides very rich milk for her calf for at least one year and usually longer. A calf has a specially adapted tongue allowing it to form a straw shape for ingesting the milk without ingesting any salt water!
What is a common bottlenose dolphin's lifespan?
In marine mammal facilities accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, such as Dolphin Connection, the average lifespan is over 25 years. In the wild the average lifespan is roughly half of that.
Do dolphins have any predators?
Yes. Sharks and killer whales are natural predators of dolphins.
What is the conservation status of the common bottlenose dolphin?
The species as a whole is not endangered, threatened or vulnerable although localized populations may be. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the bottlenose dolphin as a species of least concern, however threats to the animals - and their habitat - are increasing.
How can I help dolphins?
Being respectful of dolphins is the best way to help them. This is especially important when sharing their habitat as a swimmer, boater or fisherman. You can learn more about this on our Be Respectful page. Participating in beach clean-ups and recycling your fishing line are other great ways you can help
