One of the top tourist attractions that Curacao is “world famous” for is the Dolphin Academy. From a ‘Meet & Greet’ with a dolphin to diving with dolphins: it’s all possible on Curacao!
Dolphins on Curacao: Dolphin Academy
Dolphins in Curacao live at the Dolphin Academy at Sea Aquarium Park(right next to Mambo Beach). Dolphin Academy opened in 2002 with five dolphins. It has since grown into one of the largest dolphinariums in the Caribbean with over 20 trained dolphins.
Activities with dolphins
You can do several activities with dolphins. Or as it is called at the Dolphin Academy: Dolphin Experiences. There are multiple experiences, accessible from young to old, at levels from non-swimmer to advanced diver.
Dolphin Encounter
US$ 114
children 1 to 4 yr. US$ 65
You stand in the water, at the edge of the lagoon, the dolphin comes to you.
About 20 minutes in the water, total time 1.5 hours.
Suitable for all ages, children up to 8 yrs. with accompaniment by paying adult.
Tuesday to Saturday: 08:30, 11:00 and 14:00
Dolphin Swim
US$ 194
Swim and play with a dolphin in the Dolphin Academy’s natural lagoon.
About 30 minutes in the water, total time 1.5 hours.
Minimum height4’3″ (1.30 mtr.) and you can swim. Not for pregnant women.
Tuesday to Saturday: 08:30, 11:00 and 14:00
Dolphin Snorkel
US$ 210
Snorkel with dolphins in their lagoon. Snorkeling experience is helpful, not a must.
About 30 minutes in the water, total time 1.5 hours.
Minimum height 4’8″ (1.45 mtr.) and you can swim. Not for pregnant women.
Tuesday to Saturday: 08:30 and 14:00
Dolphin Encounter: playing with dolphins
Tuesday to Saturday 08:30 – 11:00 – 14:00
It is great fun to have an extended 1-on-1 encounter with a dolphin, a real Dolphin Encounter? Doing tricks and cuddling together, all while you stand relaxed on the side of the lagoon, about waist-deep in water. Meanwhile, the trainer tells all kinds of interesting facts about the dolphin and, of course, a professional photographer comes along to take some great pictures of you with the dolphin.
Dolphin Encounter
- Great for children (all ages).
- Children under 4’3″ (1,30 mtr.) only with an adult
- Only Dolphin Experience suitable for pregnant women
- Per group (max. 6 persons) 1 dolphin
- Photo with a kiss from a dolphin
Dolphin Swim: Swim with dolphins
Tuesday to Saturday 08:30 – 11:00 – 14:00
Of course it is fun to have contact with a dolphin while standing on the side of the lagoon, but it is even more fun to actually interact with the dolphin in the water. You can do that as well at the Dolphin Academy, with a real Dolphin Swim. In the lagoon you can interact with the dolphins and, among other things, you will be allowed to make hand signals with which you can make the dolphins do tricks.
Dolphin Swim
- Most chosen Dolphin Experience
- Minimum height 4’3″ (1.30 mtr.)
- Per group (max. 6 persons) 2 dolphins
- Photos will be taken; taking your own camera into the water is not allowed
Dolphin Snorkel: Snorkeling with Dolphins
Tuesday to Saturday 08:30 – 14:00
If you want more dolphin interaction than swimming in the pool, then a Dolphin Snorkel is your thing. In the natural lagoon at the Dolphin Academy, you can dive side-by-side with the dolphins into the water and underwater to pet the dolphins and interact with them. And because of the goggles you have on you can admire the dolphin very well under water!
Dolphin Snorkel
- Same as the Dolphin Swim, but with a snorkel set so even more fun!
- Minimum height 4’8″ (1.45 mtr).
- Per group (max. 6 persons) 2 dolphins
- You may bring your own camera into the water
Spectators welcome
Are there any acquaintances of yours who would like to come along to watch as you make this beautiful and unique experience? You can. For US$ 15 p.p. they can come in as spectators and admire you and the dolphins from the special spectator spots.
You can book spectators directly when you book an Experience.
Sea Aquarium Park
The Dolphin Academy is located on the grounds of Sea Aquarium Park. If you book a Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim or Dolphin Snorkel, you are welcome to look around Sea Aquarium Park all day without extra charge (including prior to your Experience).
Opening hours Dolphin Academy
The Dolphin Academy is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to the special “Dolphin Experiences,” there will be fun training demonstrations every day. These demonstrations will last about 15 minutes and begin at 10:30 and 13:30.
Book on time!
If you want to do a Dolphin Experience (Encounter, Swim or Snorkel), you must make reservations early. This is -justifiably- one of the most popular activities for tourists in Curacao, so really make sure you book in time to avoid disappointment.
Dolphin Therapy
In addition to the Dolphin Academy (at Sea Aquarium Park), dolphin therapy is offered by CDTC, the Curacao Dolphin Therapy & Reseach Center. Children with special needs can follow a program here. For more information, visit the CDTC website.
Dolphin Encounter
US$ 114
children 1 to 4 yr. US$ 65
You stand in the water, at the edge of the lagoon, the dolphin comes to you.
About 20 minutes in the water, total time 1.5 hours.
Suitable for all ages, children up to 8 yrs. with accompaniment by paying adult.
Tuesday to Saturday: 08:30, 11:00 and 14:00
Dolphin Swim
US$ 194
Swim and play with a dolphin in the Dolphin Academy’s natural lagoon.
About 30 minutes in the water, total time 1.5 hours.
Minimum height 4’3″ (1.30 mtr.) and you can swim. Not for pregnant women.
Tuesday to Saturday: 08:30, 11:00 and 14:00
Dolphin Snorkel
US$ 210
Snorkel with dolphins in their lagoon. Snorkeling experience is helpful, not a must.
About 30 minutes in the water, total time 1.5 hours.
Minimum height 4’8″ (1.45 mtr.) and you can swim. Not for pregnant women.
Tuesday to Saturday: 08:30 and 14:00
