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Dolphin Encounter

4.5 3714 verified reviews
Google Tripadvisor
Tested by our Team
Dolphin Academy · 1.5 hours (20 min. in the water)
$114 p.p.
Official partner of Dolphin Academy
Authorized seller — same e-ticket as booking direct 
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General information

Child Price
Child Price$65 (1-4 years)
Starting time
Starting time 08.30, 11.00, 14.00
Duration
Duration1.5 hours, in water approx. 20 min
Available days
Available days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat
Minimum age
Minimum ageNo

Loved by travelers

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 · 3714 reviews

Summary from reviews

The Dolphin Encounter at Dolphin Academy in Curaçao is consistently praised as a memorable and well-organized experience. Reviewers highlight the informative and friendly staff, clear instructions, and the unique opportunity to interact closely with dolphins in a natural lagoon setting. Many appreciate the educational aspect, noting the dolphins' excellent care and the chance to learn about marine life. The experience is often described as the highlight of a trip, with some wishing it lasted longer. The facility also offers additional activities like feeding flamingos and sharks, making it a great family destination.

Based on recent traveler reviews.

TESTED_BY-03

Our team's take

We did the Dolphin Encounter with my dad, my seven-year-old daughter, and my three-year-old son. You just stand in the water up to your waist, no swimming needed, so it works even if the kids are still learning. My son was shy at first and mostly hung onto me, but he talked about it for days afterward. My daughter had been asking to do this for ages and got a kiss on the cheek from a dolphin, she was thrilled. The trainers were fun and clearly protective of the dolphins. Ticket also gets you into the rest of the Sea Aquarium afterward, we watched the flamingos get fed and that was a nice bonus. Good pick if you have younger kids or anyone who isn't a confident swimmer.

Stephanie · - My Curacao Guide Team

A dolphin experience for all ages! The dolphins at Dolphin Academy will steal your heart with this fun, intimate, and interactive meeting.

What can you expect?

This magical encounter at Dolphin Academy begins at either 8:30, 11:00, and 14:00. While standing in waist-deep water you will be able to gently pet a dolphin who will then give you a kiss and a handshake. The trainer will teach you all about dolphins, their body parts, and their behaviors. After the information about dolphins you will continue with interactive program in the water that takes about 20 minutes. Prior to the program, you will receive instructions from the dolphin trainers. After the encounter, we advise that you stay and walk around in the Sea Aquarium. You can learn more about Curacao's fascinating sea life, feed the nurse sharks, as well as the frolicking flamingos! A great day out for the family.

Book your spot today for an immersive and educational Dolphin Encounter at Dolphin Academy!

What's included

Included

  • Interactive meeting with dolphins
  • Extensive knowledge about dolphins
  • Experienced trainers
  • Get a kiss and a handshake from a dolphin!
  • Entrance to the Sea Aquarium
  • Free Wifi
  • Lockers

Itinerary

A typical dolphin encounter at Dolphin Academy; no pickup service.
1
8:30 AM, 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM start
Meet at Dolphin Academy
Choose your time slot. No pickup service, arrange your own transport.
2
approx. 15 min
Trainer briefing
Learn about dolphin body parts and behavior before entering the water.
3
approx. 20 min
In-water dolphin encounter
Standing in waist-deep water, pet a dolphin and get a kiss and a handshake.
4
approx. 45 min
Explore the Sea Aquarium
Afterward, walk around and see the nurse sharks and flamingos.

Meeting & pickup

Pickup service

  • This tour does not offer pick up service

Meeting point

Dolphin Academy Curacao

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Tested by our Team

What to bring:

  • Towel
  • Dry clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing suit

Know before you go:

  • Entrance to the Sea Aquarium is included for participants
  • Babies up to and including 11 months of age are free of charge
  • Children ages 1 – 4 get a special price of $65
  • Toddlers and babies must be held by their parents
  • Children below a height of 1.30 m (4.27 ft) must be accompanied by a paying adult
  • For each child under 1.30 m (4.27 ft), there must be one paying adult present
  • Please arrive fifteen minutes before the program begins
  • This activity is safe for pregnant women
  • Family and friends are more than welcome to take photographs from the observer areas, no cameras allowed in the water
  • All observers, including parents/guardians signing waivers for minors, are required to pay the entrance fee at Curacao Sea Aquarium
  • After your encounter, you can visit the gift store for pictures or a nice souvenir
  • There is a limit of max of 6 people, per 1 dolphin

Additional information:

  • Dolphin Academy is one of the only facilities in the world that works with trained dolphins in the open sea.
  • The dolphins reside on the premises of the Curacao Sea Aquarium in four primary lagoons interconnected by secondary basins and canals. The lagoons are in contact with the ocean, allowing a constant flow of fresh seawater and numerous fish and invertebrate species.

Cancellation policy

Policy details

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. For cancellations made within 24 hours, no shows, or late arrivals, no refund will be issued.

Side by side

How this tour compares

Provider
Dolphin Academy
Dolphin Academy
Dolphin Academy
Sea Aquarium
Substation Curacao
Miss Ann
Name
Dolphin Encounter
Dolphin Snorkel
Dolphin swim
-
-
Miss Ann
Price
$114
$210
$194
$75
$450
$150
Adult Price
$114
$210
$194
$75
$450 per person
-
Child Price
$65 (1-4 years)
N/A
N/A
$40 (6-12 years)
N/A
$75
Starting time
08.30, 11.00, 14.00
08.30, 14.00
08.30, 11.00, 14.00
9 AM / 11:30 AM / 2 PM
8:30 AM / 10:45 AM
7AM weekdays
Duration
1.5 hours, in water approx. 20 min
1.5 hours, in water approx. 30 min
1.5 hours, in water approx. 30 min
1 hour
1 hour
9,5 hours
Available days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat
Tuesday - Saturday
Monday - Friday
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday till Sunday
Minimum age
× No
Min. height of 1.45m / 4.8ft required to participate
Children must be 1.30m (51 inches) to go by themselves, children between 1.20m - 1.29m must be accompanied by a full paying adults (1 adult per child)
8 years
8 years
× No
Possible while pregnant
Yes
× No
Yes
× No
Yes
-
In open water
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
× No
-
Experience needed
× No
Yes
× No
× No
× No
-
Start location
Dolphin Academy, Bapor Kibra z/n Willemstad
Dolphin Academy, Bapor Kibra z/n Willemstad
Dolphin Academy, Bapor Kibra z/n Willemstad
Curaçao Sea Aquarium, Bapor Kibra z/n Willemstad
Substation, Bapor Kibra z/n Willemstad
Santa Barbara
Transfer
× Not available
× Not available
× Not available
× Not available
× Not available
Add. cost
Highlights
Stand in water on submerged platform & interact with one of the dolphins, during experience photoshop team will capture the special moments with professional cameras avail for purchase, includes admission to sea aquarium
Snorkel in lagoon with dolphins, during experience photoshop team will capture the special moments with professional cameras avail for purchase, includes admission to sea aquarium
Swim alongside dolphins in lagoon, during experience photoshop team will capture the special moments with professional cameras avail for purchase, includes admission to sea aquarium
Guided snorkel experience in animal encounter lagoon, feeding windows, snorkel gear, entrance to sea aquarium, marine guide
2 persons per sub, for families up to 4 please contact substation, visit tugboats full corals, dive depth is 450 ft. / 135 m, topside photos included, underwater photos available as add-on cost
-

Reviews

Aggregated from G Google 4.7 T Tripadvisor 4.5
4.5 ★★★★★★★★★★ 3714 verified reviews
5
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4
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What travelers loved

Helpful staffEasy bookingClear communicationFamily-friendlyMemorable experience
Courtney Barnett
2 weeks ago
Google
My 10 year old niece is writing this review after doing the Dolphin Swim. The start is very informative. They separated the groups by primary language to best understand the instructions, which was really helpful. They were very helpful at ensuring our equipment fit well. The trainer was very kind with his instruction, provided very clear guidance, and ensured we understood before starting each activity. It was just too short, I wish it was an hour. The dolphins were so cute and it's char they've been well trained and taken care of. We got to see the vet do an ultrasound of the dolphins, which was neat. My favorite part was experiencing the tricks the dolphins did in the show. Make sure to make time for the other things they have here. There's a lot of other activities, not just the swim. We got to feed flamingos, go underwater to see the sealife at the bottom of the sea floor (look for the skeleton!) and we got to feed sharks. It you get hungry they have a nice snack bar with funyuns and other chips. I also got a pretty good donut there. Don't get bored, plenty to do. Great activity for families that need something to do on vacation. Peace out...it was awesome! Adult perspective: Great activity for the family. Something for every age. The Dolphin Swim is a must! Prices are reasonable, quality is okay for the this, but the smiles are worth it. If you're on the fence, book this! You won't regret it.
Andrew Clairsentien
a week ago
Google
Don't make the same mistake I did and show up without swim wear. So many great opportunities to swim with wildlife here. Beautiful place worth a visit. Highly recommended.
Cherish Quashie
2 weeks ago
Google
From booking the experience online, to getting there and being prepared for the experience by the staff was quite seamless and professionally done. Our host in the water, Tracy the trainer was full of energy, very warm and welcoming and made us feel at home. The "star" of the day Estrea was the spotlight and put on an amazing show for my family of six. Thank you Dolphin Academy/ Curacao Sea Aquarium for an informative, entertaining and memorable experience for us.
Iva KOSTAD
3 months ago
Google
The “Assistant Trainer Course” at Dolphin Academy is an exceptionally inspiring and educational initiative that allows children to immerse themselves in the world of dolphins and experience what it truly means to be a trainer. This is not just entertainment, but a real training program that combines theory, practical work, and direct interaction with the animals. What makes this place different and important to highlight is the way the dolphins are cared for. They are not kept in enclosed pools, but in natural lagoons connected to the ocean, with a constant flow of fresh seawater and a natural environment. Even more interestingly, the dolphins have the opportunity to go out into the open sea. They are not forced to do so, but literally “choose” whether to follow the trainers outside, and if they feel uncomfortable, they can return on their own. In this environment, they are protected from the risks of the open ocean while still living in conditions that are as close to natural as possible. In addition, they receive daily care – medical check-ups, specially selected food, and continuous work with trainers with whom they build a strong bond. In my opinion, well-balanced and educational programs like this should exist much more in Europe as well – because they combine knowledge, animal care, and a truly unique experience. Simona successfully completed Level 1 in just two days (about 4 hours per day), which included a solid theoretical component. She learned a great deal about dolphins – their biology, behavior, communication, and training methods. She also completed a practical in-water session, where she worked directly with the dolphins together with the trainers. The training included a written test and a performance demonstration, both of which she passed successfully, earning a certificate for completing Level 1. A truly inspiring experience that not only provides knowledge, but also builds attitude towards animals, discipline, and confidence. Thank you for this emotional experience 🙏
Kamen Florov
a month ago
Google
“An absolutely unforgettable experience! Swimming and interacting with the dolphins was the highlight of our trip to Curaçao. The dolphins are incredibly intelligent, gentle, and emotional animals, and getting a dolphin kiss was truly magical. The entire team was professional, friendly, and made us feel comfortable throughout the experience. Everything was well organized, and it was clear how much care and respect they have for these amazing animals. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Curaçao!”
dianecB3655WB
2026-08-31
Tripadvisor

A Must visit ! Wonderful aquarium ad ethical dolphin displays

Wonderful experience to snorkel with their well kept dolphins and learn about their sealife. Staff were brilliant, helpful, informative and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and it was the highlight of our visit!

Questions before you book?

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Office hours (Atlantic Time)

  • Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Sat - Sun: Limited availability