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Dolphin Swim

4.5 3714 verified reviews
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Tested by our Team
Dolphin Academy · 1.5 hours (30 min. in the water)
$194 p.p.
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General information

Starting time
Starting time 08.30, 11.00, 14.00
Duration
Duration1.5 hours, in water approx. 30 min
Available days
Available days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat
Minimum age
Minimum ageChildren 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)
Child Price
Child PriceN/A

Loved by travelers

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 · 3714 reviews

Summary from reviews

Travelers consistently praise the Dolphin Swim as a memorable and well-organized experience. The staff are described as professional, friendly, and informative, with clear instructions and helpful equipment fitting. The dolphins are noted as well-cared-for and intelligent, and the interaction, including dolphin kisses and tricks, is a highlight. The natural lagoon setting and additional activities like feeding flamingos and sharks are appreciated. Some mention the swim feels short, but overall, it's highly recommended for families and a must-do in Curaçao.

Based on recent traveler reviews.

Our team's take

I did the Dolphin Swim on my own, and it's a completely different feeling from doing the Encounter with the kids, here you're actually in the water with the dolphins swimming all around you instead of standing on a platform. They're incredibly playful and clearly love interacting with people, for those 30 minutes it really felt like being one of them. I'd say this one is more for couples or anyone comfortable in the water on their own, if you're bringing young kids the Encounter is the calmer option since the dolphins come from every side here instead of just from the front. Same as the Encounter, your ticket also gets you into the Sea Aquarium afterward.

My Curacao Guide local team

Always wanted to swim with dolphins on Curacao? This is a great opportunity to touch, interact, swim, and enjoy your time with these lovable marine mammals.

What can you expect?

Swimming with dolphins on Curacao is truly a magical experience.  As you swim in the natural lagoon, the Dolphins will allow you to gently pet and interact with them. You will give them different hand signals and see how they will react. A great opportunity to touch, interact, swim, and enjoy your time with these lovable marine mammals.

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity!

What's included

Included

  • Experienced trainers
  • Swim with dolphins
  • Extensive knowledge about dolphins
  • Entrance to the Sea Aquarium
  • Lockers

Itinerary

A magical natural-lagoon encounter, swim, touch and interact with the dolphins.
1
check meeting instructions
Meet at Dolphin Academy
Arrive at Dolphin Academy Curacao and meet your trainers.
2
approx. 10 min
Enter the natural lagoon
Get set up in the lagoon and learn how the dolphins will react.
3
approx. 15 min
Hand signals and interaction
Give hand signals and watch the dolphins respond up close.
4
approx. 10 min
Swim and play
Gently pet and swim alongside the dolphins for a lasting memory.

Meeting & pickup

Pickup service

  • This tour does not offer pick up service

Meeting point

Dolphin Academy Curacao

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What to bring:

  • Towel
  • Dry clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing suit

Know before you go:

  • Entrance to the Sea Aquarium is included for participants
  • Children must be 1.30m to go by themselves (51 inches)
  • Children between 1.20m and 1.29m must be accompanied by a full paying adult (with 1 adult per child)
  • Please arrive fifteen minutes before the program begins
  • Swim fins are mandatory and provided by Dolphin Academy
  • This experience is not accessible for pregnant women
  • All observers, including parents/guardians signing waivers for minors, are required to pay the entrance fee at Curacao Sea Aquarium
  • After your swim, you can visit the gift store to purchase your pictures or a nice souvenir
  • Family and friends are more than welcome to take photographs from our observer areas. However, participants may not bring a camera into the water
  • There is a limit of max of 6 people, per 2 dolphins
     

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 Curaçao 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
Andy Max Adventures
Amazonia
Blue Curacao Distillery
Name
Dolphin swim
Dolphin Encounter
Dolphin Snorkel
-
-
-
-
Price
$194
$114
$210
$75
$129
From $10
$30 p.p.
Starting time
08.30, 11.00, 14.00
08.30, 11.00, 14.00
08.30, 14.00
9 AM / 11:30 AM / 2 PM
08:30, 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00
10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
Duration
1.5 hours, in water approx. 30 min
1.5 hours, in water approx. 20 min
1.5 hours, in water approx. 30 min
1 hour
1 hour
1 hour
45-60 minutes
Available days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, & Sat
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat
Tuesday - Saturday
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Tuesday - Sunday
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Minimum age
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)
× No
Min. height of 1.45m / 4.8ft required to participate
8 years
-
None
-
Possible while pregnant
Yes
Yes
× No
× No
-
-
-
In open water
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
-
-
-
Experience needed
× No
× No
Yes
× No
-
-
-
Adult Price
$194
$114
$210
$75
-
$20
-
Child Price
N/A
$65 (1-4 years)
N/A
$40 (6-12 years)
-
$10 (4-11 years), kids under 4 years free
-
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
-
Amazonia Curacao
-
Transfer
× Not available
× Not available
× Not available
× Not available
-
× Not available
-
Highlights
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
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
Guided snorkel experience in animal encounter lagoon, feeding windows, snorkel gear, entrance to sea aquarium, marine guide
-
Guided tour through Amazonia Jungle, pass variety of wildlife, reptiles, birds, monkeys etc., interact with and feed some of the animals along the way
-

Reviews

Aggregated from G Google 4.7 T Tripadvisor 4.5
4.5 ★★★★★★★★★★ 3714 verified reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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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