• DOLPHIN PROGRAMS

Dolphin Encounters & Educational Experiences with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins

The idyllic setting of Anthony’s Key Resort is enough to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. Our small tropical hideaway lets you immerse yourself in the world of our local marine life with our dolphin programs. Dolphins seem to top just about everyone’s “favorite animal” list, and it’s no wonder— These gentle mammals are friendly and intelligent and are known for their agility and playful behavior! During your stay in Roatan, you’ll have the rare opportunity to interact with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in a natural sea-water environment. You can get up close to a dolphin during a 30-minute Dolphin Encounter or spend up to 60 minutes with the group during the Dolphin Swim & Snorkel. Consider the Dolphin Trainer-for-a-Day or Dolphin Specialty Course if you crave more extensive knowledge. In addition, kids ages 6 to 12 can participate in our six-day Dolphin Scuba Camp when their family comes for a summer visit. When you vacation at Anthony’s Key Resort, you’ll enjoy an intimate acquaintance with nature in all its forms. Peruse our dolphin activity options and choose your favorite way to make a new friend!

What Makes Our Dolphin Encounters Unique?

At Anthony’s Key Resort, our Dolphin Encounters offer a truly unparalleled experience that sets us apart. Nestled in the pristine waters of Roatan, our encounters are more than just a chance to see dolphins up close – they are an opportunity to interact with these intelligent creatures in a natural and sustainable environment.

Key Highlights:

  1. Natural Habitat Experience: Unlike typical aquariums, our dolphins reside in a spacious, natural lagoon, ensuring they thrive in an environment that closely mirrors their wild habitat.
  2. Educational and Interactive: Our encounters are designed to be both fun and informative. Guests not only swim and snorkel with dolphins but also learn about their behaviors, communication, and conservation from our expert marine biologists.
  3. Sustainable and Ethical Practices: We are deeply committed to the well-being of our dolphins and the marine ecosystem. Our programs adhere to the highest standards of animal care and environmental responsibility, reflecting our dedication to sustainability.
  4. Customized Adventures: We offer a range of dolphin interaction experiences, from brief encounters to full-day adventures, catering to individuals, families, and groups of all ages and interests.
  5. Unmatched Location: Situated on the edge of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef system, Anthony’s Key Resort provides a stunning backdrop for your dolphin adventure, enhancing the magic of your experience.

Discover the magic of connecting with dolphins in a way that is both enriching and respectful of their natural world. Join us at Anthony’s Key Resort for an unforgettable encounter that you’ll cherish forever.

Dolphin Programs

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER

Dolphin Encounter

The Dolphin Encounter takes place at Bailey’s Key, the smaller key that makes up Anthony’s Key Resort and is the private home to a large family of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. You will start your adventure at a beachfront cabana, where you’ll receive a brief orientation. After, a trained naturalist will meet you at the beach and introduce you personally to the resident dolphins. You’ll learn about these dolphins’ behaviors, anatomy, and characteristics before you’re allowed to interact with them one-on-one. This 30-minute encounter includes plenty of photo opportunities, both with your camera as well as with our onsite photographers.

Details:

  • Children aged 3-13 must be accompanied by a paying adult or guardian while in the water.
  • Children under three years of age are free of charge and may participate while being held by a paying adult.

DOLPHIN SWIM & SNORKEL

Dolphin Swim & Snorkel

The Dolphin Swim and Snorkel immediately follow the Dolphin Encounter. Here, you’ll be able to swim and snorkel with our resident pod on their terms. You’ll truly become part of the pod and have an adventure that you’ll remember for years to come. Watch as mothers and calves swim side-by-side and interact with a series of whistles and clicks. There’s nothing quite like it in the world!

Details:

  • Participants must be 8 years or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian while snorkeling to participate.
  • Participants should be familiar with the use of masks, fins, and snorkels. Must have prior snorkeling experience.
  • The total time spent with the dolphins is one hour.
  • Pregnant women are not allowed.
  • Personal cameras are permitted during encounter sessions only.
  • Cameras or videos are not allowed in the water during the snorkel session.
  • Professional photos are available after the swim.

DOLPHIN ACTION SWIM

Dolphin Action Swim

This 45-minute activity begins with a brief introduction to two of the dolphins. Afterward, you’ll enter the water for a playful swim and to experience the thrilling “Foot Push.” This is when the dolphins push you by the feet above and around the water’s surface. This is the best way to experience the strength and speed of the dolphins fully. Then, you’ll go for a gentle ride around the lagoon while holding on to the dorsal fin. This famous “Dorsal Ride” is iconic among our guests and is not to be missed!

Details:

  • Participants must be 5 years or older to participate.
  • An adult must accompany ages 5-13.
  • Participants must be able to swim.
  • Pregnant women are not allowed.
  • Participants wear a lifejacket and fins while in the water.
  • Personal cameras are permitted during platform sessions only.
  • Professional photos are available after the swim.

DOLPHIN TRAINER FOR A DAY

Dolphin Trainer for a Day

Go Behind the Scenes Dolphin Training Sessions!

This unique program allows participants to spend the entire day with the training staff at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences. Go “behind the scenes” and learn about their daily care, food preparation, dolphin anatomy, and training techniques. You’ll also have the chance to work one-on-one with the dolphins and initiate trained behaviors in and out of the water.

DOLPHIN SPECIALTY COURSE

Dolphin Specialty Course

Study Roatan Dolphins & Learn Dolphin Training Techniques!

Guests who would enjoy a more in-depth study of bottlenose dolphins can attend the two-day Dolphin Specialty Course offered by the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences. This course combines classroom sessions with hands-on interaction. Participants will study the physiology and behavior of dolphins and discuss conservation issues that affect their future.