2 dolphins playing with ball

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR) now presents its visitor programs as Dolphin Life. Its Key Largo dolphin facility and Islamorada dolphin hospital have separate visitor arrangements. DPMMR specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of marine mammals, particularly dolphins. They connect people with dolphins to raise awareness and help protect marine mammals.

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder

Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm
Tickets: $20 for ages 5 and up | Children 4 & Under Free
Location: 31 Corrine Place in Key Largo, Florida
Phone #: 305-451-1993

Splash and swim with dolphin
Splash and swim with dolphin (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Key Takeaways

* Works to protect whales & dolphins. Seeks to connect people with marine mammal conservation

* They are Open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm; check the current booking calendar for holiday changes

2 dolphins
The dynamic duo – BB & Jessica (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Want to learn more about dolphins? Check out my Top 20 Amazing Dolphin Facts blog!

How to Visit

When you get to Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Rescue in Key Largo, you’ll see six common bottlenose dolphins having fun and hanging out in their big 8,500 square foot lagoon.

Their passionate caregivers will introduce you to their dolphin family through diverse interaction programs, educational talks, tours, and casual, lagoon-side conversations.

Adorable member of DPMMR dolphin pod
Adorable member of DPMMR dolphin pod (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

General Admission

You can observe natural dolphin behaviors and interactions with caregivers and guests. Access unlimited viewing of our dolphin lagoons, trainer talks, and educational exhibits. They are Open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm; check the current booking calendar for holiday changes.

Price: $20 for ages 5 and up | Children 4 & Under Free
Included: Behind-the-scenes facility tours. Tour and interaction times can change; check the official visitor page and booking calendar

General Admission provides unlimited viewing of their dolphin lagoons, trainer talks, and educational exhibits. Check current membership benefits directly with Dolphin Life.

Dolphin with a woman
Jenna and Zoe at DPMMR (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Book a Tour

The Key Largo day pass includes behind-the-scenes facility tours. Dolphin Life Hospital in Islamorada is a separate visitor destination; check its own tour arrangements.

Key Largo day pass: $20 for ages 5 and up; ages 4 and under free. Behind-the-scenes tours are included. Confirm the day’s tour times when booking.

4 dolphins with 4 men
Best pod – dolphins and humans (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Interactive Dolphin Experiences

Plan your visit to Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Rescuer for an unforgettable journey into the world of marine mammals. The proceeds from your visit directly fuel their efforts to continually improve the welfare of these animals.

Dolphin Life Swim

Ticket: $275 per person; check current booking times. Includes photos, a gift and tax

Deep-water interactive swim with behaviors like dorsal tow, foot push, belly ride, rubs, splashes; ages 7+ with adult, 10+ without. Includes general admission and safety briefing; 1.5-2 hours total.

Private VIP Dolphin Life Swim

Ticket: $350 per person, minimum three participants or $1,050 total; check current booking times. Includes photos, a gift and tax

Private lagoon for your group (max 6); same activities as Connect to Protect; ages 7+ with adult, 10+ without; includes admission & briefing; 1–1.5 hours total.

Dolphin Life Encounter

Ticket: $225 per person; check current booking times. Includes admission, tour, photos, a gift and tax

Start on submerged platform (~3 ft), touch, signal, and photo with dolphins; option for deep-water behaviors (7+ only) or stay platform-side; ages 3+ with adult, 10+ without; includes admission & briefing; 1.5-2 hours total.

Dolphin Life Day

Ticket: $750 per person; full-day program, approximately 9:00am to 4:00pm with a one-hour lunch break; ages 10+

A full day of dolphin-care activities and in-water programs. Current inclusions include photos, a T-shirt and tax. Check the official program details and participation requirements.

Dolphin Life Experience

Ticket: $399 per person; approximately 3.5 to 4 hours; ages 10+. Confirm available dates and times in the official booking calendar

The half-day program combines a dolphin swim, the Hangout experience and dolphin-care activities. Photos, a gift and tax are included. Confirm current requirements and inclusions before booking.

Snorkel with Dolphins

Dolphin Life currently offers snorkeling as part of its full-day experiences. Check the current experience options instead of relying on the former two-day and three-day seminar packages.

Confirm equipment, swimming ability and age requirements directly with the program team before booking.

Snorkel with Dolphins
Snorkel with Dolphins (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

The Four Pillars: Protecting Marine Life

DPMMR stands on four key pillars, each crucial in their mission:

Dolphin with trainer
Dolphin with trainer (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

1) Animal Welfare

They care for six non-releasable dolphins, providing lifelong care and aspiring to establish sanctuaries for animals unable to survive in the wild. They work to provide the best welfare possible and to constantly seek out improved welfare for the animals in their care and in our oceans.

Friendly dolphin with a man
Friendly dolphin (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

2) Education and Outreach

Recognizing the importance of knowledge-sharing, DPMMR offers diverse educational programs, internships, lectures, and outreach initiatives. These efforts aim to equip visitors and students with the tools and understanding needed to champion marine mammal protection.

Have fun with dolphins
Have fun with dolphins (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

3) Scientific Investigation

With over 40 ongoing research studies, DPMMR is dedicated to scientific exploration, from behavior and cognition to veterinary science. Their findings contribute significantly to the global understanding of bottlenose dolphins, aiding conservation efforts worldwide.

Swim with dolphins
Swim with dolphins (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

4) Rescue & Response

They’re the only rescue team in the Florida Keys for stranded whales and dolphins across 10,000 square miles of marine habitat. Their experts rush to help injured or stranded marine mammals. Dolphin Life now operates a dolphin hospital in Islamorada for rescue and rehabilitation.

Successful Manatee Rescue
Successful Manatee Rescue (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Be a Part of the Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder

They need your help so that they can help whales & dolphins in their care and in the wild. To be involved with Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, you can:

Dolphin face
Jessica- The matriarch of their pod (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Donate

Contribute to their cause by making a donation. Your financial support aids in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, research, and conservation efforts.

Dolphin with DPMMR worker
Dolphin with DPMMR worker (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Adopt a Dolphin

Consider symbolically adopting a dolphin. This symbolic adoption program helps in providing care for these animals. And it supports their ongoing efforts in rescuing and caring for marine mammals.

Dolphin at DPMMR
Dolphin at DPMMR (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Sponsor a Wild Dolphin

You can help protect dolphins in the ocean by sponsoring one of the wild dolphins. Your gift in the form of sponsorship ensures their researchers can sustain and grow research efforts to protect local populations of wild dolphins. 

Internee with dolphin
Woman with dolphin (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Volunteer

Consider volunteering your time and skills. Volunteering opportunities may include assisting with animal care, educational programs, or administrative tasks, contributing to their mission.

Campaign to remove trash from oceans
Campaign to remove trash from oceans (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Shop

Consider buying merchandise or souvenirs from Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder’s shop. They offer clothing, accessories, body care products, books, toys and souvenirs featuring marine mammal-themed designs.

Dolphin with a girl
Dolphin with a girl (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

Where to Stay in Key Largo

If you’re planning a trip to explore Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, staying in Key Largo can make the trip even better. Here are three of the best-reviewed hotels in Key Largo for all budgets:

Budget Accommodation – Bayside Inn Key Largo

Bayside Inn offers unbeatable value in a waterfront setting, with a private beach, outdoor pool, and rooms equipped with microwaves and mini-fridges. Guests love the easy walk to local restaurants, plus complimentary kayaks and paddleboards for exploring the bay.

➡️Click here to book your stay at Bayside Inn Key Largo!

Mid-Range Accommodation – Gilbert’s Resort

Gilbert’s Resort is a laid-back waterfront spot famous for its live music, fresh seafood, and the largest tiki bar in the Keys. The rooms are simple but clean, and you’ll enjoy sunset views right from the dock. Perfect for travelers who want a casual, friendly atmosphere at a great value.

➡️Click here to book your stay at Gilbert’s Resort!

Luxury Accommodation – Playa Largo Resort & Spa

For those seeking a luxury escape, Playa Largo Resort & Spa delivers luxury with a private beach, upscale dining, and a serene spa. The tropical grounds are stunning, and the sunset views over the Gulf are truly unforgettable.

➡️Click here to book your stay at Playa Largo Resort & Spa!

Follow Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder on Social Media

Website: https://www.dolphinlife.org/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/connecttoprotectdolphins/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connecttoprotectdolphins/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connecttoprotect.org

$ Donate: https://www.connecttoprotect.org/donate

Dolphins dockside
Dolphins dockside (Photo Courtesy of DPMMR)

You Might Also Like…