Florida Oceanarium: Marineland Dolphin Adventure in Palm Coast

By Amy Wimmer Schwarb

Situated halfway between the centuries-old allure of St. Augustine and the ever-growing development of Palm Coast is the Florida Oceanarium Marineland Dolphin Adventure, home to dolphins, turtles and other sea creatures.

Historic Marineland allows visitors to enjoy an up-close interaction with a dolphin, all with an oceanfront view. Choose from experiences ranging from simply watching the dolphins interact with their trainers and other guests to suiting up with the trainers to interact in and out of the water with the sea mammals.

With a variety of programs available, families can experience these animals in a unique setting – have fun, learn and make great family memories too.

The park’s Dolphin Encounter, available for ages 5-plus, invites you to interact with dolphins in shallow waters as you stand on an underwater platform, while the Meet and Greet is a dockside encounter.

The Dolphin Designs program allows visitors to choose paint colors for a dolphin and then hold a canvas over the water for the dolphin to create a masterpiece. It’s the ultimate souvenir and truly a one-of-a kind piece.

For the ultimate experience, check out the Royal Swim Experience, designed to exceed your expectations with behaviors like the foot push, where the dolphins will lift you above the water surface by pushing you from the soles of your feet, as well as a Dorsal Tow, Hand Target, Handshake, and Cheek Kiss.

And if you’d rather sit back and relax to enjoy the dolphins, you can do that too. Guests can watch the dolphins play and interact in their habitat along the open-aired decks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Trainers and staff are on-hand to answer any questions and help make the most of each visit.

It is a treat to experience marine life just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean. With dolphins in front of you and the ocean behind you, it is a unique experience that allows families to come full circle with the Florida waters. Make plans to experience this hands-on adventure with your family.