DolphinCamp 

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Course Information:

DolphinCamp (10-12) and (13-14) is a five-day program for older children and younger teens that introduces campers to the amazing world of dolphins! Campers meet DRC's resident dolphin and sea lion family, learning to respect each as an individual through observation of their unique behavioral and physical characteristics. 

  • Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

  • Camper drop off is at 9:00 a.m. each morning, pick up is at 4:00 p.m. each afternoon

  • We will hold a brief orientation meeting Monday morning for all parents at 9:00 a.m.

  • Late fee of $25.00 if you are late picking up your camper (per occasion, per camper)

  • Blend of outdoor and indoor activities, live demonstrations, and interactive programs

  • Activities vary from year to year to provide new learning opportunities for returning campers

  • Class sizes average 10-12 campers

  • We require a minimum of eight (8) campers to enroll before we confirm each week of DolphinCamp to run. You will receive an email confirming the camp once we reach minimum enrollment.

  • Additional information and required waivers are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each parent

  • No age exceptions will be made. The camper must be the appropriate age at the time the camp is scheduled.

  • The camper should have a strong desire to experience and learn about dolphins and the marine world. 

**Please note: If your child has previously attended DolphinCamp twice, regardless of the age group, (s)he will be placed on the standby list if their application is received when enrollment opens. The Education department will contact you only if spaces remain, or only if a cancellation occurs and your child is next in line. We recognize that DolphinCamp is a week your child looks forward to, but we want to provide the opportunity to campers who have not yet had the chance to attend. We thank you in advance for understanding.

 
DolphinCamp (ages 10-12)
Discussions and Hands-on Activities Might Include:

  • Dolphin Biology

  • Research

  • Conservation

  • Husbandry

  • Coral Reefs

  • Sea Lions

  • Baleen Whales

  • Manatees

 
Interactive Programs with the Dolphins Include:

  • One trainer-guided Dolphin Splash in-water session

  • Two trainer-guided Dolphin Encounter in-water sessions

  • One trainer-guided signal session from the floating dock

 
DolphinCamp (ages 13-14)
Discussions and Hands-on Activities Include:
  • Dolphin Biology
  • Training
  • Conservation
  • Husbandry
  • Coral Reefs
  • Strandings
  • Sea Lions
 
Interactive Programs Include:
  • One trainer-guided Dolphin Splash in-water session
  • Two trainer-guided Dolphin Encounter in-water session

  • One trainer-guided signal session from the floating dock

 
Tuition:

 

Tuition for DolphinCamp is $1,100.00 (US) for the five-day program. 

Tuition includes:

  • All indoor and outdoor activities 

  • Lunch and snacks each day of the program  

  • Digital photographs taken of the camper’s dolphin interactions throughout the week

Tuition does not include:

  • Breakfast and dinner each day

  • Accommodations

  • Transportation to and from any airport, or to and from Dolphin Research Center each day.

Dolphin Research Center partners with local hotels in an effort to offer participants discounted rates on accommodations. Partner hotels are not available in advance as the hotels that choose to participate vary from year to year. A list of participating hotels, details, rates, and booking instructions are provided in the Welcome Packet emailed to each parent once a Camp is confirmed to run. Dolphin Research Center does not handle bookings or payments for any of the participating establishments. 

 

Scholarship Opportunities:

We know there are many campers whose interest and enthusiasm to attend DolphinCamp exceeds their bank account. We are excited to announce that, through the generous donation of two DRC Members, the DolphinCamp Scholarship was created. Please visit the DolphinLab & DolphinCamp Scholarship Opportunities page to learn more and download the application.

 

DolphinCamp Schedule:

DolphinCamp for ages 10-12: June 22 - 26, 2026

DolphinCamp for ages 13-14: July 6 - 10, 2026

Please note: DolphinCamp (10-12) and DolphinCamp (13-14) are filled to capacity for 2026. We are accepting camper names on a standby basis only. Please follow the instructions below to add your camper to the standby list. 

**This includes all dates for 2026.

 

Enrollment

Enrollment for the 2026 DolphinCamp (10-12) and DolphinCamp (13-14) programs is closed! Both programs are filled to capacity for 2026.  

If you would like to place your camper on the standby list for 2026, please email [email protected] with the following information:

  • Indicate which camp: DolphinCamp (10-12) -OR- DolphinCamp (13-14)
  • First and last name of the camper
  • Camper's date of birth
  • First and last name, and active email address of the parent/legal guardian

We will contact you only if a space becomes available in the indicated camp, and we will work on the enrollment process at that time should the opportunity arise. Cancellations are rare, and we appreciate your patience in advance should your camper be on the standby list.

 
Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of a confirmed reservation must be received in writing. 

  • Cancellation received more than 60 days before the start of a Lab: Payment, minus a processing fee of $35.00 and the non-refundable application fee of $200.00, will be refunded. 

  • Cancellation made less than 60 days before the start of a Lab:  Not eligible for a refund regardless of reason, including medical and weather emergencies. 

  • Please note that Hurricane season is June 1 - November 30. We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance.

 

Questions? Please email [email protected] so the Education team can help!